Wolfberry Nutrients Profile
Nutrient Profile
The wolfberry plants grown at Phoenix Tears Nursery have been identified as Lycium barbarum. This was accomplished by comparing the DNA of our plants with the DNA of wolfberry plants grown from seed obtained from Ningxia, China. Biogenetic Services, Inc. identified only one genetic marker in 1000 that was different in the two plant varieties. They are not only the same genus-species, but also are very similar varieties.
For centuries the Chinese have used parts of the entire plant for food or medicine. Use of stems and leaves is little known in the United States. Fruit in the health food market in the form of dried berries and juice is more familiar. There are many claims with regard to which variety, source, or product is the best. Our purpose here is not to claim L. barbarum variety Phoenix Tears is the best, but rather to document some of the varieties nutrient values and suggest some uses.
Two USDA funded Specialty Crop grants facilitated fruit and leaf nutrient testing. Brunswick Laboratories carried out nutrient tests.
PHOENIX TEARS DRIED LEAF NUTRIENTS
(In mcg/g unless otherwise noted)
Test Results
Vitamin K 2.31
Folic Acid 5.97
Betaine 1540.00
Alpha-Carotene 1.58
Beta-Carotene 2.34
Lycopene 242.00
Zeaxanthin 84.00
Lutein 416.00
Vitamin C 1020.00
Catechin 2.00
Epicatechin 0.20
Epicatechin Gallate 0.10
Catechin Gallate 0.20
Gallocatechin 0.50
Epigallocatechin 0.20
Gallocatechin Gallate 0.10
Epigallocatechin Gallate 0.10
Vitamin B2 9.03
Vitamin B3 21.50
Vitamin B5 6.31
Alpha-tocopherol 567.86
Beta-Tocopherol 4.77
Gamma-tocopherol 12.03
Delta-tocopherol 0.95
Tocotrienol Not detected
ORAC-hydro 522 micromole TE/g
Total Phenolics 30.50 mg/g
Total ellagic acid Below quantifiable levels
Total Bioflavonoids 19.83 mg/g
Note: The above data is available on signed Brunswick Laboratories Certificates of Analysis.
Dried leaves and dried fruit were sent to NPA Laboratories to test for PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone). The nutrient was not found in the leaves, but the fruit contained 17.9 mcg/g.
Nutrient data from the 2009 and 2010 Specialty Crop Grants are summarized as follows:
ORAC
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity), is a valid measure of a food’s antioxidant potential. It is a measure of the food’s free radical absorption capacity. ORAC values for dried wolfberry fruit are characteristically higher than that of pomegranate. Phoenix Tears fruit tested in 2009 had ORAC values in the range of most reported wolfberry ORAC values. However, dried leaves tested in 2009 and again in 2010 had incredibly high scores. The 2009 leaves, which were harvested in the fall, had an ORAC value of 456 micromoles TE/ gram. The 2010 leaves were harvested early summer, and had a value of 522 micromoles TE/gram. These values are for only the water-soluble ORAC component. Two recent, high ORAC products introduced to the market are chokecherry at 160 and elderberry at 147. Pomegranate is about 100 on the ORAC scale. None of these is anywhere near the level of the Phoenix Tears leaves. The only other foods found with higher scores are spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and oregano. Most high antioxidant foods such as blueberries and blackberries have an ORAC score of less than 100.
Clearly, dried wolfberry fruit and leaves have far more antioxidant potential than most foods, and have the potential to block the free radical damage that leads to cellular mutation and cancer.
Phenolics
The presence of polyphenols in wolfberries may compound their antioxidant roles. Blueberries, red grapes, and green tea are often referred to as having high phenolic content, contributing to their high antioxidant potential. The combination of ORAC, phenolics, and carotenoids in wolfberries, present a very compelling case for obtaining antioxidant action from a single food source. Among common fruit, the highest phenolic contents are found in plums and cherries (28 mg/g). Phoenix Tears wolfberry leaves tested in 2010 had a total phenolic content of 30.50 mg/g. Wolfberry and green teas have comparable phenolic content, but the wolfberries contain no caffeine.
Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid is another important wolfberry fruit nutrient. Dried fruit tested in 2009 had an ellagic acid content of 11.92 mcg/g. Leaf tests in 2010 were negative for ellagic acid. There are some claims that ellagic acid can play a role in preventing some cancers.
