Goji Berries - Lycium barbarum Regularly eating a small serving of dried goji berries may help prevent or delay the development of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, in healthy middle-aged people, according to a small, randomized trial conducted at the University of California, Davis. [ EYE HEALTH AND VISION SCIENCE January 13, 2022 – Sacramento UC Davis] Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related macular degeneration - Study shows small serving of the fruit increased protective pigments in the eye. ]
Goji berries are a source of numerous bioactive components, such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolics. These molecules can be isolated from goji berries and further used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As Yu, Wu, and Niu (2009) demonstrated, LBP extract exhibited supporting effects on plasma lipids and the risk of cardiovascular diseases to the elderly [84]. In addition, based on the observed hypoglycemic activities and increased HDL concentration, after three months of supplementation (300 mg/day), LBP has been considered as a prominent adjuvant therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes [89]. Although several mechanisms may account for these effects, there is a finding that the water goji berries extract exerted antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects by controlling the expression of inflammatory mRNAs in overweight and hypercholesterolemia-suffering subjects. [Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Jan 27;11(2):248. doi: 10.3390/antiox11020248 PMCID: PMC8868247 PMID: 35204130] Health Benefits and Applications of Goji Berries in Functional Food Products Development: A Review.
Paeonia lactiflora – (Bai Shao) Chinese White Peony White peony's key compound paeoniflorin has documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, helping regulate the production of inflammatory mediators, and the herb is studied for immune-regulating and hormone-balancing support. [Linden Botanicals, summarizing Frontiers in Pharmacology research] Total glucosides of peony have also been studied in a systematic review and meta-analysis for safely reducing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus, reflecting the depth of modern research on this herb (though that specific application is unrelated to this formula's intended use). [Chen et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022] Paeonia lactiflora is prized in TCM for its phytoestrogen compounds found in the root to regulate hormonal imbalances, and promote menstrual support by soothing menstrual cramps, reduce bloating and relieve muscle spasms, and manage menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, anxiety and mood swings. In TCM it is traditionally considered a premier blood tonic used to nourish the liver blood, support hepatic detoxification and promote healthy gut microbiome.
Schisandra chinensis berries - Organic Changbai Wu Wei Zi A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 36 women (ages 40–70) found a standardized Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30) significantly reduced menopausal symptoms — particularly hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations — measured via the Kupperman Index, over a 12-week follow-up. Citation: Park JY, Kim KH. "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms." [Climacteric. 2016 Dec;19(6):574-580] Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27763802/
A second RCT in postmenopausal women examined Schisandra's effect on quadriceps muscle strength and lactate/fatigue markers. Citation: Effect of Schisandra chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7177795/
A systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis (54 animal studies) supports Schisandra's hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, though this portion of the evidence is animal-only. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12358260/
Dang Gui - Angelica sinensis Modern pharmacological research shows Angelica sinensis polysaccharides can promote hematopoiesis (blood cell production) and have immunoregulatory effects, providing a biomedical basis for its traditional Blood-tonifying reputation. Angelica sinensis is referred to as the “female ginseng,” a blood tonic promoting red blood cells to support fatigue and general blood deficiency; and improves blood circulation in the abdomen and pelvic cavity to support women’s reproductive health, regulate healthy menstrual cycles, PMS, menopausal transitions, and relieve pain. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming and relaxing properties due to its active compounds found in the root, called ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide. A cerebral infarction pharmacology review similarly notes the herb is used to enrich blood, promote circulation, and modulate the immune system, with anti-arteriosclerotic and antioxidant properties documented in research. [Wu & Hsieh, Chinese Medicine journal, 2011]
Dang Shen - Codonopsis root Is traditionally used to strengthen the middle burner, increase Qi, nourish Blood, and address fatigue, diminished appetite, and breathlessness, and its polysaccharides are studied as natural immunomodulators. [Frontiers in Immunology review, 2026] A broader mechanism review found significant pharmacological effects on immune function regulation, cardiovascular protection, and nervous system function. [PMC systematic review] Codonopsis pilosula is an adaptogen traditionally used to address chronic fatigue, increase stamina and endurance, helping the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Clinically research reveals it supports digestion, nutrient absorption and strengthens stomach and pancreatic functions. Clinical studies indicate it helps mitigate oxidative stress, regulates blood sugars, decreases insulin resistance and lipids levels.
Sou Yang - Cynomorium songaricum Traditional Chinese medicine CSR remains an outstanding kidney yang and tonifying remedy. Additionally, it nourishes the essence and blood, as well as moistening the intestines and bowel movements. Consequently, several traditional CSR prescriptions have been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as modern clinical medications. Various active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides may be the molecular basis for CSR pharmacological activity. A portion of the 98 compounds isolated from CSR have pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiviral, and anti-diabetic properties, etc. However, most studies involving CSR main focus on simple validation of its effectiveness in extract administration requires more clinical research. [Molecules 2024, 29(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29050941Submission received: 16 January 2024 / Revised: 12 February 2024 / Accepted: 13 February 2024 /Published: 21 February 2024] Research Progress in Traditional Applications, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Safety Evaluation of Cynomorium songaricum.
Aging is highly correlated with the progressive loss of physiological function, including cognitive behavior and reproductive capacity, as well as an increased susceptibility to diseases; therefore, slowing age-related degeneration could greatly contribute to human health. Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CS) is traditionally used to improve sexual wellness and treat kidney dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicine, although little is known about whether CS has effects on longevity. Here, we show that CS supplementation in the diet extends both the mean and maximum lifespan of adult female flies. The increase in lifespan with CS was correlated with higher resistance to oxidative stress and starvation and lower lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) levels. Additionally, the lifespan extension was accompanied by beneficial effects, such as improved mating readiness, increased fecundity, and suppression of age-related learning impairment in aged flies. These findings demonstrate the important antiaging effects of CS and indicate the potential applicability of dietary intervention with CS to enhance health and prevent multiple age-related diseases. [Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012 Jul 15;2012:735481. doi: 10.1155/2012/735481 PMCID: PMC3403692 PMID: 22844336] The Yang-Tonifying Herbal Medicine Cynomorium songaricum Extends Lifespan and Delays Aging in Drosophila.
Longan berries - Dimocarpus longan Are Polyphenol-rich plants (berries, flowers and seeds), known to benefit health and well-being. Recent studies have revealed that many Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) are rich sources of polyphenols, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Clinical trial studies in Asia have revealed their positive findings in the outcome of Dimocarpus longan for some chronic diseases, including cancer. Longan flowers and seeds, are traditionally used for relieving pain and urinary diseases in Asia. Other studies claim that due to the rich amounts of polyphenolic species exhibiting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, these extracts could be applied to support treatment in diabetes and cancer. [World J Exp Med. 2012 Aug 20;2(4):78–85. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v2.i4.78 PMCID: PMC3905590 PMID: 24520538] Potential roles of longan flower and seed extracts for anti-cancer
The fruit of Dimocarpus longan is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for promoting blood metabolism, soothing nerves, and relieving insomnia [8]. Longan pericarp tissues contain high amounts of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides [9, 10], and exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties [7, 11, 12]. [Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012 Aug 26;2012:709483. doi: 10.1155/2012/709483 PMCID: PMC3433710 PMID: 22966244] Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Pericarp
