Goji berry is also known through the name of wolfberry, that’s grown within the Himalayas. Goji berries and lycium bark play important roles in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , where they are believed to enhance immune system function, protect the liver and improve circulation, help eyesight, among other effects. Referenced in ancient Asian medical texts and known by the Latin term lyceum barbarum, the Tibetan berry is considered by researchers to be the most potent goji on the planet.

Why do People Use Goji Berry?

• Higher antioxidant levels

• Fight free-radical damage

• Improve your immune system

• Boost your energy levels and stamina

• Improved athletic performance

• Better quality of sleep

• Maintains a healthy blood pressure

• Supports healthy liver function.

Immune System

Goji berry contain compounds known as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, usually referred to as polysaccharides. Responsible for controlling the body’s defense system, the goji berry’s 4 special polysaccharides help to improve the immune system. Research has shown that these compounds improve the body’s ability to resist disease. In some study groups with elderly people the goji berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, very effective results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled.

Liver Problems

Several types of phytonutrients in the fruit enhance the health of the liver to detoxify and guard  against the organ being damaged by carcinogens and the hepatitis virus. In a study conducted in 2002,  found that zeaxanthin from goji berry inhibited hepatic fibrosis, a scarring response to liver damage that can impair liver function. (Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin-March 2002). Some researchers believe that goji berries may be a very good food to prevent liver cancer because it exerts liver protection and anticancer effects at the same time.

Anti-Cancer

Various researchs have shown the goji berry to increase the lymphocyte transformation level and strengthen the macrophage phagocytic function in animals. Contains a compound that is active against all major types of leukaemia called Physalin. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell (NK) activity in normal and tumour-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti cancer effect. In one study on a group of cancer patients, the goji  triggered an increase in both lymphocyte transformation rate and white blood cell count.

Brain

Goji help protect brain cells from harmful chemical toxins. In addition to antioxidants that protect against free radical damage to the brain, fight narrowing of the arteries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. In a study at the “University of Hong Kong“, researchers theorized that since goji  extract has anti-aging effects, also has neuroprotective effects against toxins in neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease.

Eye Health

Goji are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen eye health and are also known to contain a high rate of zeaxanthin dipalmitate. Goji berry is one of nature’s richest sources of  zeaxanthin. Contains about 100 to 200 mg of zeaxanthin per 100 grams. A diet with increased amounts of lutein and  zeaxanthin has been helpful in decreasing the risk of developing age related macular degeneration, the most important reason of blindness and loss of vision in people above the age of 65. In a new  laboratory study, this one from Australia’s University of Sydney, researchers found that goji berry extract prevented the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Ulcer

A stomach ulcer is a general term that includes several other types of ulcers found in the digestive system. Goji berry have the specific anti-inflammatory SOD enzyme that reduces the inflammation caused by ulcers. In addition, SOD plays major role in protecting the body against other diseases. This is very strong free radical fighting antioxidant the body has. Goji may eliminate the need to take anti-inflammatory drugs, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause ulcers.

Weight Loss

For weight loss, goji berries have an important effect on the blood sugar. The goji berry can help aid in weight loss due to its unique molecule polysaccharides which enhance the conversion of food into energy and reduced body weight. In an animal-based study, it was shown that goji polysaccharides enhanced the conversion of food into energy, and reduced body weight.

Goji Juice Dose

2-4 ounces per day for general health. 4-8 ounces per day for extra health support.

Goji Side Effect

Since concentrated goji juice has not been studied in pregnant and nursing women, do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. A possible drug interaction could occur with goji if taken with anticoagulants. Patients taking medications to diabetes must not simultaneously take the goji root bark as well. To avoid these side effects, even though goji is  known to be effective and safe, it is recommended that you consult with your physician first.

Noni juice (morinda citrifolia) is increasing in worldwide popularity as a food or dietary supplement with versatile health effects. Noni has been approved as a safe food within the European Union. Scientific name is ‘Morinda Citrifolia’.  It is a member of the Mulberry family and is also  called ‘Indian Mulberry. Two of the biggest producers of noni are Tahiti and Hawaii. There are now 300 companies that specialize in noni products.

