The Zoi™ Biomedical & TCM Details

The Zoi™ is comprised of herbs, which research has shown to haveanti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, anti-aging, and disease prevention properties. 

The herbs included in The Zoi™ are known for broad therapeutic and health-enhancing properties, and have potential to prevent disease. The Zoi™ is appropriate to use in combination with conventional medical therapies, but should be discussed with your doctor.

Most of the herbs in The Zoi™ have anti-inflammatory (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14) and immune regulating effects (3, 4, 5, 12). Studies with gotu kola, specifically, have resulted in improvements in age-related conditions like hypertension, peripheral neuritis, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation and age-related cognitive decline in the elderly (14).

Cordyceps, fleeceflower, wolfberry, astragalus, bupleurum, and magnolia bark have anti-tumor functions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Cordyceps, specifically, has been used as an adjunct to conventional anti-cancer therapies in humans, supporting the immune system and body through cancer treatment. Iin animal studies, cordyceps extract has been shown to directly kill cancer cells (7,8). Bioactive components of wolfberry and magnolia bark have been reported to enhance tumor regression when used in combination with other treatments (3, 4, 9) Magnolia bark extracts have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier to exert anti-tumor effects (6), and wolfberry and bupleurum have also exhibited potential anti-tumor functions (6, 3). Astragalus has been shown to counteract side effects of chemotherapy (5).

Antioxidants(vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene and other substances) are believed to play a role in preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and macular degeneration. There is good evidence that wolfberry is rich in the antioxidants, vitamin C and zeaxanthin (3). Components of other herbs in The Zoi™ also have antioxidant functions, including fleeceflower, cordyceps, magnolia bark, astragalus and gotu kola (1, 2, 9, 10, 14). In one human study, a group of elderly took 50 g/day of wolfberry fruit for 10 days and showed significant increases in the levels of blood antioxidants (48%) and hemoglobin (12%), and a 65% decrease in lipid peroxides.

Fleeceflower and wolfberry have been shown to decrease blood sugar and lipidsin animal tests (1, 3); and wolfberry, magnolia bark and cordyceps seem to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Cordyceps, specifically, has been associated with blood cholesterol and triglyceride reduction. In one randomized trial, 95% of the patients treated with 3 g/day saw improvement in their blood sugar profiles, while the control group showed only 54% improvement with treatment by other methods (7). In another study, patients suffering from chronic heart failure were given cordycepsin combination with their conventional treatments (digoxin, hydrochlorothiaside, dopamine, and dobutamine) and reported an increase in the overall quality of life (physical condition, mental health, sexual drive, and cardiac function) compared to the control group (7). A gotu kola component was used in a human study and showed a statistically significant decrease in circulating endothelial cells, indicating positive effects on the integrity of blood vessel walls. (14). In another human study, significant impacts were noted on kidney function as measured by ankle edema, as well as positive effects on microcirculation and capillary permeability in patients (14).

Neuro-protection is an effect that may result in recovery or regeneration of the nervous system, its cells, structure and function. Wolfberry and cordyceps have exhibited some of these activities, and studies indicate wolfberry to be protective of, and regenerative to the eye(3, 9). Perhaps some of these neuroprotective functions are at the root of some of these herb’s influence on stress and anxiety. Some animal studies have shown that wolfberry protects the nervous system. Magnolia bark improves stress tolerance affecting symptoms of anxiety and depression (9, 13). Several gotu kola studies have indicated positive effects on the brain and nervous system. One double-blind, placebo-controlled human study noted anti-anxiety effects of gotu kola, and another study in elderly subjects showed significant improvements in cognition and mood with gotu kola (14).

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view:

Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum)is slightly warm, enters the HT, LIV, LU, channels; tonifies Heart Qi, nourishes Heart Blood and calms the Spirit, tonifies Lung Qi, transforms phlegm to stop cough and wheezing, tonifies Qi and nourishes Blood.

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Mushroom, Cordyceps sinensis)is slightly warm, enters the LU and KI channels; tonifies the Kidney, strengthens Yang, augments Jing, nourishes Lung Yin, transform Phlegm, and stops bleeding.

Gou Qi Zi (Ningxia Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum) is warm andenters the KI and LIV channels; tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, expels wind-damp, and warms and stabilizes the Kidney.

