Common Names: Wolfberry, Chinese Wolfberry, Red Medlar, Bocksdorn, Cambronera, Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Matrimony Vine.
Parts used: Fruit
Nutrients and Active Compounds: Minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, monosaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterols including beta-sitosterol, carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin; and antioxidant phenols, glycoconjugates.
Background:
Wolfberry is one of the English common names given to fruit produced by two very closely related species: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. Quite notably, these two species also share a common plant name in Pinyin (the most common variant of standard Mandarin Chinese) and that word is gouqi, the name by which the berry is commonly marketed in the United States. Both are species of boxthorn, in the family Solanaceae, possibly originating in southeastern Europe to southwest Asia, wolfberry species are now grown all around the world. Considered in Asia to be one of the most nutrient-rich foods, the Lycii berry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 2,000 years. Legend connects them to herbalist Shen Nung (also Shennong), first emperor of China (circa 2,800 B) who is given credit as being the 'father' of Chinese agriculture.
The berry is very nutrient rich with antioxidant properties. They have recently been exalted in international commerce to the category of a superfood.
Applications: A decoction of the fruit is sweet. An energy restoring tonic, uses of the decoction include benefits to blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, enhanced function of liver and kidneys. Has been used to treat chronic fevers, internal hemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, and asthma. The fruit will treat diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints. Decoction can be used topically to quell itchy skin conditions.
Essential fatty acids are generally rare in fruits. Lycii may prove useful to a reduction or reversal of cancer in an individual.
The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments, as stated above, from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes. A tonic tea is made from the leaves.
Other Uses: The plant can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in maritime exposure. It has an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize sandy banks.
Description:
Wolfberry species are deciduous woody perennial plants growing to between 3 feet and 9 feet in height. L. chinense, grown in the south of China, can be shorter, while L. barbarum, grown in the north of China is generally taller.
The flower is five-petaled, fragrant, producing the edible fruit (berry) that is bright orange-red, ellipsoid shape, less than 1 inch in length. The number of seeds in each berry varies widely based on cultivar and fruit size, containing anywhere between 10-60 tiny yellow seeds that are compressed with a curved embryo. The berries ripen from August to October in the Northern hemisphere.
Can be grown as a hedge, can withstand maritime exposure. Its extensive root system lend to its use in stabilizing sandy, banked soil.
Dosage: May be soaked overnight and blended with additional water to avail a juice. As a food, dried wolfberries are traditionally cooked with or before being added to rice and multi-ingredient dishes.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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