Chinese Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis)

Chinese Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis) is a member of the Schisandraceae family, native to China, Russia, and Korea. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and resin have been used for decoctions, infusions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, bitter, and stimulant actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Magnolia Vine
Scientific Name	Schisandra chinensis
Plant Family	Schisandraceae
Genus	Schisandra
Species	chinensis
Native Range	China, Russia, Korea
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Bitter, Stimulant
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Schisandra chinensis
Common Name: Chinese Magnolia Vine
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Five-Fruit Vine, Schisandra Berry, Five-Flavor Berry
Plant Family: Schisandraceae
Genus: Schisandra

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 5 to 15 meters.
Leaves: Lanceolate leaves with a glossy dark green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are solitary, actinomorphic, with five white petals and five yellow stamens arranged in a single whorl
Stems: Cylindrical, woody stems with opposite branching, smooth surface, and persistent buds.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Historically regarded as a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a mild bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Stimulant: As described in traditional systems, a moderate stimulant, in energy-related contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.