Bioflavonoids
Phoenix Tears leaves were tested for total bioflavonoids in 2010, with a result of 19.83 mg/g. There are many different bioflavonoids. They are largely responsible for the colors of many flowers and fruits. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also can play a role in modifying the body’s response to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. Though there is no official RDI for bioflavonoids, one source recommends 30 mg/day. Two grams of Phoenix Tears leaves would supply more than that amount.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids occur as pigments in plants and microorganisms. Beta-carotene and alpha-carotene convert into vitamin A in metabolism. The standard food source for carotenoids is spinach, with 56 mcg/g of beta-carotene, 122 mcg/g of zeaxanthin, and 76 mcg/g of lutein. Phoenix Tears dried fruit tested in 2009 had 12.36 mcg/g of alpha and beta-carotene. Dried leaves tested in 2010 had 392 mcg/g; the leaves having values triple that of spinach.
Zeaxanthin and lutein values for dried fruit were 84 mcg/g and 41.44 mcg/g. Results for dried leaves were even higher at 84 mcg/g and 416 mcg/g, with the lutein value five times that of spinach.
Alpha and beta-carotene have anti-carcinogenic activity and zeaxanthin and lutein have been shown to protect the eyes from age related macular degeneration. A common source of zeaxanthin is egg yolk, with 200 mcg/g. Both dried wolfberry fruit and dried leaves would be an excellent cholesterol free source of these nutrients.
Lycopene is another carotenoid found in wolfberries. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, and may play a role in prostate cancer prevention. The common source of lycopene is tomato, with tomato juice having 86-100 mcg/g and ketchup with 124 mcg/g. Phoenix Tears dried fruit tested in 2009 had only .99 mcg/g of lycopene. This was unexpectedly low, as lycopene is usually associated with orange and red pigments in fruit. Even more unexpected, was the 2010 dried leaf results, with a lycopene content of 242 mcg/g, double that of ketchup, and with no sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Lycopene is not water soluble, so dried leaf tea will not contain lycopene. Use of fresh and dried wolfberry leaves for vegetables would be an excellent source of lycopene.
Catechins
The least researched, but perhaps the most important nutrient found in dried wolfberry leaves, is catechin. Catechin is made up of seven subgroups, all of which are powerful antioxidants that can block the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. Studies show that catechins influence the breakdown of fats and the production of inflammatory materials that trigger hunger. Catechins are water-soluble and are best known for their benefits in green tea. All teas contain catechins, along with chocolate and some fruits.
Catechin test results for Phoenix Tears dried leaves are as follows:
Total Catechin 2.0 microgram/gram
Epicatechin 0.2 microgram/gram
Epicatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Catechin Gallate 0.2 microgram/gram
Gallocatechin 0.5 microgram/gram
Epigallocatechin 0.2 microgram/gram
Gallocatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Epigallocatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Betaine
Betaine is also a wolfberry signature nutrient. Phoenix Tears fruit tested in 2009 had a betaine content of 2.19 micrograms/gram for fresh fruit, 2.24 micrograms/gram for frozen fruit, and 4.61 micrograms/gram for dried fruit. Incredibly, dried leaves tested in 2009 had 19.38 mg/gram. Dried leaves tested in 2010 also had a far higher betaine content than the fruit.
Vitamins
Dried Phoenix Tears leaves tested for vitamin C in 2010 contained 1,020 microgram/gram. Oranges have a vitamin C value of 530 micrograms/gram, about half the value of the wolfberry leaves. Dried leaves also contained 2.31 microgram/gram of vitamin K. This value is about ¼ that of kale and higher than amounts found in brussel sprouts and dandelion greens.
Dried fruit was tested for some B complex vitamins with B-1 (thiamin) at 2.4 micrograms/gram, and B-3 (niacin) at 10.4 micrograms/gram. Biotin was measured at 6.8 micrograms/gram. This value is higher than that found in yeast, egg, or liver. Folic acid in dried leaves tested at 5.97 micrograms/gram. This value is double that found in liver and wheat bran.
Vitamin E values were determined for dried fruit, with measurable amounts of alpha tocotrienol (0.12 microgram/gram), alpha tocopherol (13.44 microgram/gram), gamma tocopherol (1.99 micrograms/gram), and beta tocopherol (0.65 microgram/gram). Though not extremely high values, the dried fruit had a mixture of E vitamins, an advantage over many fruits and vegetables that are largely of one type. With a total tocopherol content of 1.62 microgram/gram, the dried fruit is comparable to corn meal (1.70) and oats (1.94), but lower than for kale (8.0) and parsley (5.5), two of the richest vegetable sources of vitamin E.
