I am a compulsive reader of ingredients. Lately, I've noticed something
called "wolfberry" as a constituent of various energy drinks; it often
seems to appear in conjunction with ginseng and guarana.
It turns out that wolfberry is a traditional food and herb used by the
Chinese since the Tang Dynasty (1000 - 1400 A.D.). Wolfberries were thought
to aid longevity and good health; modern research and analysis has confirmed
that wolfberry is indeed high in antioxidants. Many people believe that
antioxidants help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body;
this free radical damage is often implicated as one of the main causes of
visible signs of aging.
Wolfberry can be used as an ingredient in tea, soup, or stew, and the fruits
themselves can also be dried and eaten as a snack. The taste is said to be slightly
bitter, but with a hint of sweetness. The bitterness can be removed by cooking
with white clay, as was the practice of Native Americans who employed wolfberry
in their diet and medicine. Wolfberry is a member of the nightshade family,
though it is not poisonous. (Tomatillos and chili peppers are also members
of the nightshade family). No toxic side effects have been reported
from the consumption of this plant.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, wolfberry is a herb that supports
the yin energy of the body, notably the liver and kidneys. Modern medicine
has established that compounds in wolfberry can enhance phagocytosis, support
the immune system, lower blood pressure, and produce "estrogen-like" effects.
As well as being taken internally, wolfberry is often used in topical
applications for its antiseptic and analgesic effects. Its extracts can
help clean cuts and soothe toothaches.
Research notwithstanding, I am aware that energy drinks are mostly sugar
and water, and that herbal ingredients in such beverages are superfluous at
best. If you are interested in procuring wolfberry for its purported health
benefits, it would be best to see your local health food store or Chinese
herbalist, or visit one of a number of web sites that offer the berries
and extract.
References:
http://www.chemfreenow.com/ancient/
http://dine.sanjuan.k12.ut.us/heritage/land/plants/pj/wolfberry.htm
http://www.foodsnherbs.com/new_page_48.htm
http://www.e2121.com/herb_db/viewherb.php3?viewid=554