Special Health Advisory on Immunity and Aging:
New Discovery on the Chinese Wolfberry
- D.Gary Young - May 15, 1998
Why do people living in the West Elbow Plateau inner Mongolia have a life expectancy is well
over 100 years? The story began five years ago when Professor Chao visited me at our Riverton
office. He was on the specialty teaching and information gathering assignment from the Natural
Science University in Beijing, China. He had heard of the central oils and was fascinated by
their potential.
As we started discussing the medical properties of the central oils, to Tony over another
powerful but an uncle that have been used for centuries in inner Mongolia lead had only
recently been researched. It was called in the Chinese Wolfberry (also known by its Latin
name, Lycium barbarum, or colloquial name, "goji berry"). the people who consumed this
fruit apparently lived free of common diseases like arthritis, cancer in and it diabetes.
Moreover, their life expectancy has reached over 100 years.
Both the Wolfberry and ginseng have been highly regarded for centuries as the foremost in
nutritional and therapeutic plants in China. In fact, the Chinese hold a strong belief that
human life might be extended significantly by using either of these herbs for an extended
period of time. Unfortunately, ginseng is considered too strong for continuous use, and
large amounts may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
On the other hand, the Wolfberry is much milder, with no known risk from continuous use.
The Chinese Wolfberry contains 500 Times More Vitamin C than seen than Oranges!
In 1988, the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted detailed chemical analysis
and nutritional composition studies of the dried wolfberry fruit. What they discovered
was stunning. The Wolfberry contain over 18 amino acids (that is six times higher in
proportion than bee pollen), 21 trace minerals, more beta carotene than carrots and an
astonishing 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. It is also packed with
vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Perhaps this is why the Chinese have traditionally attributed so many benefits to the
Wolfberry, claiming it protects liver function, replenishes vital essences, improves the
visual acuity, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. The Wolfberry was also said to
strengthen muscles and bones, stimulate the heart and work as an aide to treat diabetes
and impotence. The big question was: Could these results be substantiated in controlled
studies using modern chemical analysis?
Two Amazing Modern Studies
From July 1982 to January 1984, the Ningxia Institute of Drug Inspection conducted
a pharmacological experiment using multi- index screening (register number 870303),
their conclusion was:
The fruits and pedicels of wolfberry were effective in increasing white blood cells,
protecting the liver and relieving hypertension. The alcoholic extract of wolfberry fruits
inhibited tumor growth in mice by 50%, and the protein of Wolfberry displayed an insulin like
action that was effective in promoting fat decomposition and reducing blood sugar.
Another clinical experiment by the Ningxia Institute (Register Number 879306, October 1982
to May 1985) studied the effects of wolfberry on the immune, physiological and biochemical
indexes of the blood of aged volunteers.The results were amazing, indicating that the
wolfberry caused the blood of older people to noticeably revert to a younger state.
Can the Wolfberry Boost Immune Function?
According to a report of the State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, the
Wolfberry contains compounds known as lycium polysaccharides, which appeared to be highly
effective in promoting immunity. These results were validated in a number of clinical trials.
In one study on a a group of cancer patients, the Wolfberry triggered an increase in both
lymphocyte transformation rate and white blood cell count (measures of immune function).
Unhealthy levels of titre of serum antibodies have long been associated with Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (also known as Epstein Bar). Does this mean that wolfberry could be used as a weapon
against Epstein Bar? The possibilities are intriguing.
In another study, consumption of Wolfberry lead to a strengthening of immunoglobulin A levels (an index of Immune functoin). because the declining immunoglobulin A is one of the signs of aging, an increase in these levels suggests that the wolfberry may enable injured DNA to their repair itself and ward off tissue degeneration.
Is the Wolfberry a Powerful Antioxidant?
As we grow older,the levels of lipid peroxide in our blood increase, while levels of
health protecting antioxidants, like super oxide the dismutase (SOD), decrease. In a
clinical study of people who consumed doses of wolfberry, SOD in the blood increased
by a remarkable 40% while hemoglobin increased by 12%. Even better, lipid peroxide
levels dropped by a whopping 65%.
Does the Wolfberry Protect Eyesight?
A test was conducted on the effects of Wolfberry on eyesight. 27 people were tested and
showed the a dramatic improvement in both dark adaptation and vitamin A and carotene content
of their serum (measures over eyesight acuity).
Gary Sees Dramatic Changes
Over the past six years, I have become some what lax with my exercise regimen because of
two badly damaged ankles. So this Christmas, I buckled down and started a fitness program,
combining moderate exercise two to three times a week with to daily servings of the Power Meal
alone and in with meals. By the middle of March, while I was studing in Turkey, I started
noticing physical changes: My skin looked brighter and my energy level was higher.
I averaged a fifteen our day between my studies and lab practice.
When a returned home, I discovered that I had droped 12 lbs., pared off 3 in. from my lower
abdomen and gained 3 in. in my chest.
