Schisandra chinensis
(Wu wei zi)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Adaptogen
• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
• Builds strength
• Cholagogue
• Hepatoprotective
• Immunomodulator
• Increases brain efficiency
• Increases mental alertness
• Increases work capacity
• Liver restorative
• Lowers blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)- lignan content
• Lung tonic
• Reduce the cytotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine on cultured rat liver cells

Clinical Indications:

• Asthma
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Hepatitis
• Insomnia
• Immunodeficient states
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Prolonged diarrhea

Contraindications:

• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure
• Peptic ulcers
• Pregnancy except under medical supervision to promote uterine contractions during labor

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Acids
• Essential oils
• Lignans:
  
  Deoxyschizandrin
  Gomisin A (liver protective effects by functioning as antioxidants to prevent the lipid peroxidation produced by harmful substances such as carbon tetrachloride
  Pregomisin
  Schizandrin
  Wuweizisu (liver protective effects by functioning as antioxidants to prevent the lipid peroxidation produced by harmful substances such as carbon tetrachloride

Toxicity:

• Uncommon but may include:
  
  Abdominal upset
  Decreased appetite
  Skin rash

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).