Gou Qi Zi Fructus Lycii (Wolfberry fruit; Lycium fruit)

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Canadian Institute of Postgraduate Studies
in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Gou Qi Zi Fructus Lycii (Wolfberry fruit; Lycium fruit)
Sung-Hye Choi

Dried fruit of Lycium barbarum L. or L. chinensis Miller (Solanaceae). The fruit is collected in summer and autumn, dried in the shade till the skin shrunk and then exposed to the sun until the outer skin becomes dry and hard but the pulp still soft. The herb is mainly produced in Ningxia province.

Wolfberry (a member of Solanacea family) is a wild bush found in the north west of China. Because of its nutrient value and pleasant taste, Chinese people have been growing this magic herb for hundreds of years. Wolfberry can tolerate temperatures from 27’C to 39’C. It blooms between April and October and harvest is from June to October depending on the weather and growing areas. When ready for harvest, the fruit turns red, is nearly oblong in shape and juicy. Fullness, redness and sweat taste demonstrates the best quality of the fruit. The main active component of the fruit is the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP). The amount of LBP may vary depending upon the type of wolfberry; the better the wolfberry, the higher percentage of LBP. Wolfberry contains 19 types of amino acids and 21 trace minerals. It has more beta-carotene than carrots and nearly as much Vitamin C as oranges and protein as bee pollen. In 1983, the Ministry of the Public Health of China approved Wolfberry to be marketed as a natural food or botanical medicine.

Historical records: called “goji” by native Chinese, wolfberries have a long tradition in folk medicine. Ancient Chinese medical texts extolled wolfberries for strengthening the eyes, liver, and kidneys as well as fortifying the “qi” or life force. An early medical work, Shen Nung Ben Tsao (475-221 B.C.), noted wolfberry benefits ranging from replenishing vital essence to strengthening and restoring major organs. The physician’s handbook, Ben Cao Gang Mu, written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) reported, “taking in Chinese wolfberry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity.”


Used Part: fruit, and the root-bark DiGu Pi


Taste and Property: sweet, neutral


Therapeutic Meridian: Liver. Kidney


CHEMISTRY

The fruit of L. chinensis contains 0.797-1.18% of betaine. From the volatile fraction of the fruit, two sesquiterpenes, dhydro-alpha-cyperone and solavetivone, were isolated. Furthermore, 36 compounds were detected by GC-MS. Polyene alcohols zeaxanthine and physalien, as well as cryptoxanthine were isolated from the fruit. Beta-Sitosterol and melissic acid [CH3-(CH2) 28-COOH] were also found in the fruit. More recently, two cerebrosides were isolated from the fruit and identified as 1-O-beta-D-glucopranosyl-(2S, 3R, 4E, 8Z)-2-N-palmotoyloctadecasphinga-4, 8-dienine and 1-O-beta-D-glucopranosyl-(2S, 3R, 4E, 8Z)-2-N-(2’-hydroxypamoitoyl)octadecasphinga-4, 8-dienine, respectively.



Chemical examination of the fruit of L. barbarum revealed that 100g of fruit contained 3.1g proteins, 1.9g carbohydrates, 1.6g fiber, 22.5mg calcium, 56mg phosphorus, 1.3mg iron, 19.6mg carotene, 0.08mg thiamine, 0.14mg riboflavin, 0.67mg nicotinic acid and 42.6mg ascorbic acid. The fruit also contains polysaccharides (LBP) with immuno-stimulating activities. It was reported that the seed of some solanaceous plants, including L. chinensis, contains a number of steroid compounds. Cycloartanol, cycloartenol and 24-methypene-cycloartanol were isolated as major 4,4-dimethypsterol compounds and gramisterol, citrostadienol, lophenol, cycloeucalenol, norcycloartenol and obtusifoliol as 4-desmethylsterols.


CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

Carotene, vitamin B1, B2, and C, nicotinic acid, Beta-sitosterol, linoleic acid, Ca, P, Fe.