To date around 150 properties have been identified in the noni fruit. It is comprised of essential vitamins, minerals,trace elements, alkaloids, and active enzymes. These are phytochemicals found in noni;  damnacanthal, octanoic acid, anthraquinones, scopoletin, terpenoids, ursolic acid, caproic acid and  rutin. A novel trisaccharide fatty acid ester was recently identified from the fruits of noni.  Approximately, 24 mg to 158 mg of vitamin C, is found in every 100 gr of noni fruit.

Noni Benefits

Morinda Citrifolia is used for those with, immune disorders, cancer, colds, arthritis depression, hypertension and pain. In the last ten years has noni juice become better known to the western world with thousands of users reporting positive results. According to a biochemist scientist named Dr. Ralph Heinicke, noni possesses a proxeronine, a system which strengthens the ailing body and keeps cells from getting sick. The research done by Dr. Heinicke focuses on the effects of enzymatic reactions that are due specifically to taking noni juice on an empty stomach. The aim of his research is to show that noni juice aids in the process that begins cellular repair.

Supports the Immune System

Studies show that noni stimulates an immune response, as a result of polysaccharides, which are antioxidant-rich compounds found in noni juice. Research has shown that noni juice exhibits better antioxidant activity than pycnogenol and grape seed extract. Noni  provides a very powerful antioxidant effect that was proven in research published in the October 2009 issue of Chemistry Central Journal.  A study involving fifteenthousand participants was conducted by Dr. Neil Solomon. An impressive 75% of the study participants reported improvements in their disease conditions and of those persons, 95% saw their subjective improvements occur within 3 months if they followed the study guidelines for taking noni juice daily.

Anti-Cancer

Noni possesses anti tumor activity by stimulating immune factors like Tumor Necrosis Factors  (TNF), NK cells (Natural killer cells)  etc. to attack the tumor. Noni has anti angiogenesis effect on tumor, hence inhibits tumor development. According to a study at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, noni juice may have the potential to help disrupt the vascular networks that support cancerous tumors. In 2001, the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences said that the antioxidant content of noni juice has reduced the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Noni is also considered as a rich source of a phytonutrient called damnacanthal that promotes good health of body cells. The compound has been proved to maintain the exact size and shape of cells by controlling their division. Another team of investigators reported that damnacanthal, a compound removed from the root of the noni plant, may inhibit a chemical process that turns normal cells into cancer cells. In a research published in June 2006 in Phytotherapy Research, noni juice was found to stop the spread of MCF 7 cells in lab tests. In a study reported in Nutrition and Cancer in 2009, 200 smokers who consumed morinda citrifolia  for 1 month had reduced carcinogen-caused changes in their lung cell DNA. A team of scientists from the University of Hawaii, caused tumors to grow in mice and then investigated the results of treatment using specially prepared injections of noni juice.  Mice who received the treatment survived 123% longer than the untreated mice.

Inflammation

One of most important uses is the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Noni is proved to help reduce inflammation and strengthens the ligaments and bones.  The juice helps in relieving the swelling and pain and increases the mobility. In vitro experiments with human white blood cells reported in the Jan 2010  edition of Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that noni stopped inflammation-causing proteins. Noni  has shown similar results to  called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A 10% solution of freeze concentrated noni puree in the drinking water of mice reduced the pain sensitivity comparably to the central analgesic drug tramadol. Research results; suggest  that preparations of noni  are effective in decreasing pain and joint destruction caused by arthritis.

Pain Relief

Xeronine is an alkaloid which is effective in repairing the damaged body cells. In addition to cell repair, xeronine is also helpful in regulating several  types of proteins that have different types of functions to perform inside the body. Noni is used effectively as an analgesic, relieving pain without side effects. Xeronine creates a positive impact  for normal cellular functions, and this in turn, may promote a general feeling of wellness, which decreases the pain messages to the brain. A scientific study at the University of Metz in France showed noni to be 75% as effective as morphine sulfate, without the harmful side effects.

