Methods for using wolfberry for one or more of preventing, reducing, or treating damage caused by ischemia and ischemia-like conditions; preventing, reducing, or treating strokes and damage caused by strokes; preventing, reducing, or treating alterations in brain function; preventing, reducing, or treating cognitive dysfunction syndrome; preventing, reducing, or treating mild cognitive impairment; preventing, reducing, or treating dementia; preventing, reducing, or treating a decline in social interaction; preventing, reducing, or treating age-related behavioral changes; facilitating, maintaining, and enhancing cognitive function; facilitating, maintaining, and enhancing learning and memory; facilitating, maintaining, and enhancing optimal brain function; reducing memory loss; increasing trainability; improving the quality of life; and promoting the health and wellness in an animal.