SCHIZANDRA
Schisandra, or schizandra, is the dried ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (family Schisandraceae), a vine native to China. Its ancient folkloric use in China was as an antiseptic, astringent, tonic, and the like. During the last decade or so, Chinese doctors began using the medication to treat hepatitis, and a few studies have been done on its potential for liver-protective effects and the nature of its active constituents. Western herbalists recommend schisandra as an "adaptogen," an agent supposedly capable of increasing the body's resistance to disease, stress, and other debilitating processes. Schisandra is said to "increase energy, replenish and nourish viscera, improve vision, boost muscular activity and affect the energy cells of the entire body." One marketer claims that its schisandra product can "help to combat damage that can lead to premature aging." Another notes that its product is "'capable of providing a more healthy, active and longer lifespan." Schisandra ads also claim that it is effective against premenstrual syndrome, stimulates immune defenses, balances body function, normalizes body systems, boosts recovery after surgery, protects against radiation, counteracts the effects of sugar, optimizes energy in times of stress, increases stamina, protects against motion sickness, normalizes blood sugar and blood pressure, reduces high cholesterol, shields against infection, improves the health of the adrenals, energizes RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells, and "produces energy comparable to that of a young athlete." Limited studies of schisandra's effects have been carried out in small animals. An investigation conducted by L. Volicer and colleagues in Czechoslovakia in 1966 noted that the medication had a stimulating effect in low doses, but this was reversed with large doses. These actions are similar to those of nicotine. The constituents responsible for the liver-protective effects of schisandra are apparently lignans-molecules composed of two phenylpropanoid units. More than thirty of these have been isolated from schisandra, some twenty-two of which were tested in 1984 by the Japanese investigator H. Hikino for their ability to reduce the cytotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine on cultured rat liver cells. Most were found effective, and some were quite active. However, when galactosamine was used as a cytotoxic agent, the protective effects of the lignans were reduced at higher doses. Dr. Hikino concluded that the lignans of schisandra were themselves toxic to the liver when administered in large doses over a long period of time. Subsequently, Japanese researchers have investigated the mechanism by which two of the lignans, wuweizisu C and gomisin A, exert their liver-protective effects. They found that both compounds functioned as antioxidants, thereby preventing the lipid peroxidation produced by harmful substances such as carbon tetrachloride. Since lipid peroxidation leads to the formation of harmful lesions in the liver, the two compounds did indeed exert a protective influence. In the 1990s, several additional pharmacological studies have been published on the effects of schisandra or its isolated compounds on various parameters of liver function and/or protection. Human studies are absent in languages accessible to most American scientists. However, the reported evidence to date on the stimulatory and liver-protective role of schisandra is somewhat equivocal and certainly preliminary in nature. To determine whether schisandra has practical value as a medication, long-term studies of safety and effectiveness at various dose levels--first in animals and ultimately in human beings--are definitely needed. PARTS USED Fruits. USES Tonic - Schisandra is a major tonic herb and acts throughout the body, strengthening and toning many different organs.Sexual stimulant - Probably best known as a sexual tonic for both men and women, schisandra reputedly increases the secretion of sexual fluids and, in men, it also improves sexual stamina.Liver treatment herb - Schisandra has proven benefits for the liver, and is used in the treatment of hepatitis and poor liver function. Sedative - Although a stimulant, schisandra is used in Chinese medicine to "quiet the spirit and calm the heart." It is given for insomnia and dream disturbed sleep, and is a fine example of how adaptogenic herbs often work in apparently contradictory ways to restore normal body function. Mental & emotional remedy - In China, schisandra berries have traditionally been prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as neuroses. They are also given to improve concentration and coordination, and are a traditional remedy for forgetfulness and irritability. Schisandra's effectiveness for treating these problems has now been borne out by research. Respiratory infections - Schisandra is used in the treatment of respiratory infections such as chronic coughs, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Balancing fluid levels - Schisandra is used to tone up and strengthen kidney function and to help the body to balance levels of fluid, making it helpful for treating night sweats, thirst, and urinary frequency. Skin rashes - Recently, Chinese herbalists have started to use schisandra to treat urticaria (hives) and other skin problems, including eczema. It is usually given for these conditions in the form of a medicinal wine. Additional uses - Schisandra is used for a wide variety of other physical disorders, including diarrhea and dysentery, as well as to help improve failing sight and hearing.
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