Red Scisandra berries on yellow background

What is Schisandra chinensis?

Schisandra chinensis& nbsp; is likely to become a new generation of hot herbs! This ancient berry plant has recently attracted much attention from modern plant pharmacology because of its many health benefits to digestive, nervous and body defense systems. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis is the dried mature fruit of Schisandra chinensis in Magnoliaceae. It is native to China, Russia and South Korea. Like grapevines, this woody vine grows vertically around other trees and is suitable for growing in cold climates. Schisandra plants grow for four to five years to produce clusters of small red berries. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis is used as an herbal prescription in many cultures and is therefore cherished. In Russia, Schisandra chinensis, as an herbal adaptor, may be used to treat cardiovascular disease, regulate stress and relieve adrenal fatigue. In China, Schisandra chinensis has a long history as a prescription. & nbsp

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis is also known as Schisandra chinensis. The high-quality berries are large, fleshy, purplish red and bright, can extract edible oil, and are named for their fragrance and flavor. & nbsp

Benefits of Schisandra chinensis in traditional Chinese medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Schisandra chinensis has the effect of strengthening the body, and its benefits benefit many ways, and it is regarded as the top grade of Chinese herbal medicine.

Schisandra chinensis can be used not only as a unilateral preparation, but also often combined with other herbs as a compound preparation. Like other herbal prescriptions, the processing method and dosage of Schisandra chinensis are closely related to its efficacy, and even as important as selecting the right symptomatic herbal prescription. & nbsp

Traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to eating five flavors, each taking its favorite five internal organs, that is to say, five flavors can be attributed to each body organ and help its unique function. According to records, Schisandra chinensis has the name of Schisandra chinensis because of its sweet and sour flesh, hard work in the core and salty taste. Regular use of Schisandra chinensis can replenish the qi of the five internal organs, and the five internal organs have both five flavors:

  • Spleen: gan & nbsp
  • Liver: acid
  • Heart: suffering
  • Lung: Xin
  • Kidney: salty

Each of the five flavors helps to balance the function of the organs, and then reconcile the body and mind and nourish the spirit. There is a saying in the Compendium of traditional Chinese Medicine: “Acid and salt enters the liver and the kidney supports, hard work enters the heart and tonifies the lungs, and is willing to enter the middle palace to benefit the spleen and stomach.” & nbsp

As Schisandra chinensis has many health benefits, it has a wide range of traditional uses, such as lung cough relief, fixed and dense hair, relieving diarrhea and dysentery, to name but a few. Schisandra chinensis has always been used as a cough relieving and antidiarrheal prescription. As traditional Chinese medicine takes the characteristics of prescriptions as the method of visceral meridians, Schisandra chinensis can be said to be a good prescription that affects the overall health of the whole body. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis may act on sympathetic and central nervous system through various mechanisms, and may have positive effects on gastrointestinal tract, body defense, endocrine, respiratory and cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that Schisandra chinensis may help to slow down the oxidative stress response, which in turn may relieve the inflammatory response and prevent damage to healthy tissues and organs. & nbsp

Schisandra releases a fatty acid called arachidonic acid into the blood, which may have a positive effect on blood vessels, muscles and compounds that relieve inflammatory reactions. It helps to form a more efficient and healthier cardiovascular system by optimizing blood circulation and affecting blood cells, blood vessels and soft tissue. These significant health benefits allow Schisandra chinensis to benefit the body’s overall endurance, motor function, flexibility, fertility, stress management and emotional performance. & nbsp

In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis not only has the effects of warming body, relieving cough and strengthening liver, but also has the function of calming the heart and tonifying kidney qi, so it ranks among the best among many kinds of multi-functional herbal prescriptions.