Dried leaves were also tested for vitamin E content with results as follows: alpha tocopherol (576.86 microgram/gram), beta tocopherol (4.77 microgram/gram), gamma tocopherol (12.03 microgram/gram), and delta tocopherol (0.95 microgram/gram), for a total vitamin E content of 585.61 microgram/gram. At 59 mg/ 100 grams, the total tocopherol in the Phoenix Tears dried leaves are higher in vitamin E than kale and parsley, and may be the richest vegetable source of vitamin E available.
PQQ, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a recently discovered vitamin-like nutrient similar to some B vitamins and plays a role in mitochondria health. Scientists have identified mitochondria dysfunction as a key factor in aging. Mitochondria dysfunction and death are now clearly linked in the development of all killer diseases associated with aging. Recent research has documented that mitochondria dysfunction can be reversed. PQQ not only protects mitochondria from oxidation damage, it also stimulates growth of new mitochondria. The number of mitochondria, and their function, are clearly related to longevity. PQQ has emerged as the nutrient that can safely trigger mitochondria biogenesis.
A healthy diet can contribute small amounts of PQQ, with natto (fermented soybeans), green tea, green peppers and parsley as examples of foods with some PQQ. Research at present has not identified how much PQQ is needed to influence mitochondria health. Nutrient analysis of Phoenix Tears wolfberries revealed a PQQ content of 17.9 mcg/g. When compared to natto, with a value of 61 ng/g, Phoenix Tears wolfberries have 17,900 ng/g of PQQ. Five dried Phoenix Tears berries far exceed the documented amount of PQQ needed for normal cell health and probably contribute to its reputation as an anti-aging food.
PQQ is becoming available as a supplement. PQQ levels in Phoenix Tears wolfberries are comparable to some supplements, and the berries also contain a rich whole food source of many other nutrients. For the first time in scientific history, a natural compound called PQQ is available in Phoenix Tears wolfberries, with amounts sufficient to increase the functionality of existing mitochondria and also promote the generation of new mitochondria inside aging cells.
The wolfberry plants grown at Phoenix Tears Nursery have been identified as Lycium barbarum. This was accomplished by comparing the DNA of our plants with the DNA of wolfberry plants grown from seed obtained from Ningxia, China. Biogenetic Services, Inc. identified only one genetic marker in 1000 that was different in the two plant varieties. They are not only the same genus-species, but also are very similar varieties.
For centuries the Chinese have used parts of the entire plant for food or medicine. Use of stems and leaves is little known in the United States. Fruit in the health food market in the form of dried berries and juice is more familiar. There are many claims with regard to which variety, source, or product is the best. Our purpose here is not to claim L. barbarum variety Phoenix Tears is the best, but rather to document some of the varieties nutrient values and suggest some uses.
Two USDA funded Specialty Crop grants facilitated fruit and leaf nutrient testing. Brunswick Laboratories carried out nutrient tests.
PHOENIX TEARS DRIED LEAF NUTRIENTS
(In mcg/g unless otherwise noted)
Test Results
Vitamin K 2.31
Folic Acid 5.97
Betaine 1540.00
Alpha-Carotene 1.58
Beta-Carotene 2.34
Lycopene 242.00
Zeaxanthin 84.00
Lutein 416.00
Vitamin C 1020.00
Catechin 2.00
Epicatechin 0.20
Epicatechin Gallate 0.10
Catechin Gallate 0.20
Gallocatechin 0.50
Epigallocatechin 0.20
Gallocatechin Gallate 0.10
Epigallocatechin Gallate 0.10
Vitamin B2 9.03
Vitamin B3 21.50
Vitamin B5 6.31
Alpha-tocopherol 567.86
Beta-Tocopherol 4.77
Gamma-tocopherol 12.03
Delta-tocopherol 0.95
Tocotrienol Not detected
ORAC-hydro 522 micromole TE/g
Total Phenolics 30.50 mg/g
Total ellagic acid Below quantifiable levels
Total Bioflavonoids 19.83 mg/g
Note: The above data is available on signed Brunswick Laboratories Certificates of Analysis.
Dried leaves and dried fruit were sent to NPA Laboratories to test for PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone). The nutrient was not found in the leaves, but the fruit contained 17.9 mcg/g.
