Boxthorne (lycium brevipes)

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Other names for this ingredient

None

Synopsis of boxthorne

Boxthorne typically refers to Lycium species, especially Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, which are more commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry. Native to Asia and southeastern Europe, these spiny shrubs produce bright red-orange berries that have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a tonic for longevity, vision, and immune health. While the berries are the most commonly consumed part, the leaves, root bark, and stems have also been used medicinally.

Goji berries (boxthorne fruit) are rich in:

  • Polysaccharides (notably Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, or LBPs) – support immune modulation and antioxidant defense
  • Zeaxanthin and lutein – carotenoids that protect eye health and macular function
  • Vitamin C, zinc, and selenium – enhance immune function and tissue repair
  • Amino acids and trace minerals – support metabolic and endocrine health
  • Betaine – supports liver and methylation pathways

Boxthorne is used to:

  • Support vision and protect against age-related eye degeneration
  • Promote immune function and antioxidant resilience
  • Boost energy, stamina, and overall vitality
  • Improve skin tone, hydration, and elasticity
  • Balance blood sugar and support liver function
  • Enhance mood and cognitive performance, possibly through neuroprotective effects

The berries are consumed dried, as teas, in soups, or as concentrated juices, powders, and extracts, often as part of tonic or anti-aging formulas.

Historical Use:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berries (boxthorne fruit) are known as gǒu qǐ zi and have been used for over 2,000 years. They are believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, tonify the blood, enhance Jing (essence), and brighten the eyes. Goji is considered a yin tonic, often prescribed for fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, and infertility, especially when linked to kidney and liver deficiencies.

Ancient Chinese texts often described goji berries as part of longevity diets, and they were consumed by monks and herbalists seeking vitality and clarity during meditation.

Today, boxthorne-derived goji berries are widely used in functional nutrition, wellness drinks, and adaptogenic blends, combining rich traditional heritage with modern research support for their immune, ocular, and anti-aging properties.

Boxthorne is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

boxthorne is used to support these body systems

Lungs (Traditional)