Application in traditional Chinese Medicine & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis is regarded as a kind of nbspAdaptor& nbsp; and energy enhancement components. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis can be used to stimulate the central nervous system, is beneficial to nourishing the liver and supporting the liver, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis is a kind of herbal prescription which can consolidate the root and cultivate the yuan, and it is also a common ingredient in the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine. This kind of prescription is often used for all kinds of diseases with abnormal excretion of body secretions. & nbsp

For example, Schisandra chinensis is commonly used to repair diarrhea, breathing and lung problems, frequent or leaking urination, spontaneous sweating, sleep disorders, dreaminess, thirst, irritability and forgetfulness. However, to solve the root causes of these symptoms, it is more difficult to rely solely on Schisandra chinensis. As Schisandra chinensis has the nature of acerbity and astringency, and is often compatible with each other, when the body surface evil is not solved, dampness and heat stagnation, should also be taken carefully. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis and cognitive function

Studies have shown that Schisandra chinensis may contribute to neurogenesis. The polyphenols contained in Schisandra chinensis are called lignans, which may contribute to the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases and may contribute to the health of the liver and the balance of estrogens. Schisandra chinensis may also stimulate the central nervous system, strengthen memory and learning ability, and play a role in reassuring the mind and mind.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the brain is closely related to the marrow. According to traditional Chinese medicine, because the production and nutritional supplement of the brain and marrow depend on the kidney essence, if the kidney essence is sufficient, the brain and pulp will be filled, and people will be deaf, bright and energetic, and their memory and learning ability will be enhanced. The five internal organs and six viscera of traditional Chinese medicine are also called five yin and six yang. The five yin organs are heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney, which nourish the brain together.

Among them, the brain is particularly dependent on the nourishment of kidney essence. If the kidney essence is sufficient, it can constantly produce marrow and nourish the bone. if the kidney essence is deficient and fade, there may be bone marrow emptiness and limb fatigue. Therefore, mid-diagnosis to repair memory loss, often start with kidney support for essence.

Modern studies of Schisandra lignans have shown that these phytochemicals may help improve memory. A number of studies have shown that Schisandra lignans may optimize A β 1-42-induced short-term and spatial memory impairment and cycloheximide-induced memory impairment in rats. These lignans may also help regulate the hippocampus of the brain responsible for learning, memory and emotion. & nbsp

Lignans found in Schisandra chinensis, called dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, may also help strengthen cognitive function and prevent neuronal damage and Alzheimer’s disease. & nbsp

In addition, Schisandra chinensis contains a variety of organic acids and anti-oxidation ingredients, with a variety of health benefits, including: & nbsp

  • Benzoic acid-resisting bacteria
  • Citric acid-resisting bacteria and viruses
  • Malic acid-helps the body secrete saliva
  • Tartaric acid-helps digestion and improves blood glucose tolerance
  • Succinic acid-resistant bacteria
  • vitamin A& nbsp;– protects against oxidation & nbsp
  • vitamin E& nbsp;– protects against oxidation & nbsp
  • Protocatechuic acid-defense against oxidation, protection against bacteria, relief of inflammatory response and analgesia

Schisandra chinensis and sleep benefits

According to traditional Chinese medicine, “the heart is the official of the monarch”, that is, the heart dominates all emotional and mental activities, and the mind is quiet before you can close your eyes and sleep. In traditional Chinese medicine, & nbspSchisandra chinensis& nbsp; is used to calm the heart and may help relieve palpitations and insomnia. Traditionally, Schisandra chinensis is often added to compound herbal prescriptions to help prevent dreams, balance emotions and deal with anxiety. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis and renal function

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney is the “root of life” and the organ basis of the whole life activity of the human body. The kidney stores the innate vitality, that is, kidney qi. Kidney qi is divided into kidney yin and kidney yang. Those who have effects on fertility, growth and reproduction in kidney qi are called kidney yin, and the main force of all physiological processes of the body is called kidney yang. & nbsp

