Schisandra chinensis

What is Schisandra chinensis?

Schisandra chinensis is an evergreen woody climber native to East Asia, belonging to the family Schisandraceae.

Its botanical characteristics include oval-shaped leaves with entire margins, 3-6 cm in length, and opposite or alternate arrangement on the stem. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in late spring, followed by red, purple, or blue berries in late summer and early fall. Schisandra chinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various health conditions, including coughs, fever, and digestive issues.

Its roots, stems, and berries contain schisandrins, lignans, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties.

What ailments can you heal with this herb?

The most common ailments you can heal with Schisandra chinensis are fatigue, anxiety, and hypertension, which are alleviated by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its lignans and polysaccharides.

Schisandra chinensis has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, thereby managing diabetes, and its flavonoids have been found to prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Schisandra chinensis has been proven to improve memory loss and cognitive decline by increasing blood flow to the brain and enhancing the activity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Its adaptogenic properties also help to alleviate digestive issues, cancer, and inflammation, as well as reduce stress and liver disease.

Furthermore, Schisandra chinensis has been demonstrated to decrease the risk of depression, high blood pressure, and cancer prevention, and its lignans have been found to alleviate arthritis, impotence, sleep disorders, migraines, anemia.

What are the therapeutic properties this herb?

The main therapeutic properties of Schisandra chinensis are largely attributed to its antioxidant activity, which is due to the presence of lignans and phenolic acids, enabling the plant to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

This antioxidant property is closely linked to its neuroprotective effects, as it helps to protect neurons from damage and may even prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, Schisandra chinensis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which are mediated by bioactive compounds like saponins and flavonoids that can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. The cardioprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis are also notable, as its lignans and phenolic acids have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of Schisandra chinensis are attributed to its volatile oils, which have been demonstrated to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it a potential natural remedy for various infections.

What are the medicinal constituents this herb?

The most important healing constituents of Schisandra chinensis are schisandrins, gomisin A, schisandrin B, gomisin C, and schisandrin A. Schisandrins have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while gomisin A exhibits hepatoprotective and anti-fatigue effects.

Schisandrin B has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities, and gomisin C has been found to possess hepatoprotective and anti-histamine properties. Schisandrin A has been identified as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and also exhibits immunomodulatory effects.

These constituents contribute to Schisandra chinensis' ability to protect against liver damage, fatigue, and oxidative stress, as well as modulate the immune system.

What are the main herbal preparations this herb?

The main herbal preparations of Schisandra chinensis are derived from its berries and include extract, tea, tincture, capsules and infusion.

Schisandra extract is typically standardized to contain a specific concentration of bioactive compounds such as schisandrins and schisandrins F and L, and is often used in pharmaceutical and dietary supplement applications. Schisandra tea is a traditional beverage made by infusing dried berries in hot water, which is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to enhance physical endurance and mental clarity. Schisandra tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking the berries in a solvent such as ethanol, which is often used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Schisandra capsules and infusion are also available, with the latter often being used as a more gentle and easily digestible form of the herb, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.

What are the possible side effects of using this herb improperly?

The possible side effects of using Schisandra chinensis improperly are experiencing nausea, which can occur due to the high dose of schisandrins, the primary bioactive compounds found in the plant.

Improper use may also lead to interactions with blood thinners, such as warfarin, due to its potential to increase the risk of bleeding. Furthermore, Schisandra chinensis can interact with medications like diabetes and blood pressure drugs, which may result in unpredictable changes in blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Additionally, improper use of Schisandra chinensis may trigger allergic reactions, including hives, itching, and difficulty breathing, in some individuals.

Developing allergic reactions or sensitization to Schisandra chinensis is more likely in people who have a history of allergies or sensitivities to other plants in the same family.