Lycium barbarum
Botanical Nomenclature | Lycium barbarum |
Common Name | Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese Wolfberry, Duke Of Argyll's Tea Tree, Himalayan Goji, Matrimony Vine, Mede Berry, Murali, Red Medlar, Tibetan Goji |
Taxonomy- Family | Solanaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Lycium barbarum is a deciduous, perennial plant growing from 1 to 4m, with woody trunk, lanceolate, alternate either in an alternating arrangement or in bundles of up to three leaves and purple or red flowers. The fruits are orange-red berries, classified as superfoods. The flowering lasts from June to September and the fruiting happens from August to October, which depends on the altitude and climate. |
Region Found | Epirus (cultivated, not wild species) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits |
Active Substances | Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, carotenoids (zeaxanthin, b-cryptoxanthin, neoxanthin, b-carotene), 18 amino acids, 21 minerals (zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, iron), lutein, lycopene, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids (linoleic acid, a-linoleic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid), fiber, phytosterols (b-sitosterol), betaine, flavonoids (quercetin glucoside, rutin, kempferol-3-O-rutinoside) , phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The fruits have antioxidant, immune stimulant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, nourishing and toning properties. A lot of experiments have shown that the regular consumption of goji fruits may cause an increase in leukocyte, stimulate the immune system and possibly have anticancer action. The plant is recommended to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels. Also, it is used for the treatment infertility, due to its content in polysaccharides, as well to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Finally, in folk medicine it is administered to stimulate the liver, the kidneys and the eyes. |
Method of Administration | It is administered in the form of herbal tea (20g of dried fruits in a cup of boiled water for 10min, once daily) and in the form of infusion (2,4g of dried fruits in a cup of boiling water for 5min, three times a day). It is often administered in the form of capsules and tablets as dietary supplement, which contain 6-18g of plant's extract, depending on the reasons for taking them. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects are reported. |
References | 1) http://en.mr-ginseng.com/goji-berry/ 2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17710531 3) http://www.itmonline.org/arts/lycium.htm 4)http://www.symagro.com/goji-berry-kalliergia/ 5)http://www.avramis.gr/55BB5D6A.el.aspx |