What is Wolfberry Extract?
· Also Called: Goji Berry and Ningxia Red
Goji Berry: Goji Berry specifically refers to the Lycium Chinense species of wolfberry. It is a shrub. The berries, root bark and berry juice are used for manufacturing many products. (1)
Ningxia Red: Ningxia is a super fruit supplement. It contains wolfberry puree, a synergistic blend of fruit juices and extracts, and pure essential oils. It contains stevia which reduces the calorie content naturally, providing an alternative to sugar. (2)
· Definition
Wolfberry refers to two closely related fruits species- Lycium Barbarum and L Chinense. It contains 20% of Chinese wolfberry, 30% of spine date and 50% of green tea extracts. Wolfberries are used as antioxidants, have powerful medicinal and cosmetic enhancement properties, are used in supplements and juice blends and have various health benefits. (3)(4)
Chemical and Physical Features
· CAS number: 11-40-5 (6)
· Appearance and Physical Features:
Wolf Berry: In its natural form, Wolf Berry is a small slender shrub, which is about 3-4 ft. tall. It has thorny branches. The tiny red fruits have a colour range from whitish-grey to reddish.
Dried Goji Berry: They are slightly flat and orange in colour. (5)(7)
· Brand Names
The brand names of wolfberry are listed below-
Tassyam, Kenny Delights, Namo Organics, Rivendell farms, SV Agro, Green Heaven, Herbo Nutra, Vital Herbs, Greenwell, ChemKart, Plantae Extracts Pvt Ltd. (8)(9)(10)
· Best Wolf Berry Extract
Some of the best wolfberry extracts can be obtained from- Navitas Organics Goji berry, Micro ingredients Goji Berry Powder, Viva Organics Goji Berries, Nutrient Elements Goji Berries, Solaray Goji Berry, Planetary herbals Full-spectrum Goji berry, Doctor’s Best Goji Berry extract, Hawaii pharm Liquid Goji, Carlyle Goji Berry Extract, Amer Med Goji Berry. (11)
Wolf Berry forms and specifications
· Wolf Berry Fruit Extract Powder
Wolf Berry Fruit Extract Powder is a brown/ light yellow powder form. It is rich in carotene, vitamin A1, B1, B2 and C, calcium, phosphorus, iron and also contains several different amino acids. It is used for nourishing the liver and kidney, helps in treating loss of sperms, waste and knee pain, chlorosis, dizziness, deficiency in vision, blood and in treating cough. (12)
· Bulk Supplements Pure Wolfberry Extract (Goji) Powder (1 Kilogram)
It can be found under the categories of dairy-free, soy-free, yeast-free and gluten-free. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants and is generally termed magic berries. It helps promote men’s sexual wellness, supports eyes, maintains a healthy heart, uplifts mood and promotes good metabolic health. (13)
· Lycium Barbarum Barbary Wolfberry Extract Powder
Lycium Barbarum Barbary Wolfberry Extract Powder goes through a stringent process of checking, crushing, extraction, concentration, filtration, spraying, drying, sifting, inspection and packaging during its production. The betaine in the berry is the best remedy for heart diseases, old-age health issues, hypochondria, and cholesterol. It is utilized in multiple products including cosmetics, food and beverages and medicines. (14)
· Wolfberry (Lycium Barbarum) Fruit Extract
This is a plant extract, which works as an antioxidant. It is also useful for anti-ageing and hydration. It also helps in skin softening. It is used for many skin-related and nourishment issues including acne. (15)
· Wolfberry Standardized Extract
Wolfberry Standardized Extract comes in capsule form with 60% polysaccharides, which help eye, liver and kidney functioning. It is also available in liquids and probiotic forms formulated for consumption within 12 months. (16)
Wolfberry extract products
Some of the wolfberry natural extracts products are-
Goji Berry Extract Powder
Goji Berry extract obtained from the fruits of lycium barbarum
Goji Berry energy gummies for physical and mental boosters
Goji berry products for cosmetic use
Goji berry products for beauty, anti-ageing and sleep (17)(18)
Mechanism of action of wolfberry extract
Zeaxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid found in wolfberry. These carotenoids separate from the chime and form the oil droplets. This then enters the small intestine and mixes with the pancreatic juice and bile salts. When mixed with the bile, it allows the binding of colipase to the lipid. This then binds to the pancreatic lipases, which then hydrolysis the bond between fatty acid and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is then liberated, which is absorbed by the intestine. (20)
How to extract wolfberry from plant
The total flavonoids can be extracted from the oils using the following steps-
1) Ethanol is used as an entrainer and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is performed on the wolfberry oils.
