Schisandra sphenanthera

Schisandra sphenanthera, commonly known as Schisandra, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to East Asia. Renowned in traditional medicine as an adaptogen, it is prized for its ability to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and support liver health. Its potent berries offer a unique blend of restorative properties.

  • Scientific name: Schisandra sphenanthera
  • Family: Schisandraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Austrobaileyales and the family Schisandraceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Schisandra.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Austrobaileyales WCVP
Family Schisandraceae WCVP
Genus Schisandra WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various common names depending on the language and region, such as 华中五味子 in Chinese (zh and zh-cn), 華中五味子 in Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), and schizandra oranžová in Czech (cs). In Arabic (ar), it is referred to as شزندرة إسفينية المئبر.
Language Common Name Source
zh 华中五味子 Wikidata
ar شزندرة إسفينية المئبر Wikidata
cs schizandra oranžová Wikidata
zh-cn 华中五味子 Wikidata
zh-tw 華中五味子 Wikidata
zh-hans 华中五味子 Wikidata
zh 老鼠葡萄 Wikidata
zh 五香血藤 Wikidata
zh 香石藤 Wikidata
zh 五味子 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is native to several specific regions within China. Its primary distribution includes the areas of China South-Central. Additionally, the species can be found throughout China North-Central. It also extends its range into the regions of China Southeast. Together, these three zones define the core geographical footprint of the species.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Schisandra sphenanthera, possesses several distinct morphological features that are utilized in traditional medicine. The woody stem serves as the structural foundation for its climbing habit, while the vibrant green leaves are typically arranged to facilitate photosynthesis. The reproductive success of the species is evident in its fruits, which develop into small, fleshy drupes. Both the individual fruit and the entire cluster are of interest for their medicinal properties. Furthermore, the root system is often harvested, as it contains concentrated bioactive compounds essential for therapeutic applications.
Total parts
7
Scientific sources
13
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruit 5 ★★★☆☆
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
canes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Schisandra sphenanthera has 32 reported phytochemicals identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lignans, schisantherin A, triterpenoids, SFE, Schisandrin.

Total chemicals
32
Scientific sources
36

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
lignans 3 ★★☆☆☆
schisantherin A 2 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
SFE 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Schisandrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anwulignan 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arabinose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cedrenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
deoxyschisandrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
deoxyschizandrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Schisandra sphenanthera has 7 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antitumor.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Hepatoprotective 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Schisandra sphenanthera has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, COVID-19, Drug-induced liver injury, hepatitis.

Total uses
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Alzheimer's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Drug-induced liver injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hepatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
insomnia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lung injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osteoporosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
renal transplantation 1 ★☆☆☆☆