What Is Schisandra? Other Names: Bac Ngu Vi Tu, Chosen-Gomischi, Schisandra Chinensis

What is Schisandra?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Schisandra is a genus of plants known for its medicinal properties, particularly the species Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera. These plants are widely used in traditional medicine across Asia, including countries like China, Korea, and Japan. Schisandra is renowned for its diverse health benefits, which are attributed to its rich content of lignans, polysaccharides, and essential oils. Other names include: Bac Ngu Vi Tu, Baie de Schisandra, Beiwuweizi, Bei Wu Wei Zi, Chinese Mongolavine, Chinese Schizandra, Chinesischer Limonenbaum, Chosen-Gomischi, Five-Flavor-Fruit, Five-Flavor-Seed, Fructus Schisandrae, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fruit aux Cinq Saveurs, Gomishi, Hoku-Gomishi, Kadsura chinensis, Kita-Gomishi, Limonnik Kitajskij, Mei Gee, Magnolia Vine, Matsbouza, Nanwuweizi, Ngu Mei Gee, Northern Schisandra, Omicha, Omija, Schisandra Berry, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra chinensis var. rubriflora, Schisandra Sinensis, Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra sphenanthera, Schisandrae, Schizandra, Schizandra Chinensis, Schizandre Fructus, Schzandra, Southern Schisandra, Wuhzi, Wuweizi, Wu-Wei-Zi, Western Schisandra, Xiwuweizi.

Medicinal Properties and Uses of Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis, commonly referred to as “five-flavor berry,” is celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to enhance muscle strength and mass, particularly in older adults engaging in low-intensity exercise2. Additionally, Schisandra chinensis has shown potential in improving male fertility by ameliorating testicular dysfunction and promoting spermatogenesis through the modulation of oxidative stress and hormonal balance1.

Hepatoprotective Effects

Schisandra species are also known for their hepatoprotective effects. Schisandra chinensis essential oil has been found to alleviate liver injury induced by acetaminophen by reducing oxidative stress and activating autophagy4. Similarly, Schisandra sphenanthera lignans have demonstrated protective effects against cholestasis by activating the pregnane X receptor, which helps in bile acid metabolism and liver detoxification3.

Metabolic and Anti-Aging Benefits

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis has been studied for its role in modulating gut microbiota and metabolic markers in obese individuals, although significant changes in obesity-related parameters were not observed5. Furthermore, Schisandra chinensis lignans have shown anti-aging effects in animal models by influencing metabolic pathways related to energy, amino acids, and lipids10.

Applications in Liver Disease

Schisandra extracts, such as those found in Wuzhi capsules, have been investigated for their potential in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These extracts help reduce liver steatosis and inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokines and metabolic pathways6 8. Additionally, Schisandra sphenanthera extracts have been used as a tacrolimus-sparing agent in renal transplant recipients, highlighting their role in optimizing immunosuppressant therapy9.

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Adverse Effects of Schisandra

Liver Effects: While Schisandra is noted for its protective effects against liver injury, particularly in cases of acetaminophen-induced damage1, there is limited information on adverse liver effects. It is crucial to monitor liver function when using herbal supplements, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.

Endocrine Effects: Schisandra may influence hormone levels, as seen in studies where it affected testosterone and cortisol levels in stressed rats2. This suggests potential endocrine interactions, which could be a concern for individuals with hormonal imbalances.

Immune System Modulation: Schisandra has been shown to modulate immune function, reducing stress-related immune dysfunction2. While generally beneficial, this modulation could potentially lead to immune suppression or overactivation in sensitive individuals.

Reproductive Effects: In studies on male rats, Schisandra was found to affect reproductive parameters, such as sperm count and hormone levels3. This indicates a need for caution in individuals concerned about fertility or reproductive health.

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How has Schisandra Improved Patient Outcomes?

Liver Health

Hepatitis B Cirrhosis: A hepatoprotective formula including Schisandra improved liver function, coagulation, symptom relief, treatment compliance, and quality of life in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis compared to standard antiviral therapy alone1.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Schisandra extract (Wuzhi capsule) reduced liver steatosis, inflammation, and necrosis, suggesting a protective role against NAFLD by modulating inflammatory pathways7.

Liver Function Improvement: A mixture of Schisandra extract and sesamin improved liver enzyme levels and antioxidant capacity, indicating enhanced liver function8.

Immune Function and Respiratory Health

Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: Modified Ginseng-Schisandra decoction improved immune function and trace element levels, showing higher clinical efficacy in children with spleen deficiency syndrome after recurrent infections2.

Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal Relief: Schisandra extract significantly reduced menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations, demonstrating its potential as a complementary treatment4.

Cardiovascular Health

Myocardial Infarction: Schisandrin B, a component of Schisandra, improved cardiac function and reduced inflammation and apoptosis in a mouse model of myocardial infarction, suggesting cardioprotective effects5.

Cognitive and Physical Performance

Cognitive Function: A combination including Schisandra improved attention, speed, and accuracy in stressed individuals, indicating potential cognitive benefits6.

Muscle Strength in Older Adults: Schisandra extract enhanced knee extensor strength in older adults engaged in low-intensity exercise, although it did not affect muscle mass10.

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Schisandra Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant and Anti-Apoptotic Effects

Antioxidant Activity: Schisandra chinensis enhances antioxidant potential by increasing the activities of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which help in reducing oxidative stress in pancreatic β-cells and liver tissues3 8.

Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms: It upregulates anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and downregulates pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and caspase-3, thereby protecting cells from apoptosis in various conditions, including retinal injury and Alzheimer’s disease4 9.

Metabolic Pathway Modulation

Energy and Lipid Metabolism: Schisandra chinensis lignans influence metabolic pathways related to energy, amino acids, and lipids, which contribute to its anti-aging effects1.

Bile Acid Metabolism: Lignans from Schisandra activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), enhancing bile acid metabolism and providing protection against liver cholestasis5.

Anti-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Effects

Endothelial Function: Schisandrin, a component of Schisandra, improves endothelial function by modulating RhoA and eNOS activity, which increases nitric oxide production and enhances vascular health6.

Atherosclerosis Prevention: The combination of Schisandra chinensis with other herbs modulates pathways like Nrf2, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are crucial in preventing atherosclerosis10.

Neuroprotective Effects

Memory and Cognitive Function: Schisandra chinensis improves memory impairment in Alzheimer’s models by modulating apoptosis-related pathways and enhancing neuronal survival9.

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Common Complaints Associated with Schisandra Use

Lack of Adverse Events: In a study examining the effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on muscle strength in older adults, no adverse events were reported over a 12-week supplementation period. This suggests that, at least in this context, Schisandra chinensis is well-tolerated and does not commonly cause negative side effects1.

Liver Protection: Another study focused on Schisandra chinensis essential oil’s protective effects against liver injury, indicating its potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation without mentioning any adverse effects. This further supports the notion that Schisandra chinensis is generally safe for use2.

Testicular Health: Research on Schisandra chinensis’s effects on testicular dysfunction in rats also did not report any adverse effects, highlighting its safety in improving reproductive health and reducing oxidative stress3.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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