Nutrient data from the 2009 and 2010 Specialty Crop Grants are summarized as follows:
ORAC
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity), is a valid measure of a food’s antioxidant potential. It is a measure of the food’s free radical absorption capacity. ORAC values for dried wolfberry fruit are characteristically higher than that of pomegranate. Phoenix Tears fruit tested in 2009 had ORAC values in the range of most reported wolfberry ORAC values. However, dried leaves tested in 2009 and again in 2010 had incredibly high scores. The 2009 leaves, which were harvested in the fall, had an ORAC value of 456 micromoles TE/ gram. The 2010 leaves were harvested early summer, and had a value of 522 micromoles TE/gram. These values are for only the water-soluble ORAC component. Two recent, high ORAC products introduced to the market are chokecherry at 160 and elderberry at 147. Pomegranate is about 100 on the ORAC scale. None of these is anywhere near the level of the Phoenix Tears leaves. The only other foods found with higher scores are spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and oregano. Most high antioxidant foods such as blueberries and blackberries have an ORAC score of less than 100.
Clearly, dried wolfberry fruit and leaves have far more antioxidant potential than most foods, and have the potential to block the free radical damage that leads to cellular mutation and cancer.
Phenolics
The presence of polyphenols in wolfberries may compound their antioxidant roles. Blueberries, red grapes, and green tea are often referred to as having high phenolic content, contributing to their high antioxidant potential. The combination of ORAC, phenolics, and carotenoids in wolfberries, present a very compelling case for obtaining antioxidant action from a single food source. Among common fruit, the highest phenolic contents are found in plums and cherries (28 mg/g). Phoenix Tears wolfberry leaves tested in 2010 had a total phenolic content of 30.50 mg/g. Wolfberry and green teas have comparable phenolic content, but the wolfberries contain no caffeine.
Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid is another important wolfberry fruit nutrient. Dried fruit tested in 2009 had an ellagic acid content of 11.92 mcg/g. Leaf tests in 2010 were negative for ellagic acid. There are some claims that ellagic acid can play a role in preventing some cancers.
Bioflavonoids
Phoenix Tears leaves were tested for total bioflavonoids in 2010, with a result of 19.83 mg/g. There are many different bioflavonoids. They are largely responsible for the colors of many flowers and fruits. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also can play a role in modifying the body’s response to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. Though there is no official RDI for bioflavonoids, one source recommends 30 mg/day. Two grams of Phoenix Tears leaves would supply more than that amount.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids occur as pigments in plants and microorganisms. Beta-carotene and alpha-carotene convert into vitamin A in metabolism. The standard food source for carotenoids is spinach, with 56 mcg/g of beta-carotene, 122 mcg/g of zeaxanthin, and 76 mcg/g of lutein. Phoenix Tears dried fruit tested in 2009 had 12.36 mcg/g of alpha and beta-carotene. Dried leaves tested in 2010 had 392 mcg/g; the leaves having values triple that of spinach.
Zeaxanthin and lutein values for dried fruit were 84 mcg/g and 41.44 mcg/g. Results for dried leaves were even higher at 84 mcg/g and 416 mcg/g, with the lutein value five times that of spinach.
Alpha and beta-carotene have anti-carcinogenic activity and zeaxanthin and lutein have been shown to protect the eyes from age related macular degeneration. A common source of zeaxanthin is egg yolk, with 200 mcg/g. Both dried wolfberry fruit and dried leaves would be an excellent cholesterol free source of these nutrients.
Lycopene is another carotenoid found in wolfberries. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, and may play a role in prostate cancer prevention. The common source of lycopene is tomato, with tomato juice having 86-100 mcg/g and ketchup with 124 mcg/g. Phoenix Tears dried fruit tested in 2009 had only .99 mcg/g of lycopene. This was unexpectedly low, as lycopene is usually associated with orange and red pigments in fruit. Even more unexpected, was the 2010 dried leaf results, with a lycopene content of 242 mcg/g, double that of ketchup, and with no sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Lycopene is not water soluble, so dried leaf tea will not contain lycopene. Use of fresh and dried wolfberry leaves for vegetables would be an excellent source of lycopene.
Catechins
The least researched, but perhaps the most important nutrient found in dried wolfberry leaves, is catechin. Catechin is made up of seven subgroups, all of which are powerful antioxidants that can block the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. Studies show that catechins influence the breakdown of fats and the production of inflammatory materials that trigger hunger. Catechins are water-soluble and are best known for their benefits in green tea. All teas contain catechins, along with chocolate and some fruits.
