What actually is the Lycium barbarum extract?

Chinese wolfberry perennial shrubs, growing in the soil layer of deep loess ditch and hillside. Wild wolfberry quality than the times, is now rarely harvested, medicinal more for the cultivation of goods. To use as an active ingredient in face creams, lotions, masks, sun protection products, hair products etc.

Ingredients:

• 25 gram goji berries
• 45 gram distilled water
• 30 gram vegetable glycerin
• 1% preservative

Chop the berries very well, put them in an airtight container and add the solvent plus the preservative. Macerate for 3 weeks. Shake daily for easy extraction. Screw very well and store in the refrigerator or in a cool place away from light and heat.

Goji berries are the fruit of the plant Lycium barbarum, and they have an amount of Phyto nutrients that the benefits of this fruit are simply incredible. It is very interesting fruit to take in salads, juices, cakes, yogurts, cereals, infusion etc. Its use has a long tradition in oriental natural medicine.

Some of the Phyto-nutrients found in this fruit are:

• Carotenoids: Beta-carotenes, zeaxanthin, lutein, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene.
• 6 vitamins: Great amount of vitamin C, also A, E, B1, B3 B2, B6, B12.
• 30 minerals. Some are: zinc, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, etc.
• 18 amino acids: As: Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Leucine and Arginine, etc.
• Essential fatty acids: Omega 3 and 6.

Polysaccharides:  These are long sugar molecules characteristic of Goji and make up 31% of the fruit. They are potent antioxidants, maintain healthy colon mucosa, improve mineral absorption, stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent colon cancer, strengthen the immune system and control stress.

Polyphenols:  They are a group of photochemicals that have astringent capacity or pigments that give color to the fruit, Goji being one of the fruits with the highest content of these photochemicals with a very strong antioxidant power when consumed. Some of the ones we found are: Ellagic Acid and Coumaric Acid.

The vitamins, polysaccharides and amino acids of the Lycium barbarum extract offers cosmetic properties that are dermo-stimulating, toning and energizing for cells and skin. The content of vitamin C, beta-carotene, low molecular weight polysaccharides and glycol-conjugates provide antioxidant, anti-aging and photo-protective effects. In addition, due to its protective activity, its use is adequate in hair cosmetics.

Thoroughly sterilize the utensils used in the preparation, and also the jars where we pack (boil to the water bath and/or clean them with alcohol and let them air dry), so that the preparation is not contaminated and kept in good condition.

Therapeutic properties of Lycium barbarum extract:

Goji berries are fruits with a high content of antioxidants and extraordinary properties that contribute among others to:

• Reduce fatigue and increase our energy level. It is ideal for athletes and people convalescing a disease.
• They protect our eyesight as they are rich in Zeaxanthins (natural antioxidants).
• Prevent cardiovascular diseases thanks to its high level of omegas, natural antioxidants, sterols and polysaccharides that lower blood pressure, cholesterol (prevent it from oxidizing).
• They take care of our immune system or defenses due to its Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides and antioxidants.
• In prostate problems (Beta-sitosterol which is a plant sterol that deflates and can even improve benign prostatic hyperplasia).
• Their high level of natural antioxidants makes them recommendable for maintaining good general health as they can neutralize free radicals. It may be very convenient, therefore, in cancer patients receiving chemo or radio.
• The polysaccharides in goji berries can help balance glucose levels or blood sugar while making our insulin more effective.
• In addition to a toning effect can also increase, in some people, the libido or sexual desire. Some authors claim that it may be because goji berries regulate slightly testosterone levels.
• They favor weight loss because it regulates our glucose levels and that makes us less anxious about food and burn more efficiently fats rather than depositing them mainly in the abdominal area.
• They increase sperm emission and quality.
• The cooked bark and root are applied on the skin to treat inflammations and some dermal diseases.

Studies have shown that these antioxidant effects also act on the skin by slowing oxidative processes, inhibiting metallo-proteinases and reducing the risk of accelerated lipid peroxidation. They also promote the synthesis of collagen, so that the cosmetic properties of Goji berries extract are mainly antioxidants, dermo-stimulants and anti-aging ingredient that brings a lot of energy and vitality to the skin, thus, it helps to keep the skin healthy and in good condition.