Introduction of Gou Qi Zi: Barbary Wolfberry Fruit
✵The article records the herb Barbary Wolfberry Fruit—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. It covers two plant species: (1) Lycium barbarum L. and (2) Lycium chinense Mill. It provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the characteristics of the herb Barbary Wolfberry Fruit; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Fructus Lycii (Barbary Wolfberry Fruit)
Pinyin Name: Góu Qǐ Zǐ
English Name: Barbary Wolfberry Fruit
Latin Name:Fructus Lycii Properties and Flavor: Neutral in nature; sweet in taste
Brief Introduction:Fructus Lycii is the dried, ripe fruit of Lycium barbarum L. It is used to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, and is indicated for soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, impotence, nocturnal emission, dizziness, vertigo, and diminished vision. Commonly known as Fructus Lycii, Barbary Wolfberry Fruit, or Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal works—including authoritative materia medica works—define Wolfberry Fruit (Fructus Lycii, Gǒu Qǐ Zǐ) as the dried, ripe fruit of either (1) Lycium chinense Mill. or (2) Lycium barbarum L. Both are shrubs belonging to the genus Lycium, family Solanaceae (the nightshade family), order Solanales. These two commonly used species are described below:
(1) Lycium chinense Mill.
Botanical Description:Lycium chinense Mill., commonly known as Gǒu Qǐ or Zhōng Huá Gǒu Qǐ, is a deciduous shrub of the Solanaceae family and genus Lycium. It is relatively short and compact, growing up to approximately 1 meter in height. A trailing (vining) shrub, it has slender stems and branches with grayish bark and short thorns (0.5–2 cm long) arising from leaf axils. Its leaves are slightly smaller than those of L. barbarum, typically oval (egg-shaped), ovate-rhomboid, oblong-oval, or ovate-lanceolate, measuring 2–6 cm in length and 0.5–2.5 cm in width; the apex is acute or obtuse, the base is narrowly cuneate, margins are entire, and both surfaces are glabrous.
Flowers are purple; the corolla margin bears dense marginal setae (trichomes). The calyx is campanulate (bell-shaped) and 3–5-lobed. The corolla tube and lobes are subequal in length; the lower part of the tube narrows gradually, then expands upward into a funnel shape; both tube and lobes are broad. There are five stamens inserted inside the corolla, slightly shorter than the corolla; anthers are T-shaped and basifixed; filaments are usually exserted.
The berries are oval (egg-shaped) or oblong, 10–15 mm long and 4–8 mm in diameter, with yellow seeds. Flowering occurs from June to September; fruiting from July to October.
Ecological Environment: Lycium chinense grows on hillsides, mountain slopes, field ridges, and other hilly terrain. It is widely distributed across China.
The genus Lycium comprises multi-branched shrubs, with approximately 80 species worldwide. Most Lycium species occur in the Americas—particularly South America. About 10 species are native to the Asia–Europe region, predominantly in Central Asia. In China, there are 7 species and 3 varieties.
Growth Characteristics:Lycium chinense prefers cool climates and exhibits strong cold tolerance. Seeds germinate when temperatures stabilize above 7 °C (44.6 °F); seedlings tolerate lows down to −3 °C (26.6 °F). Germination begins in spring when temperatures exceed 6 °C (42.8 °F). Mature plants survive winter at −25 °C (−13 °F) without frost injury. It possesses a well-developed root system and high drought resistance—even thriving in arid desert conditions. However, optimal yields require adequate water supply, especially during flowering and fruiting. Prolonged waterlogging in low-lying areas inhibits growth and may cause root rot. Abundant sunlight promotes healthy branch development, abundant flowering and fruiting, larger berries, higher yields, and superior quality. Lycium chinense thrives best in alkaline soils and sandy loams, but is most suitable for cultivation in fertile, deep-layered loam.
Characteristics of the Herb: The fruit is oval (egg-shaped) or cylindrical, with slightly pointed ends, 1–1.5 cm long and 3–5 mm in diameter. The surface is ruby-red (bright red) or dull red (dark red), covered with irregular wrinkles and lacking luster. The texture is soft and slightly moist, containing numerous seeds. The seeds resemble those of Lycium barbarum in shape. The herb is odorless and sweet-tasting.
(2) Lycium barbarum L.