Then, two weeks ago while I was in Phoenix, I went out for a 1 mi. run. I felt limber and
energetic and performed the run with ease. Last week at my home in Utah, located at an
altitude of over 5,000 ft. above sea level, I went out for 2.7 mi. run and was not fatigue
at all even in the thinner high altitude air. Two days later I ran 4.3 mi. without
feeling tired and without leg pain. I could have continued on another three or 4 mi.
but decided not to push it. These results take on an even more significance when you
consider that, prior to my try out in Phoenix, I had not run in over six years.
More News
These types of physiological effects prompted me to probe deeper into the chemistry of
the wolfberry.What I discovered was startling: the Wolfberry not only contains a superoxide
dismutase, phenylpropaniods, anticandcer inhibiting factors and antisenility factors, but
it also sports a high concentration of the branched-chain amino acid L-leucine, Leucine is
an essential amino acid that we do not make in our bodies, so we can only get it from our
diet. Is present in small quantities in both plant and animal food and is a natural component
of sort breast milk.
But leucine is regarded as more than just an essential amino acid: It also supports the
immune function, burns fat and builds muscle. How? because leucine forms on the
building block of every unique compound called HMB (Bet-Hydorxy beta-methylbutyrate).
Through its phenylpopanoid activity, the Wolfberry helps convert leucine into HMB.
What makes HMB such a breakthrough in health maintenance?
According to noted researcher, Richard Passwater, Ph.D., HMB showed that it lowered the
total and LDL cholesterol levels in blood and helped strengthen the Immune System while
building muscles and burning body fat. This news is certainly of interest to body builders
and other athletes, but it may also become of interest to cancer, AIDS and muscular
dystrophy patients.
Tapping the Power Wolfberries
Following a meeting with Professor Chao, I started importing Wolfberry straight from
inner Mongolia and went to work formulating products. We developed four dietary
supplements using wolfberries, which include the Seagal Power Meal, Sulfurzyme,
Goji Berry Tea and Master Children's chewable vitamins and the Wolfberry power bar.
Historical Information:
Young Living is the first to include wolfberry polysaccharides with these beneficial organic mushrooms, which have been proven to support normal immune function.
The following YLEO products containing the Chinese Wolfberry
ImmuPro chewables (Code 3213) 30 tablets
ImmuPro is designed to boost immune power*.
ImmuPro comes in the form of a chewable tablet and has a great strawberry taste.
Body System(s) Supported Immune Benefits:
- Aids in normal immune function; supports the body's ability to fight illness.
- Vegan formula
Ingredients:
Five powerful polysaccharides:
Wolfberry polysaccharide, Organic Agaricus Blazei, Organic Reishi Mushrooms, Organic Maitake Mushrooms and Arabinogalactin. These immune system enhancers fight to maintain overall good health.
Whole organic strawberry powder is a good source of ellagic acid.
Orange oil is a high source of d-limonene.
How to Use:
Take one tablet before retiring at night.
If under stress, take 2-4 tablets at night and one at breakfast and lunch.
Directions/Precautions:
If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician before using.
Berry Young Juice is a super antioxidant berry juice containing the highest known
antioxidants used by some of the longest-living people on earth. This antioxidant
super-juice is formulated to maintain and support normal immune function and is
enhanced with essential oils.
Berry Young Juice™ (Code 3299), a potent blend of Ningxia wolfberries
form China and five other antioxidant fruits, has been tested in a breakthrough
laboratory analysis that found it to be the body's best friend for optimal health
and vitality.
Power Meal (Code 6300)
Power Meal represents a breakthrough in nutritional science. This all-vegetarian protein
drink is formulated without soy, dairy, or animal products. Combining Chinese wolfberries
from China's Ningxia region with rice protein, Power Meal is also rich in the branched-chain
amino acids of L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine. This supplement also contain Ginkgo
biloba, which promotes circulation in peripheral blood vessels; Siberian ginseng, used
by Russian athletes and astronauts to improve performance; and enzymes to suppor the
digestion and assimilation of protein. Power Meal also has choline, inositol, MSM, creatine,
chromium, and over 60 minerals, including boron and manganese.
Sulfurzyme
Available in 300 caps or Powder
Combines Chinese wolfberry with MSM, an unusual source of nutritional sulfur that
is one of the most important antioxidant minerals in the body. MSM supports nail and
hair growth, normal immune function, metabolism, and liver function.
Wolfberry Power Bar
A high-protein bar rich in the essential amino acids and minerals for building muscle
and supporting normal immunity. Wolfberry Bar combines Chinese wolfberries (over 15
percent protein) with amaranth (over 16 percent protein). Amaranth is rich in L-lysine,
an essential amino acid lacking in traditional cereal grains, such as wheat and oats.
Rice protein concentrate is added for its branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine,
and isoleucine), which are crucial for muscle-building. Another ingredient, soy protein,
is a complete source of amino acids, the building blocks of muscles and immunity. The
FDA recently recognized soy's ability to combat cardiovascular disease and protect the
heart.
The Wolfberry Bars also include sweetened dried cranberries and the essential
oils of orange (Ctirus sinensis) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Essential oils, high
in phenolpropanes,may activate the amino acid conversion of L-leucine in the body.
L-leucine is converted to HMB, a powerful muscle builder.
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