Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum

Therapeutic actions: Anti-bacterial, anti-cholesterolemic, anti-pyretic, anti-cancer, diuretic, hypoglycemic, ophthalmic, purgative, skin, tonic, vasodilator.

It is suggested that Wolfberry's key is linked to liver and kidney function.

Internal uses: Used to treat or prevent visual degeneration, such as cataracts, retinopathy, or macular degeneration. It high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints. It has also been used for chronic fever, internal hemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs and asthma. It has anti-aging benefits and enhances the immune system.

Ingredients

Wolfberry, (Lycium Barbarum, Gou Oizi, Goji), Distilled Water, 20% Alcohol.

Instructions

Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

References and Research Info

Chinese wolfberries, also known as Goji (Lycium Barbarum), are filled with high nutrition and powerful antioxidant nutrients. Wolfberries contain over 19 amino acids (6 times higher than bee pollen), 21 trace minerals, more beta carotene than carrots, and an amazing 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. It is also packed with vitamin B1, B6 and E.

Wolfberry has a rich history in China going back to 1000 A.D. for its healing benefits of nourishing and strengthening the eyes, liver, kidneys and nourishing the blood. In China, wolfberries and ginseng have been highly regarded for centuries as the nutritional and therapeutic plants used for anti-aging and long life. People living in the West Elbow Plateau of Inner Mongolia have a life expectancy well over 100 years. The Chinese wolfberry fruit is native to that area and is eaten daily by the people. It has been said the people living in that area seldom suffer from arthritis, cancer and diabetes.

Currently, most research papers focus on retinopathy. One report from the Department of Ophthalmology in the Chinese University of Hong Kong demonstrated that carotenoids in wolfberry had a high affinity for the retina. “Affinity” means the nutrients in wolfberry showed a high concentration in the retina after ingestion and absorption by the body.

Everyone can take wolfberry on daily basis for general health.

EVIDENCE FOR EFFICACY (HUMAN DATA)
Clinical Trials

Seventy nine advanced cancer patients in a clinical trial were treated with LAK/IL-2 combining with Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). Initial results of the treatment from 75 evaluable patients indicated that objective regression of cancer was achieved. [Article in Chinese] Cao 1994

Results indicate treatment with a Chinese herbal decoction (Viscum coloratum, Psoralea corylifolia, Eucommia ulmoides, Lycium chinense, Tussilago farfara, Artemisia capillaris, and Pogostemon cablin) helped reverse airway obstruction of asthmatics. [Article in Chinese] Fu 1989

Pharmacodynamics
Lycium chinense cerebroside treatment of cultured rat hepatocytes injured with GalN markedly blocked the release of both glutamic pyruvic transaminase and sorbitol dehydrogenase into the culture medium in a dose-dependent manner. Kim 2000

The hepatotoxicant, CCl4, routinely decreased levels of total and reduced glutathione. The levels of these compounds were significantly maintained at the levels of the control cultures following treatment with Lycium chinense cerebroside. Kim 1999

The results suggest that total flavonoids of Lycium barbarum can scavenge O2-. in xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, scavenge OH produced in Fenton reaction and that these effects were concentration-dependent. [Article in Chinese] Huang 1998

These results suggest that zeaxanthin dipalmitate (Lycium chinense) exerts a potent hepatoprotective activity by inhibiting Ito cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and by inhibiting certain biochemical functions of Kupffer cells. Kim 1997

Incubation of CCl4-intoxicated hepatocytes with two cerebrosides isolated from Lycium chinense significantly reduced the levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and sorbitol dehydrogenase released by injured cells. Kim 1997

The results suggest that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide may antagonize the action of free radicals on injured cell membrane while it is ineffective in muscarine receptor injury. [Article in Chinese] Zhang 1997

Changes in electrical parameters of cell membrane of X. Oocytes were determined after incubation of the cells in solution containing free radicals, whose effect on the cells can be prevented and reversed by incubation with superoxide dismutase or Lycium barbarum polysaccharide. [Article in Chinese] Zhang 1993

The study results showed that Lycium barbarum could improve attachment and growth of fibroblast, on the planed diseased root surfaces, with cells on the diseased root surfaces increasing in number, with more even distribution, better spread, and more exuberant growth. [Article in Chinese] Liu 1992

American Botanical Council