Botanical Description:Lycium barbarum L., also known as Lycium halimifolium Mill., is commonly called Ningxia Gou Qi or Ningxia Wolfberry. It is a shrub—or, under cultivation, may develop into a large shrub or small tree—reaching 1–3 meters in height. Several main stems arise from the base; they are thick and robust. Branchlets bear vertical ribs; short thorns occur on leafless sections, while longer thorns bear leaves and flowers. Fruiting branches are slender, often pendulous at the tips. The outer bark is pale grayish-yellow and glabrous. Leaves are alternate or clustered on short spurs; petioles are short. Leaf blades are lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 2–8 cm long and 0.5–3 cm wide; the apex is acute, the base cuneate or narrowly cuneate and decurrent onto the petiole; margins are entire. The upper surface is dark green; the lower surface is pale green (pea-green), both surfaces are glabrous.
Flowers are axillary—usually solitary, but sometimes 2–6 flowers occur in clusters on short spurs. Pedicels are slender. The calyx is campanulate (bell-shaped), 4–5 mm long, with a 2–3-lobed apex; lobes are broad-ovate or ovate-triangular. The corolla is funnel-shaped; the corolla tube is ~8 mm long, terminating in five lobes—oval (egg-shaped), ~5 mm long—colored pink or pale violet-red (lavender blush), with dark purple veins. A ring of pubescence (pilose zone) lines the inner corolla tube at the level of stamen insertion. There are five stamens and one pistil; the ovary is oblong, bilocular; the style is linear; the stigma is capitate.
The berries are ovoid, elliptic, or broadly ovate, 8–20 mm long and 5–10 mm in diameter, red or orange-red; the pericarp is fleshy. Seeds are numerous, subrounded-reniform and flattened, yellowish-brown. Flowering occurs from May to October; fruiting from June to October.
Ecological Environment:Lycium barbarum grows along ditch banks, hillsides, mountain slopes, field ridges (especially irrigation field ridges), and canal margins—both wild and cultivated. It is native to and widely distributed across China, and is also cultivated elsewhere.
Growth Characteristics:Lycium barbarum exhibits strong environmental adaptability. In its principal production regions, the mean annual temperature is 9.2 °C (48.6 °F); the mean January temperature is −7.1 °C (19.2 °F); and the mean July temperature is 23.2 °C (73.8 °F). It is highly cold-tolerant, surviving winter temperatures as low as −25.6 °C (−14.1 °F) without frost injury. The plant is strongly photophilic. Soil requirements are not stringent: it tolerates saline-alkaline, fertile, and drought-prone soils, but is intolerant of waterlogging. Optimal cultivation occurs in fertile, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained light loam; in saline-alkali soils, soluble salt content should not exceed 0.2%. Strongly alkaline soils, heavy clay loams, paddy fields, and swampy areas are unsuitable for cultivation.
Characteristics of the Herb: The fruit is ovate-oblong, oval (egg-shaped), elliptic, or fusiform (spindle-shaped), slightly flattened, 0.6–2 cm long and 3–8 mm in diameter. The surface is ruby-red (bright red) or dark red (dull red), slightly glossy, covered with irregular wrinkles; the apex is slightly pointed and bears a small, protruding stylar scar; the base displays white carpopodial marks (remnants of the fruit stalk). The pericarp is pliable yet tough and wrinkled; the pulp is thick, soft, smooth, and mucilaginous (glutinous), enclosing 20–50 flat, reniform seeds, 1.5–2 mm long and ~1–1.7 mm in diameter; seed surfaces are light yellow to brown. The herb has a faint odor and a sweet, slightly sour taste.
Medicinal Efficacy: Nourishes the Liver and Kidney Yin, moistens the Lung, augments Essence, and improves vision. It is indicated for consumptive disorders with Essence depletion; consumptive cough; soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees; Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency; impotence (asynodia); spermatorrhea (nocturnal emission); dizziness and tinnitus (vertigo, ringing in ears); vertigo and blurred vision; internal heat with excessive thirst (consumptive thirst); consumptive thirst, consumptive thirst and drink whole cup of water; blood deficiency manifesting as sallow complexion; and diminished or blurry vision with lacrimation.
Administration of Fructus Lycii (Góu Qǐ Zǐ):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Fructus Lycii (Góu Qǐ Zǐ)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 6–12 grams; (2) Internally: water decoction, 2–4 qián (≈ 6–12 grams), , or prepared as an ointment, wine infusion, pill, or powder. (3) Internally: water decoction, 5–15 grams, or prepared as an ointment, wine infusion, pill, or powder.