PHARMACOLOGY


Pharm. Action:

1. Lower the concentration of blood sugar in diabetes.
2. Inhibit the deposition of fat in liver cells and promote the regeneration of liver cells.
3. Lower blood cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerosis.
4. Can enhance the nonspecific immunity, phagocytosis of the macrophages, and the production of T-lymphocytes.




Immunoregulating Effects
There is substantial evidence that the lycium polysaccharides in the wolfberry have significant antioxidant and immune-supporting properties. Research studies (by Sue Chao July 2002) reveal: "wolfberry juice increased splenic phagocyte cell counts (immune cells) by 81%."

Wolfberry polysaccharides as good immunity enhancer (Support healthy immune system): polysaccharides from wolfberry has good function to enhance immunity, researchers do experiment on about 20 case of original liver cancer, the patient arranged taste Wolfberry polysaccharides together with chemical treatment, and good for immune system benefit and prolong life. Modern medical research proves that the Wolfberry polysaccharides from wolfberry good for cure cancer caused by damage of body immune system, and also best for cure many kind of immune system bug.

i) Many studies have shown wolfberry fruits increase the lymphocyte transformation rate and improve the macrophage phagocytic function in animals. LBP assists spleen lymphocyte transformation induced by Concavalin A5. LBP increases the antibody reaction to T cell-dependant antigen (SRBC) which means that LBP selectively strengthen the T cell immune response6. LBP enhances the T cell immune response by increasing the number of E receptors on the surface of T cells or increasing the numbers of T cells directly.

ii) LBP also can be used to reduce lead toxicity because LBP inhibits the reduction of T cells and delayed allergy activity induced by lead.

One study was done on seniors in China. This study showed after taking wolfberry, lysozyme, IgG and IgA in serum increased in all participants. The activities of interleukin 2 (IL-2) were found to increase 2.26 fold in two-thirds of the participants.

Daily oral administration of 0.4ml of the 100% water extract of the fruit of L. barbarum for 3 days or one intramuscular injection of 0.1ml of the 100% ethanolic extract significantly increased phagocytosis of the reticuloendothelial system of mice. In mice, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) at intraperitoneal dose of 5 or 10mg/kg increased T lymphocyte proliferation. At 5mg/kg it also enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTL and NK cells. The suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide (Cy) on T lymphocyte proliferation was antagonized following intraperitoneal administration of 5 or 10mg/kg of LBP. Administration of 10 or 20mg/kg of LBP restored the reduced NK cells cytotoxicity caused by Cy in mice. The splenic plaque-forming cells (PFC) in aged mice were increased to a normal adult mouse level following intraperitoneal administration of 1-2mg/kg of LBP.



On the other hand, LBP showed augmenting action on the activities of Ts cells in aged mice at 5mg but the action declined with the increase of dosage. A single intraperitoneal dose of 10mg/kg of LBP could render splenocytes from 12months old C57BL/6 mice to proliferate 4 times more than that of normal control. A brief exposure (1h) of the slpenocytes of IL-2 treated mice to a high dose of IL-2 resulted in an augmentation of LAK cell activity (46.5%) over the course of 3days. The cytolytic activity of LAK cells from the splenocytes pulsed by high dose of IL-2 were greatly enhanced and reached the same level as nonpulsed LAK cultures following combined intraperitoneal dose of LBP with IL-2. These results showed that LBP and IL-2 acted synergistically to induce pulsed and nonpulsed LAK cell activities from aged mice. Furthermore, the extract of L. barbarum fruit (LBr) could promote the expression of IL-2 receptors extensively.

As another example, in an animal study done at a hospital in Beijing in 2002, wolfberry has been found to stimulate interleukin-2 and gamma interferon, two anti-inflammatory substances important in supporting a healthy immune system.

More recently, comprehensive analyses have found that wolfberries contain 18 types of amino acids, 21 trace minerals, 29 fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, more beta carotene than carrots, more Vitamin C than oranges, and as much protein as bee pollen.

