Family

Solanaceae

Genus

Lycium

Common Name

Hei Gou Qi

Plant Figure

Description

Lycium ruthenicum belongs to the Lycium genus of the Solanaceae family; these species are widely distributed in the arid and semiarid areas of northwestern China and have been extensively used as traditional medicine plants in China for thousands of years. The fruit of L. ruthenicum is a very important agricultural and biological product, with the advantages of having both medicinal and nutritional functions. For instance, the fruit can be used for enhancing eyesight, curing heart disease, and improving abnormal menstruation. The major phytochemicals in the black fruit of L. ruthenicum are anthocyanins, essential oils, and polysaccharides.