Antibiotic

Recent research have suggested that noni juice exerts antibiotic action. Noni juice contains the natural antibiotics , Alizarin, Anthraquinone, Aubin and the antifungal Caproic Acids and Caprylic. Article reported in the 2006, of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine states that noni  may provide positive effects to patients suffering from candida and other fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of the fungi.

Digestive

Noni both supports and stimulates the digestive process, promoting a more efficient breakdown of food into usable forms of nutrients. Anthraquinones from noni help stimulate the activity of the entire digestive process, increasing much needed secretions, enzymes and bile flow. Anthraquinones are also useful for pain relief and as a supplement in numerous health conditions.

Depression

Noni juice stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain increasing serotonin levels. The compounds in noni juice promote an increase in serotonin production, which will improve your mood and may also help any other symptoms related to low serotonin improve or disappear altogether. In a survey conducted of the 1000 people who consume noni juice for help with depression, 77 percent reported some of their symptoms decreased after drinking noni.

Nitric Oxide

New researchs have indicated that noni juice helps to stimulate the production of Nitric Oxide (NO), which is necessary to facilitate the performance of many of our bodies essential processes, and to strengthen our immune system, by stimulating the action of our immune systems cells. Nitric Oxide, which helps to regulate the cardiovascular system, helps increase blood flow, providing stamina and increased energy during intercourse.

Uses

Noni is available as the juice or liquid concentrate. 5 ml each twice a day during the first three days. 10 ml each twice a day from the fourth day onwards. Drink noni juice  twice a day on empty stomach 30 minutes before food. It can also be found in capsule and  tablet form. The nutritional value of noni depends upon the time of harvest primarily. Noni that is prematurely harvested will not ferment properly and its nutritional content will be less than when it is picked fully mature. Noni contains significant levels of proxeronine a precursor to the alkaloid xeronine. An enzyme in the body helps convert proxeronine into xeronine. This effect happens maximum  when noni is taken on an empty stomach.

Noni  Side Effects

Along with its positive effects, noni fruit contains  potassium and sugar that may make it unsafe both for diabetics and for people in renal failure. Consult your doctor if on any medication or taking noni  for any conditions requiring medical attention.

Goji is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that’s native to China. Goji (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) has been used throughout Asia for for centuries and has been a part of many traditional Asian medicine systems. One of the oldest references to goji is a poem from Liu Yuxi during the Tang Dynasty where he says: ‘the goji nourishes body and soul, drink of the well and enjoy long life’. The plant is highly prized by Tibetan healers, who treat liver, kidney, eye, and skin problems; tuberculosis, diabetes, anxiety, and insomnia; lower blood pressure with the help of goji berries for thousands of years. In 2006, Time Magazine called the goji berry the super fruit of the year, and Dr. Howard Murad called it the most nutrient-dense food on the planet.

Nutritional Analysis of Goji Berries

Goji berries contain polysaccharides, glycosides, flavonoids and the carotenoids lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Micronutrients include 21 trace minerals, including zinc, iron, selenium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins such as vitamin C and A. Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene , of all known foods or plants.  Goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges with 2500 mg of vitamin C per 100 gr of fruit.

Goji Berry Juice Orac

Goji berries also have a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) level which is very important in preventing oxidation and in preserving the cells  thereby preventing aging. In 1999, the US Department of Agriculture released the results of a study finding that foods with high ORAC rate may help to slow the aging process and to protect cells from oxidative damage. A study announced in the January 2009 issue of Nutrition Research indicated that continuous consumption of goji  berry juice may offer antioxidant protection and reduce the occurrence of problems associated with oxidative damage. ORAC testing has revealed that goji berries have antioxidant levels more than ten times higher than blueberries and about three times higher than pomegranates. 100 gram goji berries 25.300 ORAC score.