What's more, they are a source of superoxide dismutase and phenylpropanoids. Numerous studies (by the Chinese government) have shown that Chinese wolfberries are extremely useful for boosting the immune system, protecting the liver, improving the quality of blood, and improving vision.

Adjuvant Therapeutic Effect on Tumors: (as good tumor inhibitor)

The herb has little antineoplastic effect against transplanted tumors in mice when used alone but it showed synergistic actions with chemo- and radiotherapy and reduced their side effects. The inhibition of sarcoma W256 in rats by cyclophosphamide (Cy) was augmented after oral dose of the aqueous extract of the herb and white cell reduction due to Cy was attenuated. In another experiment with mouse brain G422 tumor, combination of LBP with cranial irradiation of 60Co and BCNU not only increased the life span of the tumor-bearing mice but also improved cellular immune functions.

Research from lab center of MDidea Group show that patients with evil tumor(malignancy) arranged taste wolfberry for a period, the lick up ability of its macrophage increased together with T-lymphocyte transform rate increased. Wolfberry could adjust immune ability, so good and benefit for old man used as anti-tumor remedy. During it's functional period, wolfberry and wolfberry extracts not kill tumor cells directly, but to increase the immunoreaction of normal cell, such as activate macrophage, T-lymphocyte, B-Cells or prompt live up of antibody, or activate antibody, from this way, wolfberry and wolfberry extracts could inhibit and decrease tumor, and no any harm to normal cells.

i) Other studies from China show the acetone extract from wolfberry fruit inhibits the gene mutation induced by TA98 and TA1008. Some scientists believe that wolfberry fruit may be a very good supplement to prevent liver cancer because it exerts liver protection and anticancer effects at the same time.

ii) Seventy-nine advanced cancer patients in a clinical trial in China were treated with LAK/IL-2 combined with LBP9. Initial results of the treatment from 75 available patients indicate that objective regression of cancer was achieved in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and malignant hydrothorax. The response rate of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 plus LBP was 40.9% while that of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 alone was 16.1%

Hematopoietic Effect

Oral administration of 0.5mL of the 10% decoction daily for 10days promoted the hematopoiesis in mice, increasing the number of leukocytes. It also protected from leukocytogenesis-inhibition by cyclophosphamide. Three daily doses of 10mg/kg of LBP stimulated the proliferation of the bone marrow stem cells and increased the number of progenitors of granulocytes and macrophages of mice.

In 50 healthy subjects taking 50g of the herb daily for 10days, the white cell count was significantly increased from 6446+-2811 to 7143+-2938. The same dosage given to 28 malignant cancer patients receiving chemotherapy increased the white cell count from 3909+-310 to 6371+-2500.

Anti-Peroxidation and Anti-Hepatotoxic effects

The herb showed inhibition on lipid peroxidation of RBC membrane induced by H-20-2. The effect of free radicals on the cells was prevented and reversed by incubation with LBP as shown by determining the changes in electrical parameters of the cell membrane of Xenopus oocytes. The resting membrane potential was raised, and the membrane resistance and time constant were decreased.

Incubation of CCI4-intoxicated hepatocytes with 1-O-beta-D-glucopranosyl-(2S, 3R, 4E, 8Z)-2-N-palmotoyloctadecasphinga-4, 8-dienine and 1-O-beta-D-glucopranosyl-(2S, 3R, 4E, 8Z)-2N-(2’-hydroxypamoitoyl)octadecasphinga-4, 8-dienine, respectively, significantly reduced the levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) released by injured cells. Long term (75days) administration of 0.5-1% of the aqueous extract of the herb protected the liver from carbon tetrachloride induced liver lesion. It also shortened the pentothal sleeping time, reduced bromosulfophthalein (BSP) retention and decreased glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase level. Oral administration of the aqueous extract to mice significantly inhibited lipid precipitation in hypothecates and promoted hepatocytic regeneration.

