Botanical Overview
Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as Magnolia vine, Five-flavor fruit, or Wu Wei Zi, belongs to the Schisandraceae family. This climbing vine is native to Northeast Asia, including China, Russia, Korea, and Japan. The parts used medicinally are primarily the dried fruits and seeds, occasionally leaves.
Energetics
Schisandra chinensis is traditionally considered warming in temperature and neutral in moisture. It contains the five notable tastes typical to its common name: bitter, salty, sour, and sweet. It acts with an ascending and descending directional quality and is tonifying in nature, primarily affecting the qi and body fluids.
Primary Actions
- Adaptogen
- Hepatoprotective
- Tonic
- Astringent
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Poor concentration
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Chronic liver disease
- Stress-related disorders
- Respiratory infections
TCM
- Night sweats
- Nocturnal emission
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Palpitations
Syndromes
- Lung qi deficiency
- Kidney and lung yin deficiency
- Spleen qi deficiency
Ayurveda
Unani
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemicals include lignans such as schisandrins and schisandrols, essential oils, and polyphenols, all contributing to its adaptogenic, hepatic, and antioxidant activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried fruit: 2-6 g daily
- Tincture (1:5, 40% ethanol): 2-5 mL, 1-3 times per day
- Powder: 1-3 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Schisandra chinensis is generally well tolerated. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. It is advised to use cautiously or avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Potential interactions exist with sedative medications and drugs metabolized by the liver enzymes.
Astrological Correspondences
There are no well-established planetary or elemental rulers for Schisandra chinensis according to available authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Schisandra chinensis – PFAF Plant Database
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 2, 2004
- Assessment report on Schisandrae chinensis fructus, EMA, 2016
- Pharmacological effects of Schisandra chinensis and its lignans: An overview, Panossian & Wikman, 2015
- Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020