The Tibetan Goji berry should be classified
as Fructus Lycium Tibeticum
Research of the Tibetan Lycium by Bradley Dobos from 1974 through 1998 in the Himalaya regions indicated that the Tibetan Lycium used for centuries by the Tibetan culture is unique. Although similar to what is recognized as Lycium Chinense, the Tibetan Lycium is a smaller, sweeter berry than the Lycium barbarum. Lycium barbarum grows in abundance in China through extensive cultivation and not in the Himalayan areas.
China has a Lycium Chinense variety that grows in very small quantities along bordering areas of China but the barbarum is the predominant crop there.
This Tibetan Lycium berry has been used in Tibetan medicine for centuries and should be classified as Fructus Lycium Tibeticum and not Lycium Chinense. Because this Chinensis variety grows in traditional Tibetan and Mongolian collection areas and has been only used by the Tibetan culture for centuries it should be known by a classification indicating Tibetan use and origin - Fructus Lycium Tibeticum.
The name 'Goji' was given to this plant as a shorter "nick name" by the Tibetan trained physician and botanical researcher Bradley Dobos during his study and research of Tibetan medicine and many Tibetan botanicals beginning in 1974.
The name 'Goji' was then used commercially on packaging at the Tenzing Momo Apothecary in 1976 and the name 'Goji' has gained popularity since then. The name 'Goji' as referred to is this Tibetan Lycium berry. The name 'Goji' is the invention of Bradley Dobos and first used in 1974.
Science Department
Tanaduk Botanical Research Institute
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