2) This extract is then placed on macroporous absorption resin, which is a D101 type macroporous resin.
3) Elution is then performed sequentially by using water and a solution of 70% ethanol.
4) The extract is then concentrated and dried, which further gives us the oil residue which can be used as the raw material. (21)
What does wolfberry extract do?
Wolfberry extracts help support a healthy immune system filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These antioxidants protect our body against free radicals, which damages our body cells. Goji berries have high oxygen radical absorption capacity. They are a rich source of calcium, Vitamin B, carotene, magnesium and many more essential minerals for the body. (19)
Wolfberry Extract (Goji Berry) Benefits
· Wolfberry Extract For Macular Degeneration
High intakes of Zeaxanthin (Z) and Lutein (L) carotenoids have shown a reduction in age-related macular degeneration. (38)
· Wolfberry Extract For Eye Health
Wolfberries have a high content of polysaccharides and proteoglycans in LBPs along with Zeaxanthin, which protects the eyes. (22)
Wolfberry Extract Risks and Side Effects
Risks: Wolf Berry is generally safe to take in moderation except in a few cases where there could be reactions. It is best to avoid taking Wolf Berry along with warfarin (a blood thinner) and also along with diabetes and blood sugar drugs. It should also be avoided with pregnant women, as it may cause abortion. It should also be avoided during breast-feeding. Also Wolf Berry should be avoided during low or high blood pressure and if there is an allergy to proteins in certain products.
Side Effects: Wolf Berry is generally safe when taken in appropriate quantities by mouth. Though there are only a few side effects that may rarely occur like nausea and vomiting. (23)
Wolfberry Extract Dosage
In general, a serving size of 5 tablespoons (150g) of dried Goji berries can be consumed daily. If consumed in liquid form, 30ml of high-quality Goji juice can be consumed twice during mealtimes, daily. In capsule form, 2500mg of Goji can be consumed.
In a more specific range, the following can be used for dosage consultation on a general basis, though doctor’s consultation is always recommended for any specifics.
1) Blood Boosting, eye disorders- 30ml
2) Anti-Aging, or Arthritis related conditions- 30-60ml
3) Increased energy levels-75ml
4) For cancer management along with other cancer medicines-60-120ml
5) Diabetes and weight loss- 30ml (twice daily)
6) For heart-60ml
7) Gastric issues, high blood pressure-45ml
8) Infertility in men-75ml daily for 4 months
9) Liver protection- 15-30ml. (24)
Wolfberry Extract API price
Wolfberry extract API price is somewhere around $50-$60 per kg. (9)
Where to buy pure wolfberry extract?
Pure wolfberry extracts are available on websites like Amazon, Alibaba etc. (9)
Wolf Berry Extract API manufacturers in China
· JF-NATURAL
JF-NATURAL was founded in 1999 and they are into R&D and supply of products related to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Their products range from extracts, to fruit and vegetable spray, fruit powders and natural colour. (25)
· Pioneer Herb Industrial Co., Ltd.
