Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a deciduous, woody climbing vine that grow along mid-level and tall canopy trees. Schisandra is unique, in that the berries possess five distinct flavor properties: bitter, sweet, sour, salty and hot. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that this complex flavour pertains to the five elements, meaning it has effects on multiple meridians of the body helping to restore balanced health.  

Fact: In TCM, Schisandra is believed to benefit and optimize the three “treasures” within the body: jing, shen and chi.  

Common Names: magnolia vine, five flavour berry, five flavour fruit, northern five flavour berry, Limonnik, Maximowich’s red grape. 

Native to: There are 26 species of schisandra that are native mostly to China and Eastern Russia.  

Modern Distribution: The majority of schisandra cultivation is in China and Korea, but the plant can be grown anywhere that provides the right climate, water supply and vine-support conditions – using either using trees in agroforestry, or on stakes – similar to grape cultivation. A dioecious plant, the female plant will only fruit if pollinated by a male.  

⭐Fun Fact: A stamp of the Schisandra plant and berries was released in Russia in the 1980s! 

Parts Used – active compounds 

Schisandra berries are rich in in several compounds, including lignans, flavonoids, phenolic acids and triterpenoids 

Main Therapeutic Uses  

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Schisandra has been used for many different ailments. From building resiliency to infection, to supporting skin health, combating insomnia and increasing stamina and vitality! 

Liver Support 

Schisandra exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver regenerative effects. The principle lignan, shisandrin, has been found to enhance the activity of liver enzymes, helping to optimize detoxification processes.  The antioxidant effects or the berries are also hepato-protective.  

Adaptogenic Support 

Schisandra has been renowned for its ability to support stress resiliency, energy levels and counter fatigue – due to it adaptogenic properties. This is due to the endrocrine and immunomodulating effects.  A study involving the effect of schisandra chinesis extract showed benefits in oxidative stress and mitochondrial energy metabolism, increasing the endurance of mice swimming. 

Hormone Support 

Schisandra has shown promising results for supporting healthy hormone levels and metabolism.  

👉Fun Fact: The leaves of the Schisandra plant are also edible and are eaten as a vegetable. When crushed or cut – they release a lemony smell.  

⭐Folklore and symbolism: The fruit has been used as a symbol of beauty and longevity – and also been associated with immortality. The fruit was also carried by Siberian hunters, to help endure long, cold hunts when food was scarce.  

St. Francis Products Featuring Schisandra 

We use Certified Organic Schisandra berries in all our crafted formulas. 

References:  

NPN Use Claim: 
Used in Herbal Medicine to support the immune system and as an adaptogen for mental and physical fatigue. 

General: Rybnikář M, Šmejkal K, Žemlička M. Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications. Ceska Slov Farm. 2019 Summer;68(3):95-118. English. PMID: 31431019. 

Vitality, energy Si Zhou, Chen Haoxiang, Gu Chensi, Wang Tingting, Fan Ziluan, Evaluation of Schisandra chinensis extract on anti-fatigue activity in mice, Food Bioscience, Volume 56, 2023, 103129, ISSN 2212-4292, 

Bone loss in menopause: Kim MH, Choi YY, Han JM, Lee HS, Hong SB, Lee SG, Yang WM. Ameliorative effects of Schizandra chinensis on osteoporosis via activation of estrogen receptor (ER)-α/-β. Food Funct. 2014 Jul 25;5(7):1594-601. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00133h. PMID: 24881676.  

Ameliorative effects of Schizandra chinensis on osteoporosis via activation of estrogen receptor (ER)-α/-β – PubMed 

Liver Health Addissouky TA, El Sayed IET, Ali MMA, Alubiady MHS, Wang Y. Schisandra chinensis in Liver Disease: Exploring the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Promise of an Ancient Chinese Botanical. Arch Pharmacol Ther. 2024;6(1):27-33. 

Mechanisms and Therapeutic Promise of an Ancient Chinese Botanical. Arch Pharmacol Ther. 2024;6(1):27-33.Russian stamp : schisandra_chinensis_s.jpg (163×226)  

Schisandra Monograph — HerbRally