Wolfberry's therapeutic uses
Wolfberry, commonly known as goji berry, derives from the Lycium chinense plant and has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. This berry is believed to support various health conditions, including liver and kidney nourishment, lung moisture, and yin supplementation. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and boost the immune system, particularly in older adults receiving vaccinations. Proposed therapeutic uses of wolfberry include potential benefits in preventing Alzheimer's disease, cancer treatment, diabetes management, and enhancing sexual function. Additionally, its antioxidant properties are thought to support eye health and could play a role in anti-aging. However, while there are claims regarding its effects on life extension and sexual enhancement, scientific evidence is limited. Wolfberry is generally regarded as safe for consumption, but comprehensive safety testing on specific populations, such as pregnant women and children, is lacking. Overall, while wolfberry offers promising health benefits, further research is required to substantiate many of its proposed uses.
Wolfberry's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Alzheimer’s disease prevention, cancer treatment, diabetes, high cholesterol, life extension, liver protection, enhancement of sexual function in men and in women, antioxidant, immune system support, eye health, blood sugar control, boost energy and mood
Overview
Wolfberry, the berry of the Lycium chinense plant, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The wolfberry is also referred to as the goji berry. Chinese herbal medicine is part of an ancient and complex medical system that analyzes the effects of treatments on the energy of various organs. Within this system, Lycium berry has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, moistening the lungs, and supplementing the yin. Typical uses based on these actions include life extension and treatment of dry skin, dizziness, diminished sexual desire, low back pain, and chronic dry cough.
Therapeutic Dosages
Wolfberry tincture is typically taken in a dose of 3 to 4 tablespoons daily. People taking standardized extracts or other forms of the herb should follow label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
Wolfberry is a nutritious food containing relatively high levels of numerous vitamins and minerals. Its antioxidants may help protect cells from free radicals, which cause long-term and chronic health conditions. Its high levels of vitamin C may also boost the immune system. In one study, older adults were given wolfberry along with their influenza vaccine, and they had an increased antibody response. However, other proposed uses of wolfberry have little to no meaningful supporting evidence.
For example, while wolfberry is widely marketed as a life-extension aid, there is no scientific evidence that it offers this benefit. Even within the framework of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, the herb’s action is far more complex, and it would not be expected to prolong life per se.
Much the same can be said regarding the proposed uses of wolfberry to enhance male or female sexual function. Weak evidence from test-tube studies, far too preliminary to rely upon, hints at potential liver-protective, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, and blood-sugar-lowering effects.
There are several other suggested therapeutic uses for wolfberry. The antioxidants in wolfberry may protect eye health and fight against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. These antioxidants, as well as wolfberry’s anti-inflammatory properties, may prove to play a crucial role in anti-aging. Supplementation with wolfberry may help with diabetes support by regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. Finally, wolfberry may increase energy and enhance mood. Although some double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of wolfberry exist, more are needed to confirm its health benefits.
Safety Issues
Wolfberry is a widely used type of food packed with nutrients. It is thought to be relatively safe. However, it has undergone little comprehensive safety testing. Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, and people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Bibliography
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