GOJI BERRY EXTRACT 4:1
Product No. P07300
Wolfberry, commercially called goji berry, is the common name for the fruit of two very closely related species: Lycium barbarum and L. chinense, two species of boxthorn in the family Solanaceae (which also includes the potato, tomato, eggplant, deadly nightshade, chili pepper, and tobacco). It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia.
It is also known as Chinese wolfberry, mede berry, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, Murali (in India), red medlar, or matrimony vine.
The goji berry species are deciduous woody perennial plants, growing 1–3 m high. Goji leaves are either lanceolate or ovate. The flowers are lavender-coloured or light purple. In the northern hemisphere, flowering occurs from June through September and berry maturation from August to October, depending on the latitude, altitude, and climate.
These species produce a bright orange-red, ellipsoid berry 1–2-cm deep. The number of seeds in each berry varies widely based on cultivar and fruit size, containing anywhere between 10–60 tiny yellow seeds. The berries ripen from July to October in the northern hemisphere.
In the English-speaking world, the name "goji berry" has been used since the early 21st century. The word "goji" is an approximation of the pronunciation of g¨¯uq¨«, the name for the berry producing plant in several Chinese dialects, including Hokkien and Shanghainese. This name possibly derives from the same roots as the Persian language term gojeh which means "plum/berry".
When ripe, the oblong, red berries are tender and must be picked carefully or shaken from the vine into trays to avoid spoiling. The fruits are preserved by drying them in full sun on open trays or by mechanical dehydration employing a progressively increasing series of heat exposure over 48 hours.
Goji berries are celebrated each August in Ningxia with an annual festival coinciding with the berry harvest.
The Duke of Argyll introduced Lycium barbarum into the United Kingdom in the 1730s where it was known as Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree. It was, and still is, used for hedging, especially in coastal districts, the red berries also being attractive to a wide variety of British birds.
As a food, dried goji berries are traditionally cooked before consumption. Dried berries are often added to rice congee and almond jelly, as well as used in Chinese tonic soups. The berries are also boiled as a herbal tea, or with tea, particularly pu-erh tea. Various wines are also produced, including some that are a blend of grape wine and goji berries. At least one Chinese company also produces goji beer, and New Belgium Brewery makes their seasonal Springboard ale with gojis used as flavouring. Young wolfberry shoots and leaves are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable.
Since the early 21st century there has been rapidly growing attention in goji berries for their nutrient value and antioxidant content. It is currently famed as being one of the world's most powerful anti-ageing foods, and is rated at the top of the ORAC scale.
Published studies on animals have reported biological effects of Lycium barbarum and highlighted the fact there may be potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision-related diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma) or from neuroprotective, anticancer or immunomodulatory activity.
Other associated benefits include boosting sperm production, liver and kidney function, circulation and the complexion.
Gojis contain many nutrients and phytochemicals including
11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals
18 amino acids
6 essential vitamins
8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides
5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid
beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols
5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin (below), lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll
Numerous phenolic pigments (phenols) associated with antioxidant properties
It contains betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline - a compund that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.
Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia and has been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.
Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent, used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.
Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and helps maintain normal blood pressure.
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