Wolfberry

At a glance

Origin / distribution: China, Chinese, Japan, Malaya (Import), Java

Cultural traditions: not documented

Recorded uses: Aphrodisiac, Cachexia, Cancer, Complexion

Science studied: ARSENIC, ASCORBIC-ACID, ASPARAGINE, CALCIUM

Research volume: 0 indexed records · volume only · methodology ↗

Legal status: Varies by jurisdiction; not assessed in this record.

Names and identity

Family: Solanaceae

Scientific name: Lycium chinense

Common names: Wolfberry, Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese Matrimony Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Gou Qi (Chin.), Lyciet de Chine (Fr.), Chinesischer Bocksdorn (Ger.), Daun Koki (Indones.), Spina Santa Cinese (Ital.), Kuko (Jap.), Kaukichai (Malays.), Bocys Ddrain, Bocys Pigoglyn, Bredbladet bukketorn, Chinese Teaplant, Chinese boksdoorn, Chinese box-thorn, Chinese boxthorn, Chinese desert-thorn, Chinese desert-thorn (EN), Chinese matrimony vine, Chinese matrimony-vine

POWO: 816389-1 · WCVP June 2026 / POWO backbone

History

The source record documents this plant in China, Chinese, Japan, Malaya (Import), Java.

It records these historical or traditional applications:

• Aphrodisiac
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Complexion
• Tuberculosis
• Debility
• Diabetes
• Ejaculation

This summary is limited to the cited source record.

Origins and distribution

• China
• Chinese
• Japan
• Malaya (Import)
• Java

Documented cultural uses

• Aphrodisiac
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Complexion
• Tuberculosis
• Debility
• Diabetes
• Ejaculation
• Eye
• Kidney
• Liver
• Longevity

Cultural record detail

These entries are transcribed from the cited ethnobotanical source; they do not represent current advice or a claim of efficacy.

• Aphrodisiac · China · "
• Cachexia · China · "
• Cancer · China · "
• Complexion · China · "
• Tuberculosis · China · "
• Debility · China · "
• Diabetes · China · "
• Ejaculation · China · "
• Eye · China · "
• Kidney · China · "
• Liver · China · "
• Longevity · China · "
• Nutrient · Chinese · "
• Ophthalmia · China · "
• Ornament · Japan · "
• Pneumonia · China · "
• Refrigerant · China · "
• Rheumatism · Malaya (Import) · "
• Semen · China · "
• Tea · China · "
• Thirst · China · "
• Tonic · China · "
• Tonic · Chinese · "
• Tonic · Japan · "

6 additional documented entries remain in the source record.

Contemporary uses

Contemporary practice is not documented separately in this record.

Scientific research

Indexed records indicate research activity; they do not establish efficacy or safety.

Indexed research records

• Chromosome doubling is associated with enhanced self-compatibility and transcriptional remodeling of pollen-pistil interactions in Lycium chinense. · 2026 source ↗
• Evaluation of <i>Lycium chinense</i> Germplasms in China Based on Fruit Quality Traits. · 2026 source ↗
• Establishment of an Efficient Tissue Culture and Regeneration System for Lycium chinense var. macrophyllum and Its Callus Culture Characteristics · 2026 source ↗

Scientific compounds

Chemical presence is not evidence of clinical efficacy.

• ARSENIC
• ASCORBIC-ACID
• ASPARAGINE
• CALCIUM
• COPPER
• L-1,2-DEHYDRO-ALPHA-CYPERONE...NAPHTHALENONE
• 6,7-EPOXY-5-HYDROXY-1-OXOWITHA-2,24-DIENOLIDE
• FAT
• FIBER
• IRON
• KUKOAMINE-A
• LINOLEIC-ACID
• MANGANESE
• MERCURY
• PHOSPHORUS
• PHYSALEIN

Legality

No exact international trade listing was returned by the CITES checklist for this accepted name. Country-specific law is not assessed here.

Consult the CITES species checklist for current international and national requirements.

Reference images

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO) · Kew data terms; cite POWO/WCVP

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) · CC BY 3.0

CC0 · Dr. Duke raw CSV archive

Contributions and revisions

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