Chinese Wolfberry Root-bark Product Overview

Chinese Wolfberry Root-bark, derived from the root of the Chinese Wolfberry Root-bark plant, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains active compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, and polysaccharides, with key production areas in East, Central, and South China. Chinese Wolfberry Root-bark has a sweet taste and a neutral nature, aligning with the liver and kidney meridians. It’s often applied to promote blood circulation, relieve blood stasis, strengthen tendons and bones, and ease pain and itching, especially useful in treating fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other ailments. It has a promising application outlook in traditional Chinese medicine.

Main Active Compounds in Lycium Bark

Lycium bark contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, and polysaccharides, contributing to its pharmacological and medicinal value.

  1. Alkaloids: Includes various Lycium bark alkaloids (A, B, C, etc.), which provide analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
  2. Flavonoids: Rich in flavonoids like quercetin and isorhamnetin, which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and can aid in cardiovascular health.
  3. Organic Acids: Contains malic acid, citric acid, etc., helping to balance bodily pH and enhance digestion.
  4. Polysaccharides: Lycium polysaccharides boost immunity, have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, and support immune function and slow aging.

These compounds together give Lycium bark various pharmacological benefits, making it useful for bone injuries, arthritis, rheumatism, and offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties, all promoting health.

Applications and Usage of Lycium Bark

Lycium bark, widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine and health foods, offers numerous health effects. Below is a detailed look at its uses:

  1. Bone Injury Treatment: Effective in treating bone injuries (fractures, bone spurs, osteoarthritis), with alkaloids providing pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
  2. Rheumatism Treatment: Used for rheumatic ailments (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) to alleviate symptoms with decoctions, soaked in wine, or stewed for internal use.
  3. Health Food: As a health supplement, rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides for antioxidant and immune benefits; used as tea or wine.
  4. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for various inflammatory issues (e.g., sprains, burns).
  5. Appetite Loss: Used to boost appetite and aid digestion, often in decoctions or stews.
  6. Gastroenteritis: Assists in regulating digestion and can help with gastroenteritis and ulcers.
  7. Liver and Kidney Health: Aids in nourishing yin and kidney function, helping with symptoms of kidney deficiency and excessive liver heat.
  8. Daily Health: Enhances immunity and physical strength, potentially preventing colds and fatigue.

Dosage: Adults generally take 15-30 grams per serving, 2-3 times a day; lower dosages for children. Topical applications can be used as needed. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to avoid side effects.

Source Plant, Distribution, and Growth Conditions of Lycium Bark

Lycium bark (scientific name: Cistanches Herba) is a common Chinese medicinal herb from the Parthenocissus family. Below are its plant characteristics, distribution, and growth conditions:

  1. Plant Characteristics: Lycium bark is a perennial herb, typically 20-70 cm tall with upright stems and waxy yellow flowers.
  2. Distribution: Found primarily in northern China’s arid regions (e.g., Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang).
  3. Growth Environment: Thrives in dry deserts and wastelands with poor, sandy soil, high temperature fluctuations, and ample sunlight.
  4. Soil Requirements: Prefers sandy soil with good drainage for root development.
  5. Growth Habits: Requires intense sunlight; adapts to arid environments through a well-developed root system.
  6. Propagation: Propagated mainly by seeds and also by division of underground stems.

This specialized growth environment allows Lycium bark to develop rich active ingredients, making it valuable in traditional Chinese medicine.

Harvesting, Processing, and Storage of Lycium Bark

The collection and preservation of Lycium bark are essential to maintain its medicinal quality. Here is an overview of the procedures:

  1. Harvesting Time: Typically harvested in autumn or winter when medicinal components are at peak levels.
  2. Harvesting Method: Entire plant, roots included, is collected intact to preserve the root system.
  3. Processing: Roots are dried in a ventilated area, shielded from sunlight to prevent efficacy loss.
  4. Storage: Dried roots are stored in a dry, cool place to avoid moisture and sunlight. Airtight containers are preferable.
  5. Shelf Life: Dried bark can be stored for over a year but is best used within a year.
  6. Precautions: Avoid contamination and regularly check storage conditions to maintain bark quality.

Proper harvesting, processing, and storage are key to ensuring Lycium bark’s medicinal efficacy and quality for traditional Chinese medicine applications.

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