Boxthorn and Wolfberry, what do they have in Common with the Goji Berry?

One of the reasons African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is so widely established since introduction into Australia is because it was originally promoted and grown as a hedge plant.  A hardy plant, fast-growing, and covered in sharp thorns, African boxthorn made a very effective boundary “fence” between properties in the early days of rural settlement.  Its popularity as a garden plant is another reason why we find boxthorn around towns and homesteads.

African boxthorn produces small, orange-red berries.  Birds are very efficient at spreading the seeds over large areas. 

Flowers are a creamy color about 10mm in diameter.  Berries are about the size of “table peas”.  The plant doesn’t usually start to produce fruit until it is two years old. Every limb is covered with sharp, strong spines growing to about 75mm long.  African boxthorn grows to a height of around 3-4m. 

Leaf
Smooth, bright green, fleshy, short stalked, 2.5 x 2cm, occur in clusters.

Spines
Large spines up to 15cm long occur on the main stems with smaller spines on sides and ends of branches.

Flower
Small, scented, white flowers with purple markings, occur singly or in pairs. Main flowering time is October to March, but can flower at other times.

Two native spiny shrubs are often confused with boxthorn. Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa) has small white flowers in large clusters at the end of the branches in summer, followed by brown papery seed capsules. Tree violet or white thorn (Hymenanthera dentata) has toothed leaves. It flowers in spring, producing tiny sweet smelling cream to yellow bells which hang along the underside of the branches, followed by berries which ripen to purple-black. The leaves in both these natives are less bright green than those of boxthorn and not fleshy at all. Their spines, although numerous, are shorter and less vicious.

The weed Chinese boxthorn is occasionally seen naturalized. It differs from African boxthorn in having darker mauve flowers and long "swept back" petals.

The medical effects are not very well studied. But some researches have been carried out and the results showed that Lycium ferocissimum protects the pancreas and liver has an effect on digestion, blood sugar, toxicity, and male and female health hormones, to stimulate interleukin-2 and gamma interferon, two anti-inflammatory substances important in supporting a healthy immune system.

If free radicals remain unchecked, they can attack DNA, the blueprint used to create new cell in the body. If not repaired, damaged DNA copies itself to new cells created. In this manner, each new cell is damaged, and mutation can occur each. A number of studies show that wolfberry is protective against DNA breakage and mutations. Additionally, ellagic acid, found in blueberries, raspberries, and pomegranates has been found to "protect DNA against injury."

Boxthorn is also known as African Boxthorn. Boxthorn is listed as a noxious weed in Victoria except the metropolitan area. Existing hedges not exceeding 2m in height and 1m in width are exempt. Boxthorn is an invasive shrub and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation. It provides excellent cover for feral animals, especially rabbits which burrow under the clumps.

Boxthorn seeds may germinate at any time of the year and quickly develop a deep extensive root system. Boxthorn plants do not flower until they are at least two years old. In some areas Boxthorn is deciduous with new leaves produced in spring. When removing large infestations, consider a staged approach in conjunction with re-vegetation as small native animals may use Boxthorn for food and shelter.

Energize cellular systems with vital essential sugars, powerful amino-acids, and trace minerals. It's natural and sustainable. Fortify defenses with a unique immune-optimizing blend complete with clinically proven boxthorn protein-polysaccharides. Listen what others have to say! Replenish micronutrient levels with complete amino-acid, antioxidant, vitamin and mineral profiles.

These types of physiological effects prompted me to probe deeper into the chemistry of the boxthorn.

What was discovered, was startling...

The boxthorn not only contains super oxide dismutase, phenylpropanoids, anti-cancer factors and anti-senility 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. It is present in small quantities in both, plant and animal food, and is a natural component of breast milk.

But leucine is regarded as more than just an essential amino acid: It also supports immune function, burns fat and builds muscle.

Leucine forms the building block of a very unique compound called HMB (Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate). Through its phenylpropanoid 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 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.

Another clinical experiment studied the effects of boxthorn on the immune, physiological and biochemical indexes of the blood of aged volunteers. The results were amazing, indicating that the boxthorn caused the blood of older people to noticeably revert to a younger state.

According to a report of the State Scientific and Technological Commission of China, the Chinese boxthorn 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.

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