Generally speaking, the kidney is the root of the organs containing the essence of life, which controls the birth, growth, reproduction and development of the body. Kidney essence nourishes the bone marrow, and the brain is the convergence of the marrow, which in turn promotes the development of the brain and bones. The kidney controls the circulation of body fluids throughout the body and controls the continuous movement of kidney qi. The rise and fall of vital energy in the kidney can be seen in the ears and hair. If the kidney is full of essence, the hearing of the ear is normal and the hair is tough and dense. Kidney qi is full of spirit, strong willpower and full of motivation. & nbsp

Schisandra chinensis may have the function of tonifying kidney qi and reconciling yin and yang. Moreover, it does this by strengthening the mitochondrial function of cells and regulating the overall function of the adrenal gland to nourish hair to grow more energy. Schisandra chinensis may help to prevent frequent urinary leakage caused by kidney deficiency, slippery semen, increased secretions in private parts of women, and so on. Schisandra chinensis may also help stop diarrhea and promote hair growth. & nbsp

Cough relief benefits of Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis is often used to relieve chronic cough and asthma in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the acid in the five flavors helps nourish yin and moisturize the lungs and help nourish and relieve most lung irritation. Schisandra chinensis may also help to prevent lung qi leakage, tonify yin and kidney, and help to collect lung cough.

How to prepare Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis is usually stir-fried and can be fried over low heat until slightly scorched. However, Schisandra chinensis can also be steamed and then dried. Schisandra chinensis is sometimes prepared by honey steaming and wine steaming, and can also be mixed with honey and rice wine. However, you may find that there is no easier way to take it than nbspSchisandra chinensis& nbsp; tablets or capsules. & nbsp

Toxicity.

Schisandra chinensis can usually be taken with peace of mind according to the recommended dose. An overdose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn, stomach chills or abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. People who are sensitive to Schisandra chinensis may develop rashes on the eyelids, back of hands, chest and lower back. & nbsp

As with any herbal prescription or supplement, be sure to consult your doctor before adding Schisandra chinensis to your daily supplement regimen to ensure that it is safe to take and does not interact with other prescriptions you are taking. & nbsp

Reference:

  1. Author: Panossian A. Wikman G. Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis: an overview of the research and application of Russian prescriptions. Journal of ethnic prescription, 2008; 118 (2): 183-212. Doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.020
  2. Author: Yuan R, Sun, Gme, Gao J, et al. Schisandra fruit vinegar may reduce the level of blood lipids in rats with high fat diet. Journal of evidence-based complementary alternative Medicine 2020; 2020 7083415. Published on September 3, 2020. Study on doi:10.115/2020/7083415 Schisandra chinensis & nbsp
  3. Author: Wei B. Perry Li Q. Permie Fan R et al. Simultaneous determination of six lignans of Schisandra chinensis in brain microdialysate and homogenate of normal and insomniac rats by UFLC-MS/MS: an in-depth study of its sedative and hypnotic activity. Journal of Mass Spectrometry 2013; 48 (4): 448 Mel 458. Doi: 10.1002/jms.3176
  4. The author: Fole A. Magi Miguens M.pr. Higuera Matas A. Cocaine promotes protein synthesis-dependent LTP: the role of metabolic glutamate receptors. European Neuropsychiatric prescription Physiology 2014; 24 (4): 621 Mel 629. Doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.10.013
  5. Szopa A, Dziurka M, Warzecha, Kubica, P, Klimeklyk, Szczykutowicz, M, Ekiert H. Targeted lignin analysis of Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra chinensis extracts and their characteristics of relieving inflammatory response. Molecules 2018; 23 (12): 3103. Published on November 27th, 2018. Doi:10.3390/molecules23123103
  6. Author: Duan Hjingham GJ,Shang LJ et al. Computational pharmacology and bioinformatics methods were used to study the potential mechanism of Schisandra chinensis in alleviating atherosclerosis. Food Chemical Toxicology 2021; 150:112058.doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112058
  7. Author: Ko KM,Chiu PY. Schisandra chinensis, a herbal prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, may be the biochemical basis of its effect of “tonifying qi”. American Chinese Medical Journal 2006; 34 (2): 171-176. Doi:10.1142/S0192415X06003734