Hypoglycemic Effect

The extract of the fruit of L. barbarum induced significant and prolonged decrease in blood sugar and increased the carbohydrate tolerance in rats.

Other Effect

The aqueous extract of the fruit of L. chinensis showed a chiolinomimetic activity: reducing blood pressure, inhibiting the heart and stimulating the intestines. An extract of the fruit of L.chinensis also promoted the growth of lactobacillus.

FUNCTIONS & APPLICATIONS


Traditional Description

GouQiZi has a sweet taste and a neutral property, acting on the liver, kidney and lung channels. It has the function of:

(i) strengthening the kidney and replenishing the vital essence, used in lassitude of

the loins and legs (fortifying the muscles and bones), seminal emission due to

deficiency of kidney and vital essence;

(ii) nourishing the liver to improve eyesight, used in dizziness and blurred vision due

to deficiency of liver and kidney-Yin; and

(iii) nourishing Yin to moistening the lung, used in phthisical cough due to Yin

deficiency.



Applications

Adjuvant cancer treatment

Seventy-nine advanced cancer patients were treated with LAK/IL-2 combining with LBP. Initial results of the treatment from 75 valuable patients indicated that objective regression of cancer was achieved in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma or malignant hydrothorax. The response rate of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 plus LBP was 40.9% while that of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 was 16.1% (P<0.05). The mean remission in patients treated with LAK/IL-2 plus LBP lasted significantly longer. LAK/IL-2 plus LBP treatment led to more marked increase in NK and LAK cell activities than LAK/IL-2 without LBP. The results showed that LBP can be used as an adjuvant in the biotherapy of cancer.



* Chronic atrophic gastritis



Ten grams of the powdered herb twice daily for 2 to 4 months was used in 20 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. It produced marked effects in 15 cases and was effective in remaining 5 cases.



The digestive organs have the heaviest exposure to carcinogens because of the chemical reactions involves in the digestive process. After ingesting food, a patchwork of enzymes and hydrochloric acid are released, creating a chemical soup that includes free radical reaction. To prevent cellular mutations, the right types of antioxidants need to be taken to neutralize the effects of free radicals.



* Skin diseases



The extract of the herb at 50mg twice daily for 2months was effective in 73.5% of the 27 psoriatic patients. It was also effective in herpes zoster, eczema, cicatricial baldness and neurodermatitis.




TCM INDICATIONS

: Impotence, nocturnal emission, aching back and legs; vertigo, decreased eyesight; diabetes mellitus


Contra-Indications

: For a person with true heat; diarrhea; and spleen dampness.
DOSAGE

6-12g



PRESCRIPTIONS:

Gou Qi Wan

Si Shen Wan

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Zuo Gui Wan

You Gui Wan

Bai ZiYang Xin Wan

Yi Guan Jian



SIDE EFFECTS & TOXICITY

The LD550 of water extract of the fruit of L.chinensis was 8.32g/kg in mice by subcutaneous administration.




COMPARISON of ANTIOXIDANTS IN FOODS

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)

Wolfberry Juice 3,472

Vitamin E Oil 3,309

Pomegranates 3,037

Blueberries 2,400

Tahitian NONI™ 1,506

Raspberries 1,220


Top Antioxidant Foods

A new laboratory test known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University, rates wolfberry juice as the number one antioxidant food on the market.

Developed by Dr. Guohua Cao at USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the ORAC test is one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals. It is the only test to combine both time and degree of inhibition of free radicals.

Comparative analyses against Tahitian NONI™ and other fruits showed wolfberry juice's supreme advantage over all antioxidant nutritionals. Ningxia wolfberry (Lycium barbarum v. Ningxia) was shown to have the single highest antioxidant ability of any food tested.


ANTIOXIDANTS vs. FREE RADICALS

Our bodies are bombarded daily by the damaging effects of free radicals that are created through normal metabolic functions. In fact, Dr. Bruce Ames of the University of California at Berkeley estimates that the DNA of each of our cells is attacked by free radicals over 10,000 times per day. Added to that is the polluted environment we inhabit in today's world, which increases the scope of the problem.