Catechin test results for Phoenix Tears dried leaves are as follows:
Total Catechin 2.0 microgram/gram
Epicatechin 0.2 microgram/gram
Epicatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Catechin Gallate 0.2 microgram/gram
Gallocatechin 0.5 microgram/gram
Epigallocatechin 0.2 microgram/gram
Gallocatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Epigallocatechin Gallate 0.1 microgram/gram
Betaine
Betaine is also a wolfberry signature nutrient. Phoenix Tears fruit tested in 2009 had a betaine content of 2.19 micrograms/gram for fresh fruit, 2.24 micrograms/gram for frozen fruit, and 4.61 micrograms/gram for dried fruit. Incredibly, dried leaves tested in 2009 had 19.38 mg/gram. Dried leaves tested in 2010 also had a far higher betaine content than the fruit.
Vitamins
Dried Phoenix Tears leaves tested for vitamin C in 2010 contained 1,020 microgram/gram. Oranges have a vitamin C value of 530 micrograms/gram, about half the value of the wolfberry leaves. Dried leaves also contained 2.31 microgram/gram of vitamin K. This value is about ¼ that of kale and higher than amounts found in brussel sprouts and dandelion greens.
Dried fruit was tested for some B complex vitamins with B-1 (thiamin) at 2.4 micrograms/gram, and B-3 (niacin) at 10.4 micrograms/gram. Biotin was measured at 6.8 micrograms/gram. This value is higher than that found in yeast, egg, or liver. Folic acid in dried leaves tested at 5.97 micrograms/gram. This value is double that found in liver and wheat bran.
Vitamin E values were determined for dried fruit, with measurable amounts of alpha tocotrienol (0.12 microgram/gram), alpha tocopherol (13.44 microgram/gram), gamma tocopherol (1.99 micrograms/gram), and beta tocopherol (0.65 microgram/gram). Though not extremely high values, the dried fruit had a mixture of E vitamins, an advantage over many fruits and vegetables that are largely of one type. With a total tocopherol content of 1.62 microgram/gram, the dried fruit is comparable to corn meal (1.70) and oats (1.94), but lower than for kale (8.0) and parsley (5.5), two of the richest vegetable sources of vitamin E.
Dried leaves were also tested for vitamin E content with results as follows: alpha tocopherol (576.86 microgram/gram), beta tocopherol (4.77 microgram/gram), gamma tocopherol (12.03 microgram/gram), and delta tocopherol (0.95 microgram/gram), for a total vitamin E content of 585.61 microgram/gram. At 59 mg/ 100 grams, the total tocopherol in the Phoenix Tears dried leaves are higher in vitamin E than kale and parsley, and may be the richest vegetable source of vitamin E available.
PQQ, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a recently discovered vitamin-like nutrient similar to some B vitamins and plays a role in mitochondria health. Scientists have identified mitochondria dysfunction as a key factor in aging. Mitochondria dysfunction and death are now clearly linked in the development of all killer diseases associated with aging. Recent research has documented that mitochondria dysfunction can be reversed. PQQ not only protects mitochondria from oxidation damage, it also stimulates growth of new mitochondria. The number of mitochondria, and their function, are clearly related to longevity. PQQ has emerged as the nutrient that can safely trigger mitochondria biogenesis.
A healthy diet can contribute small amounts of PQQ, with natto (fermented soybeans), green tea, green peppers and parsley as examples of foods with some PQQ. Research at present has not identified how much PQQ is needed to influence mitochondria health. Nutrient analysis of Phoenix Tears wolfberries revealed a PQQ content of 17.9 mcg/g. When compared to natto, with a value of 61 ng/g, Phoenix Tears wolfberries have 17,900 ng/g of PQQ. Five dried Phoenix Tears berries far exceed the documented amount of PQQ needed for normal cell health and probably contribute to its reputation as an anti-aging food.
PQQ is becoming available as a supplement. PQQ levels in Phoenix Tears wolfberries are comparable to some supplements, and the berries also contain a rich whole food source of many other nutrients. For the first time in scientific history, a natural compound called PQQ is available in Phoenix Tears wolfberries, with amounts sufficient to increase the functionality of existing mitochondria and also promote the generation of new mitochondria inside aging cells.