He Shou Wu (Fleeceflower Root, Polygoni multioflori)is warm and enters the LIV and KI channels; tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, nourishes the Blood and Jing, expels Wind from the skin, moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels, and relieves Fire Toxin.

Ji Xue Cao (Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica)is cold and enters the KI, LI, LIV, SI and SP channels; clears heat and dries damp, relieves diarrhea due to Summerheat, cools the blood and stops bleeding, clears Liver heat and benefits the eyes. 

Huang Qi (Astragalus Root, Astragalus propinquus)is slightly warm, enters the LU and SP channels; tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens Spleen and raises Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies Wei Qi and the lungs, stabilizes the Exterior, promotes urination and reduces edema, promotes discharge of pus, generates flesh and expels toxins, generates body fluids, and relieves numbness and pain.

Chai Hu (Thorowax Root, Bupleurum chinesis)is cool and enters the GB, LIV, and PC channels; relieves Shao Yang disorders, reduces fever, spreads Liver Qi, relieves stagnation, raises Yang Qi, disperses Wind-Heat and resolves phlegm.

Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, Magnoliae officinalis)is warm and enters the LI, LU, SP, and ST channels; moves Qi in the middle jiao and relieves food stagnation, promotes movement of Qi downward, dries damp, transforms phlegm, descends rebellious Qi, reduces phlegm and calms wheezing.

Jie Gu Mu (Elderberry, Sambucus nigra)enters the LU, KI and BL channels; releases the Exterior, clears heat, dries damp, tonifies Lung, expels phlegm, and promotes lactation.

Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom Root, Poriae cocos)enters the HT, SP, KI, and LU channels; promotes urination and leeches dampness, strengthens the Spleen, harmonizes the middle, quiets the Heart, calms the Shen and soothes the nerves. 

References: 

  1. Bounda, G-A., Feng. Y.U. 2015. Review of clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and its isolated bioactive compounds. Pharmocognosy Res. Jul-Sep; 7(3): 225–236. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.157957.
  2. Liu, Y., Wang, J., Wang, W., Zhang, H. Zhang, X., Han, C. 2015. The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Actions of Cordyceps sinensis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015:575063.https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/575063.
  3. Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. 2011. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Frances. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92756/.
  4. Tin, M.M.Y., Cho, C., Chan, K., James, A.E. 2007. Astragalus saponins induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenograft. Carcinogenesis.28(6): 1347–1355.https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgl238.
  5. Yang, F., Dong, X., Yin, X., Wang, W., You, L., Ni, J. 2017. Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2017: 7597596. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7597596.
  6. Woodbury, A., Yu, S.P., Wei, L., Garcia, P. 2013. Neuro-Modulating Effects of Honokiol: A Review. Front Neurol. 2013(4):130. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2013.00130.
  7. Holliday, J. 2011. On the Trail of The Yak Ancient Cordyceps in the Modern World. https://www.earthpulse.com/cordyceps_inc/cordyceps_story.pdf.
  8. Lee, H.H., Lee, S., Lee, K., Shin, Y.S., Kang, H., Cho, H. 2015. Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis. Daru J Pharm Sci.23(1):35.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40199-015-0117-6.
  9. Eliaz, I. 2 013.Honokiol Research Review A promising extract with multiple applications. Natural Medicine Journal. 5(7). https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2013-07/honokiol-research-review.
  10. Shahzad, M., Shabbit, A., Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Gobe, G.C. 2016. The Antioxidant Effects of Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus and Related Species) in Protecting Tissues from Injury and Disease. Curr Drug Targets.17(12):1331-40. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26343107.
  11. Wu, K., Fan, J., Huang, X., Wu, X., Guo, C. 2018. Hepatoprotective effects exerted by Poria Cocos polysaccharides against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Int J Biol Macromol. Jul 15(114):137-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.107. 
  12. Tiralongo, Wl, Wee, S.S., Lea, R.A. 2016. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. Apr. 8(4):182. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182.
  13. Talbott, S.M., Talbott, J.A., Pugh, M. 2013. Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sprots Nutr. 10:37. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-37.
  14. Gohil, K.,J. Jagruti, A., P., Gajjar, A.K. 2010. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 72(5): 546–556. https://doi.org/ 10.4103/0250-474X.78519.