Uninterrupted, free radicals can wreak havoc with DNA, enzymes, and cells. Literally, free radicals create damage similar to rust. Many chronic conditions—including aging—are believed to result from accumulated damage caused by free radicals. Fortunately, antioxidants have proven an effective weapon against them. They are the body’s natural defense substances, which prevent the free radical cascading effect called “oxidation process.” It is shown that free radicals are generated in every living species, but the longer the species live, the lower the level of free radicals being generated. A study proves that a cow that lives 30 years generated one-sixth the amount of free radicals as does a mouse that lives only 3.5 years. There seems to be a connection between longevity and the amount of free radicals in the body.

One of the most damaging acts of free radicals is turning the lipids (fats) in your body rancid. Is the damage caused by free radicals visible? Indeed is. There is a brown waste material, called lipofuscin, which is composed of free-radical damaged proteins and fat. Lipofuscin accumulates in the body over time and is called the aging pigment because it is first seen as “age spots” on the skin. In the brain, lipofuscin interferes with communication between synapses, causing “senior moments” and worse, senility. It also collects in the heart muscle, liver, and other organs, and in the retinal nerves of the eyes.

By the time you reach ages 30-40, 35% of your intracellular fluid is lipofuscin. Ages 90-100 have 78% lipofuscin. After considering this increasing buildup of noxious waste, the need for antioxidant protection becomes very apparent. Unfortunately, the body’s natural antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, decline with age.

"Young and middle-aged people may be able to reduce risk of disease by adding high ORAC foods to their diets," states Floyd P. Horn, Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, the chief scientific agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Antioxidants help neutralize the effects of free radicals, allowing the body to restore itself to the proper balance that leads to health and well-being.



SUPERFOOD: Chinese Wolfberries

Chinese wolfberries grow in a remote area of central China near Inner Mongolia. Considered a treasure by the local people, they have been studied by Chinese physicians for thousands of years. One Chinese Medica dating back 2,000 years cites their use in treatments ranging from replenishing vital essences to strengthening and restoring major organs.

More recently, comprehensive analyses have found that wolfberries contain 18 types of amino acids, 21 trace minerals, 29 fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, more beta carotene than carrots, more Vitamin C than oranges, and as much protein (16 –17% protein by weight) as bee pollen. What's more, they are a source of superoxide dismutase and phenylpropanoids. Numerous studies by the Chinese government have shown that Chinese wolfberries are extremely useful for boosting the immune system, protecting the liver, improving the quality of blood, and improving vision. One of the carotenoids found in the wolfberry in higher than normal amounts, is called Zeaxanthin. There are some 40 clinical studies showing it is a powerful eye protectant.
REFERENCES

Him-Che Yeung, Ph.D. Handbook of Chinese Herbs. Institute of Chinese medicine, 1983. pp. 201.

You-Ping Zhu, Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Applications. CRC Press, 1998. pp. 642-646.

Young Living Org.<https://www.youngliving.org/fzerr>

NingXia Wolfberry Story <www.wolfberry-goji.com>

Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) Chinese medical textbook dating to the Qin and Han periods (221 B.C.-220 A.D.). Tianjin Scientific Technology Publishing Press, 1986. Chinese version translated by research scientist Sue Chao.

Shen Nung Ben Tsao (25-220 A.D.)

Ben Cao Gang Mu (Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 A.D.) People's Health Publishing Press, 1982, Chinese version translated by Sue Chao.

State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, Pharmacological Experiment on Lycium, Register No. 870303.

State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, Clinical Experiment on Lycium, Register No. 870306.

Lycium barbarum Medical Effects, improves eyesight, Ningxia Scientific and Technological Commission, July 1982-Jan. 1984.

www.aroma-essence.com/research-reports/chinese-wolfberry-facts.html

www.saudimedicine.net/FORUMS/medicine/

Last modified: 05/07/06
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