Schisandra henryi
What's the taxonomical classification of Schisandra henryi?
Schisandra henryi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Austrobaileyales. The plant is a member of the family Schisandraceae, falling under the genus Schisandra, and is specifically identified by the species name henryi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Austrobaileyales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Schisandra |
| Species | henryi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Schisandra henryi has woody climbing vines characterized by opposite, ovate to elliptic leaves that measure approximately 5 to 15 centimeters in length and possess entire margins. The foliage typically exhibits a glossy texture on the upper surface with a paler underside. During the flowering season, small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers emerge from the leaf axils. These flowers eventually develop into clusters of fleshy, bright red schizocarps that split into several distinct one-seeded segments. The overall structure of the plant allows it to scramble over other vegetation in its forest habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the mountainous subtropical and temperate forest regions of central and southern China. It primarily flourishes in provinces such as Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang. Its habitat typically consists of shaded areas within deciduous or evergreen broad-leaved forests. The species is often found growing on slopes or in valleys where the soil remains moist and well-drained. This specific range limits its natural occurrence to these distinct East Asian ecological zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires a semi-shaded environment with moist, well-draining acidic soil and consistent humidity to thrive during its cultivation.
It is a woody climbing vine that benefits significantly from being supported by a trellis or nearby trees for vertical growth. Growers must ensure regular watering to prevent the root systems from drying out, especially during warmer seasons. Providing dappled sunlight helps mimic its natural forest understory habitat while preventing leaf scorch.
Successful cultivation ultimately depends on maintaining stable soil moisture and protecting the delicate root zone from extreme temperature fluctuations.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Schisandra henryi provides medicinal benefits through the use of its fruits, leaves, and stems. The red fruits are the most commonly harvested part and are frequently employed in traditional remedies to improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Both the leaves and the stems contain bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic properties. These vegetative parts are often processed into decoctions or extracts to address various health concerns. Utilizing the entire structure of the plant allows for a broader range of medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the stems, roots and fruits of Schisandra medicinal plants are used to determine the contents of 9 lignans. The fruits of Schisandra contain percent contents of lignans ranging from 0.52% to 1.96%, while the stems of 11 species contain 0.02% to 1.51%. Specifically, (+)-anwulignan was present in the fruits of S. henryi with a percentage of 0.77%. The fruits of Schisandra have higher lignan contents than the roots and stems.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruits
- leaf
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Schisandra henryi has been utilized for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments related to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Practitioners historically employed the dried fruit to nourish the liver and calm the spirit, often prescribing it to address symptoms like dizziness or palpitations. In many regional practices, the woody stems and roots were also integrated into herbal formulas to stabilize bodily functions and improve overall vitality. Its historical reputation centers on its ability to tonify the organs and manage exhaustion through its adaptogenic properties. This long-standing medicinal application underscores its importance in ancient botanical pharmacopeias across East Asia.
According to a study published by "Applied microbiology and biotechnology", Schisandra henryi is an endemic species of medicinal potential known from traditional Chinese medicine. The agar microshoot culture showed a maximum total phenolic content of 229.87 mg/100 g DW, while the agitated culture reached a maximum total content of 22.82 mg/100 g DW. Using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the maximum total phenolic content measured for the agar microshoot culture was 1240.51 mg GAE/100 g DW. This specific agar microshoot culture also demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential with 90% of inhibition and 59.31 nM/L TEAC. These findings regarding the polyphenol profiling and antioxidant potential indicate the high therapeutic potential of this species.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Schisandra henryi?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-apoptotic properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals to reduce oxidative stress within various biological systems. The plant demonstrates hepatoprotective effects by shielding liver cells from chemical damage and toxicity. Additionally, its neuroprotective qualities assist in maintaining neuronal integrity and supporting brain health. Finally, the anti-apoptotic actions work to prevent programmed cell death in damaged or stressed tissues.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Schisandra henryi possesses a chemical composition dominated by lignans, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and nortriterpenoids. Scientific studies have confirmed the most valuable hepatoprotective and hepatoregenerative pharmacological properties of its specific lignans. This plant also demonstrates anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-osteoporotic effects. Furthermore, these properties are applied for the treatment of intestinal dysfunction.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- hepatoprotective