Pioneer Herb Industrial Co., Ltd is into production and R&D. It is located in Shanghai, China. Its products are into the categories of dietary supplements, personal care, cosmetics, healthcare and pharmaceutical. The products range from standardized plant extracts, to water-soluble plant extracts, instant tea powder, additives and cosmetics. (26)
· Shaanxi pure-source Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
Shaanxi pure-source Bio-Tech Co., Ltd was founded in 2008 and it offers solutions for pulrised herb, raw herb, standardised extract and ratio plant extract, fruit juice powder and spray dried vegetable.(27)
· Shaanxi Undersun Biomedtech Co., Ltd
Shaanxi Undersun Biomedtech Co., Ltd engages in R&D, production and sales of plant extracts and natural products. It was founded in 2004. The products include walnut seed powder, organic lemon balm extract powder, bitter melon extract powder, yucca root powder, Boswellia extract powder, organic reishi mushroom extract powder, cascara sagrada bark powder, Ceylon cinnamon extract powder etc. (28)
· Xian Natural Field Bio-Technique Co., Ltd
Xian Natural Field Bio-Technique Co., Ltd is into high purity ingredient series, plant extracts, API & intermediates and SC products. (29)
· Zhejiang Shengshi Biotechnology Co., Ltd
Zhejiang Shengshi Biotechnology Co., Ltd is located in the town of Bamboo in China, founded in the year 1998. They deal mainly with the production and sales of healthcare products and beverages, and natural plant extractives and products. They deal with the export and import of products, which serve food, cosmetic and healthcare industries. Their main products are stevia leaf extract, bamboo leaf extract, bilberry extract, Rhodiola Rosea extract, green tea extract, grape seed extract, and so on. (30)
· Guangdong Yuewei Edible Fungi Technology Co., Ltd.
The company Guangdong Yuewei Edible Fungi Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 1998. They involve themselves in research, development and deep processing of Guangdong mushrooms and many other types of mushrooms. (31)
· ZHEJIANG JINGYUETANG PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD
ZHEJIANG JINGYUETANG PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD was founded in 2003, and is located in the Qianqing town. They have plant and production workshops dealing with Chinese medicine formula granule, Chinese medicine herbal pieces, plant extraction, liquid preparations and other production lines. (32)
· Sanyuan Jinrui Natural Ingredients Co., Ltd.
Sanyuan Jinrui Natural Ingredients Co., Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of botanical extracts and powders in China. Their main products include grape seed extract, tomato extract, green tea extract, ginkgo Biloba extract, ginseng extract, cranberry extract, citrus extract, marigold extract, and polygonum cuspidatum extract. (33)
· Shaanxi Honghao Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
Shaanxi Honghao Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. is a high tech company which deals with research, production and marketing of natural plant ingredients. They involve in international trading of their products. Their top products include Aloin, Amygdalin, and angelica powder. (34)
· Shaanxi GuanJie Technology Co.,Ltd
Shaanxi GuanJie Technology Co., Ltd was established in 2009. They specialise in the extraction and separation of active ingredients from natural plants and Chinese traditional medicines. Their products range from plant extracts, to high purity ingredients, synthetic products and trade products. (35)
· Xi’an Changyue Biological Technology Co., Ltd.
Xi’an Changyue Biological Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2003. They are involved in the extraction and separation of natural plants and Chinese traditional medicines. Their products include feedstuff, natural male enhancement herbs, health and medical, cosmetic raw materials, food-grade, standard extract, componential monomers and Chinese herbal extract. (36)
FAQ:
My dog ate wolfberry extract. Is there a problem?
It is perfectly fine for dogs to have wolfberry extract. Care should be taken to not exceed more than 10% of its daily calories as it has high sugar content. Wolfberry nourishes the dog with vitamin C, B, E, and A, fibre, protein and calcium. It is also good for the dog’s immune system and eyesight. (37)
Sources:
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12) https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/goji-berry-extract-powder-4586020197.html
13) https://www.amazon.com/Bulksupplements-Wolfberry-Extract-Powder-kilogram/dp/B01BKTHQCE?th=1
14) https://m.made-in-china.com/product/Barbary-Wolfberry-Fruit-Extract-Lycium-Barbarum-L-Powder-779297935.html
15) https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredients/lycium-barbarum-fruit-extract.html
16) https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Wolfberry-Standardized-Milligrams-Capsules/dp/B004Z659BU
17) https://lotioncrafter.com/products/goji-berry-extract
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19) https://www.essence-chiro.com/blogging/benefits-of-wolfberry
20) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92756/
21) https://patents.google.com/patent/CN104256604A/en
22) https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2019/2437397/
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28) https://www.greenjeeva.com/vendor/details/927
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33) https://ezone.vitafoodsasia.com/exhibitors/sanyuan-jinrui-natural-ingredients-co-ltd
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35) http://www.gybiotech.com/index_en/service/concatus.html
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37) https://dogwish.com/nutrition/fruits/can-dogs-eat-goji-berries
38) https://academic.oup.com/cdn/article/4/Supplement_2/119/5845287
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