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1.Introduction of Gou Qi Zi: Barbary Wolfberry Fruit
✵The article records the herb Barbary Wolfberry Fruit—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources as defined in classical herbal texts. It covers two plant species: (1) Lycium barbarum L. and (2) Lycium chinense Mill. It provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the characteristics of the herb Barbary Wolfberry Fruit; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Góu Qǐ Zǐ
Botanical Description: Lycium chinense Mill., commonly known as Gǒu Qǐ or Zhōng Huá Gǒu Qǐ, is a deciduous shrub of the Solanaceae family and genus Lycium. It is relatively short and compact, growing up to approximately 1 meter in height. A trailing (vining) shrub, it has slender stems and branches with grayish bark and short thorns (0.5–2 cm long) arising from leaf axils. Its leaves are slightly smaller than those of L. barbarum, typically oval (egg-shaped), ovate-rhomboid, oblong-oval, or ovate-lanceolate, measuring 2–6 cm in length and 0.5–2.5 cm in width; the apex is acute or obtuse, the base is narrowly cuneate, margins are entire, and both surfaces are glabrous.
Flowers are purple; the corolla margin bears dense marginal setae (trichomes). The calyx is campanulate (bell-shaped) and 3–5-lobed. The corolla tube and lobes are subequal in length; the lower part of the tube narrows gradually, then expands upward into a funnel shape; both tube and lobes are broad. There are five stamens inserted inside the corolla, slightly shorter than the corolla; anthers are T-shaped and basifixed; filaments are usually exserted.
The genus Lycium comprises multi-branched shrubs, with approximately 80 species worldwide. Most Lycium species occur in the Americas—particularly South America. About 10 species are native to the Asia–Europe region, predominantly in Central Asia. In China, there are 7 species and 3 varieties.
Botanical Description: Lycium barbarum L., also known as Lycium halimifolium Mill., is commonly called Ningxia Gou Qi or Ningxia Wolfberry. It is a shrub—or, under cultivation, may develop into a large shrub or small tree—reaching 1–3 meters in height. Several main stems arise from the base; they are thick and robust. Branchlets bear vertical ribs; short thorns occur on leafless sections, while longer thorns bear leaves and flowers. Fruiting branches are slender, often pendulous at the tips. The outer bark is pale grayish-yellow and glabrous. Leaves are alternate or clustered on short spurs; petioles are short. Leaf blades are lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 2–8 cm long and 0.5–3 cm wide; the apex is acute, the base cuneate or narrowly cuneate and decurrent onto the petiole; margins are entire. The upper surface is dark green; the lower surface is pale green (pea-green), both surfaces are glabrous.
Flowers are axillary—usually solitary, but sometimes 2–6 flowers occur in clusters on short spurs. Pedicels are slender. The calyx is campanulate (bell-shaped), 4–5 mm long, with a 2–3-lobed apex; lobes are broad-ovate or ovate-triangular. The corolla is funnel-shaped; the corolla tube is ~8 mm long, terminating in five lobes—oval (egg-shaped), ~5 mm long—colored pink or pale violet-red (lavender blush), with dark purple veins. A ring of pubescence (pilose zone) lines the inner corolla tube at the level of stamen insertion. There are five stamens and one pistil; the ovary is oblong, bilocular; the style is linear; the stigma is capitate.
Growth Characteristics: Lycium barbarum exhibits strong environmental adaptability. In its principal production regions, the mean annual temperature is 9.2 °C (48.6 °F); the mean January temperature is −7.1 °C (19.2 °F); and the mean July temperature is 23.2 °C (73.8 °F). It is highly cold-tolerant, surviving winter temperatures as low as −25.6 °C (−14.1 °F) without frost injury. The plant is strongly photophilic. Soil requirements are not stringent: it tolerates saline-alkaline, fertile, and drought-prone soils, but is intolerant of waterlogging. Optimal cultivation occurs in fertile, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained light loam; in saline-alkali soils, soluble salt content should not exceed 0.2%. Strongly alkaline soils, heavy clay loams, paddy fields, and swampy areas are unsuitable for cultivation.
Characteristics of the Herb: The fruit is ovate-oblong, oval (egg-shaped), elliptic, or fusiform (spindle-shaped), slightly flattened, 0.6–2 cm long and 3–8 mm in diameter. The surface is ruby-red (bright red) or dark red (dull red), slightly glossy, covered with irregular wrinkles; the apex is slightly pointed and bears a small, protruding stylar scar; the base displays white carpopodial marks (remnants of the fruit stalk). The pericarp is pliable yet tough and wrinkled; the pulp is thick, soft, smooth, and mucilaginous (glutinous), enclosing 20–50 flat, reniform seeds, 1.5–2 mm long and ~1–1.7 mm in diameter; seed surfaces are light yellow to brown. The herb has a faint odor and a sweet, slightly sour taste.
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