- neuroprotective
- anti-apoptotic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds deoxyschisandriin, epischisandrone, ganshisandrine, henriciines A, and henriciines B. These specific lignans and alkaloids are responsible for much of the plant's pharmacological activity. Researchers have studied these substances to understand their potential effects on the central nervous system and metabolic processes. The presence of henriciines A and B distinguishes this species from other closely related plants in the Schisandra genus. Understanding the chemical profile of these constituents is essential for developing standardized herbal extracts.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin", the stems of Schisandra henryi contain two new lignans named henricines A (1) and B (2). These two new compounds were isolated along with eight known lignans from the plant. The eight known lignans identified are ganshisandrine (3), wulignan A(2) (4), epiwulignan A(1) (5), deoxyschisandrin (6), wulignan A(1) (7), epischisandrone (8), schisantherin A (9), and schisandrol A (10). The structures of these new compounds were determined using spectral analysis including 1D and 2D NMR experiments.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ganshisandrine
- henriciines A
- henriciines B
- henryinins A-E
- schisantherin A
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing various forms of cancer including cervical cancer, gastric cancer, and ovarian cancer, as well as addressing the symptoms of skin aging. Researchers study its bioactive compounds to determine how they might inhibit the growth of malignant cells in these specific areas. The medicinal properties of the plant are also explored for their potential to protect skin tissue from oxidative damage and premature aging. By utilizing its antioxidant effects, it may help maintain skin elasticity and reduce visible signs of aging. These diverse applications highlight its importance in traditional and experimental therapeutic studies.
According to a study published by "Chinese medicine", Schisandra henryi is part of the Schisandra genus containing plants used for their myriad health benefits, including anticancer properties. Research conducted from 1980 to 2023 shows that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from this genus demonstrate anticancer effects by triggering apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle, and inducing oxidative stress. These compounds can modulate autophagy and disrupt essential signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Furthermore, they have shown the potential to amplify traditional chemotherapy treatments and target cancer stem cells to mitigate multi-drug resistance.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- cervical cancer
- gastric cancer
- ovarian cancer
- skin aging
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Schisandra henryi, a medicinal species used to create various herbal preparations such as concentrated extracts, decoctions, and powders. These preparations often leverage the plant's bioactive compounds to support physiological functions and overall wellness. Extracts are particularly common because they allow for a standardized dosage of the plant's essential lignans. Many traditional formulations involve boiling the dried fruit to create a therapeutic tea or liquid decoction. Practitioners frequently combine these different forms to tailor the treatment to specific patient needs.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the phytochemical profile of Schisandra henryi tissue extracts includes fifteen dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, one aryltetralin lignan, and two neolignans. The maximum total lignan content of 1289 µg/100 g DW was detected in extracts from suspensions cultured in a bioreactor for over 10 days. Regarding phenolic compounds, catechin was the dominant compound at 390.44 mg/100 g DW. These extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant ability to reduce free radicals and showed inhibition activity on the enzymes hyaluronidase and tyrosinase. Furthermore, the extracts showed anticancer potential, particularly on cervical and gastric cancer cells such as HeLa and AGS.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause various adverse reactions including nausea, digestive upset, insomnia, dizziness, hypertension, and irritability. Some users may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or a feeling of sickness shortly after consumption. Changes in sleep patterns such as insomnia can occur when the plant is taken too frequently. Neurological symptoms like dizziness and heightened irritability may also manifest in certain individuals. Additionally, people monitoring their blood pressure should be cautious as the plant is linked to hypertension.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Digestive upset
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Hypertension
- Irritability
What herbs are paired with Schisandra henryi?
This plant is commonly paired with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Panax ginseng, and Polygonatum odoratum to enhance its tonifying effects on the liver and kidneys.
These combinations are specifically designed to nourish the yin and support blood production within traditional formulas. Practitioners often include Schisandra henryi alongside Fu ling to help stabilize the spirit and calm the mind. By blending it with other adaptogens, the synergy helps to balance the body's internal essence more effectively.
Such pairings aim to mitigate the drying nature of certain herbs while maximizing the overall restorative benefits of the formula.