Schisandra chinensis
Part Used: Dried mature berry
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries, distributed throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and Korea. The major constituents found in Schisandra are essential oils and lignans such as schizandrin, pregomisin, deoxyschizandrin, and gomisins. Modern Chinese research suggests that lignans in schisandra regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. Laboratory work suggests that Schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce fatigue. Lignans have a protective effect on the liver and an immunomodulating effect. The lignans in the berry appear to protect the liver by stimulating cells that produce much needed antioxidants. Because of its adaptogenic properties, it has been applied next to some herbal medicines like Ginseng as a stimulator for the central nervous system, increased brain efficiency, improved reflexes, and an accelerated rate of endurance. The herb is a powerful herbal energizer, anti-cold/sore throat, anti-fatigue, anti-hepatitis, liver support, anti-stress, sexual stimulant and an immune system support. Lignans in Schisandra regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. It lowers blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine Schisandra is said to nourish and tonify the kidneys, to replenish the body fluids, and to support the eyes. It is a support of healthy liver function, treatment of hepatitis, stomach and intestinal inflammation, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, night sweats and other spontaneous perspiration, nurasthenia (nervous exhaustion), sleeplessness, colds and flu, dry coughs, weak lungs and asthma, dryness and thirst caused by fever, etc.
References:
http://www.schisandra-chinensis.com/
Holistic Online. http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h323.htm
HerbalEd. http://www.herbaled.org/THM/Singles/schisandra.html
