Small shrub, 0.5-1m. high; branches spinulous. Leaves alternate or in fascicles of 3-5, short-petioled; margins entire. Flowers small, pale-violet, solitary or fascicled in the axil of the leaves. Berry ovoid, bright red when ripe. Seeds numerous, small.
Solanaceae
Lycium chinense Mill.
Local names:
English names:
Chinese box-thorn, Chinese desert thorn, Chinese wolfberry, Chinese matrimony vine.
Description:
Small shrub, 0.5-1m. high; branches spinulous. Leaves alternate or in fascicles of 3-5, short-petioled; margins entire. Flowers small, pale-violet, solitary or fascicled in the axil of the leaves. Berry ovoid, bright red when ripe. Seeds numerous, small.
Flowering period:
July - October.
Distribution:
Largely cultivated for its leaves, eaten as a vegetable; the roots and seeds are medicinal.
Parts used:
Ripe fruit, root-bark. The fruits are picked from August to October, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. They are spread in thin layers to dry in the shade. When the pericarp begins to wrinkle, they are dried in the direct sun or in ovens at a temperature of 40-45°C. The roots are collected in spring and autumn; after they have been well washed, the bark is removed and dried in the sun or in ovens.
Chemical composition:
The berries contain salts of Ca, Fe, NH4; P; vitamin C, nicotinic acid, carotene; amino acids (lysine, choline, betaine); lipids, proteins and hydrocyanic acid. The root-bark yields saponins 1.07%, alkaloids 0.08%.
Therapeutic uses:
The fruit is used in treating general debility, impotence, spermatorrhoea, lumbago, amblyopia, vertigo and diabetes mellitus. It also has rejuvenating properties. The daily dose is 4 to 16g in the form of a decoction or alcoholic maceration. The root-bark is effective for haemoptysis, night sweats and haematuria. The dose is 6 to 12g daily in the form of a decoction.