Goji Berry is an antioxidant-rich superfruit,
[1] classified in China's first herbal encyclopedia, Shen Nong's Materia Medica, as a "superior tonic". These are herbs people should take regularly to preserve youth and promote general well-being.
Goji Berry contains numerous health-promoting constituents, including 18 amino acids, 6 essential fatty-acids and vitamins such as
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and
Vitamin E.
Goji Berries also contain essential trace minerals, including
Selenium and
Zinc.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is 1 of 3 primary antioxidants produced in the human body.
Goji’s stimulatory effect on SOD production is thought to be the result of its unique constituents – lycium barbarum polysaccharides, technically known as glycoconjugates.
All five of
Goji’s primary lycium barbarum polysaccharides are thought to have pronounced immuno-activity. In fact, they are required by the human body to function, and play an essential role in immune functions and intercellular communication.
[2][3]
One study found decreased antioxidant activities and immune function were restored to normal levels in Lycium polysaccharide-treated groups. Adding
Vitamin C to the polysaccharide treatment further increased in vivo antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides.
[3]
Published studies have mentioned the potential medicinal benefits of
Goji Berry, (especially due to its antioxidant properties)
[1] including potential support against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases
[4][5] and immune system support.
[2]
Scientific evidence of
Goji's neuroprotective effects has caught up with the centuries old belief that
Goji is an anti-aging fruit.
[6][7] Evidence indicates
Goji Berries likely supports your body at a cellular level by acting as a DNA protector.
[8]
Ingredient Research
1. Wu SJ, Ng LT, Lin CC (December 2004). "Antioxidant activities of some common ingredients of traditional chinese
medicine, Angelica sinensis, Lycium barbarum and Poria cocos". Phytother Res 18 (12): 1008–12.
2. He YL, Ying Y, Xu YL, Su JF, Luo H, Wang HF (September 2005). "[Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on
tumor microenvironment T-lymphocyte subsets and dendritic cells in H22-bearing mice"] (in Chinese). Zhong Xi Yi
Jie He Xue Bao 3 (5): 374–7.
3. Li XM, Ma YL, Liu XJ (May 2007). "Effect of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-related oxidative stress in
aged mice". J Ethnopharmacol 111 (3): 504–11.
4. Jia YX, Dong JW, Wu XX, Ma TM, Shi AY (June 1998). "[The effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on vascular
tension in two-kidney, one clip model of hypertension]" (in Chinese). Sheng Li Xue Bao 50 (3): 309–14.
5. Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, Yan J, Zhang S, Cai YZ (July 2006). "Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects
against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial
effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats". Life Sci. 79 (7): 613–21.
6. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al. Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against
beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp Gerontol . 2005;40(8-9):716-727.
7. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al. (2005). "Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum
against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity". Exp. Gerontol. 40 (8-9): 716–27.
8. Xu DS, Kong TQ, Ma JQ. Biomed Environ Sci 1996 Mar;9(1):67-70 Related Articles, Books Department of
Biochemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China. The inhibitory effect of extracts from
Fructus lycii and Rhizoma polygonati on in vitro DNA breakage by alternariol.
Additional Resources
1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goji