Immune System

Goji contain special polysaccharides which strengthen defense system and are responsible for controlling your body’s most important immune systems. (xylose, rhamnose, mannose, glucose, arabinose, galactose). A lab study published in 2001  found that these polysaccharides appear to prevent human leukemia cell growth. Goji, rich in polysaccharides, strengthen the immune system. Studies with elderly people and those suffering from general debility have shown that consuming goji juice can lead to a 3-time increase in the T-cell transformation functions and the white cell interleukin-2 count can double. (Interleukin 2 an important cell-signaling molecule). The State Scientific and Technology Commission of China reported in 1988 that eating 50 grams of goji berries caused an increase in the white blood cell count.

Anti Cancer

Goji juice contains cyperone and anthocyanins which have been used in cervical cancer treatment, and betain a nerve tonic and memory enhancer. It also contains physalin, which is an active compound against all major kinds of leukemia. Physalin has shown to increase the splenic natural killer cell activity in tumor bearing and normal mice, with broad spectrum anti cancer activity. A Chinese study published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology in 1994 found that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when goji juice was added to their regimen. 79 patients in advanced stages of cancer were treated with the drug LAK/IL-2 combined with Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides . Regression of the several cancers was observed. The response rate of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 and LBP was 40 percent while that of patients treated only with LAK/IL-2 was 16 percent study. A study published in the March 2011 edition of the journal Medical Oncology reveals that the polysaccharide components of goji inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. One of the compounds found in goji juice that is highly effective in the fight against cancer and other ailments in the human body is germanium. It is an oxygen catalyst, and since all forms of cancer are anaerobic, this compound has been demonstrated in research to potentially retard and even reverse the proliferation of cancer cells. Japanese studies indicate that organic germanium is effective in treating lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and testicular cancer when combined with other drugs.

Eyesight

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are highly effective in protecting the retina of the eye and improving eye sight. A study of elderly adults published in 2001 in Optometry and Vision Science found that goji  juice protected the macula from damage. One of zeaxanthin important tasks is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant.

Cardiovascular

Goji contains cyperone, a substance that promotes a healthy heart and regulates blood pressure. A study published in The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in 2010 found that the antioxidants in goji juice reduce the risk of cardiovascular condition. Goji’s glycoconjugates have been shown to be able to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which is a common factor for heart disease. In a clinical study, goji juice use was accompanied by a noticeably extent 40 % increase in SOD levels, and a decrease in lipid peroxides of an impressive 65 %.

Liver Health

Goji berry contains betaine, cerebroside and pyrroles, which have been proven to help protect and support healthy liver function. Betaine is a phytonutrient found in goji berries that helps the liver to better detoxify and guard itself from hepatitis and damaging carcinogens. Research in China found that the hepatoprotective element contained in goji helps combat hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Diabetes

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), goji berry has been used for diabetes mellitus and its complications. Researches have shown that goji  are rich in antioxidants, specifically carotenoids, which are known to protect the retina of the eye and believed to decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration, a disease associated with complications from diabetes. Also they help protect the eyes from blindness attributable to macular degeneration since goji berries have carotenoid.

Human Growth Hormone

The unique polysaccharide content in goji  stimulate the pituitary glands to increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone, which has the ability to slow down or even reverse some of the symptoms of aging. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) helps a person fight body fat, sleep better, improve memory, quicken healing and can give a more youthful appearance.

Alzheimer’s Disease

In addition to antioxidants that protect against free-radical damage to the brain, goji  prevent the narrowing of the arteries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Goji berry also helps your body produce choline, an essential nutrient that combats free radical damage linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Other animal study done by researchers at the University of Connecticut in 2010 found it inhibited the growth of beta-amyloid protein, a type of plaque that forms on the brain that is thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Use Goji Juice?

Supporting the immune: 30-60ml daily

Cardiovascular Health: 60 ml daily

High blood pressure: 45 ml daily

Sexual problems: 30 – 60 ml daily

Liver health: 15 – 30 ml daily

What Are the Dangers of Goji Berries?

Goji berries contains betaine, an aborticide substance. Hence, pregnant women should avoid the use of goji and related food supplements. Goji root bark can interact with high blood pressure and diabetes related medications to produce some  side effects. Consult a doctor before supplementing your diet  with goji, if you are taking  blood thinners or anticoagulant medication.