Boost
Your Moods
SCHISANDRA (phytoadaptogens)
chisandra chinensis
is a woody vine which bears numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries.
The vine is typically of height 15 to 25 feet and width 5 to 10 feet.
It flowers from April to May, with flowers of diameter about 1 inch.
The plant is found throughout northern and north-east China (especially
in Jilin, Lianoning, Heilongliang and Hebei) and the adjacent regions
of Russia and Korea. The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit is used medicinally.
It has a mixture of sour, sweet, salty, hot, and bitter tastes. This unusual
combination of flavors is reflected in its Chinese name wu-wei-zi, meaning
"five-taste fruit". Other names of Schisandra are "Schisandra",
"Wu-wei-zi", "Schisandra japonica", "Maximowiczia
chinensis" and "Kadsura chinensis".
Schisandra chinensis
is a plant which bears fruit containing one or more naturally-occurring
adaptogens, which have been shown to maintain the body's systemic tonicity
and balance, improve concentration and attention-span, and increase acuity
of vision and hearing. Schisandra
is one of the most effective phytoadaptogen.
ADAPTOGENS
are natural plant products that increase the body's ability
to cope with internal and external stress factors, and normalise
the functions of the body. They help maintain the stable
internal environment inside the body known as homeostasis.
An important characteristic is that they are safe, possessing
few known side-effects
|
|
|
History
The classical treatise on Chinese herbal medicine, the Shen Nung Pen Tsao
Ching, describes schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide
variety of medical conditions - especially as a kidney tonic and lung
astringent. Chinese herbalists use schisandra for coughs, night sweats,
insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion. Scientific research carried
out in Russia from the 1940s to the present has confirmed the medical
efficacy of schisandra chinensis for use in different conditions, and
has also revealed its chemical composition and mechanisms of action.
How
it works
Schisandra contains essential oils, acids and lignans which can, for
example, help to regenerate liver tissue damaged by alcohol abuse or
by hepatitis. One identified group of active ingredients is dibenzo-cyclo-octadiene
lignans (1), which appear to possess therapeutic potential against oxidative
neuronal damage induced by excitotoxins in the brain.
The herb's
adaptogenic action may help improve physical and mental performance,
relieve fatigue and build strength. Studies have shown that schisandra
is effective against the bacteria connected with lung disorders. This
herb promotes oxygen-supply for the cells, potentiates the body's immune
system, and protects against stress. Probably thanks in part to its
beneficial effects on blood-circulation, it is also said to improve
sexual performance, both increasing the man's staying power and stimulating
sensitivity in the female genitals.
Main
properties of schisandra chinensis
*Increases
physical and mental performance
*Increases acuity of vision and hearing
*Decreases eye fatigue in tasks requiring extended visual concentration
*Improves concentration and attention
*Increases physical and mental performance
*Restores strength after severe and prolonged exertion, and in convalescence
from disease
*Strengthens muscular and speed abilities in sport exercises
*Helps the body withstand such stress factors as heat, cold, noise,
emotional overloads, etc.
*Is successfully used in integrated programs for the treatment of gastrointestinal
and communicable diseases, and some mental conditions
Modern Chinese research suggests that the lignans found in schisandra
help regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral
hepatitis and alcohol. Lignans have been found to lower blood levels
of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective
hepatitis and other liver disorders. High
efficacy of schisandra chinensis has been observed in diseases of the
gastrointestinal organs (gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer), and in certain
communicable diseases, as well as in some mental conditions.
Uses
in daily life, for particular professions
Of particular interest are studies showing the beneficial effects of
schisandra chinensis on healthy subjects. Administration of schisandra
chinensis to road-transport drivers, aircraft pilots, seamen, and athletes
has been found to permit them to maintain a high level of physical performance
in stressful conditions. It has been proven to result in increased attention,
improved endurance, and rapid recovery of strength following exertion.
Selected
References:
(1)
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from schisandra chinensis protect primary
cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity.
J Neurosci Res. 2004 May 1;76(3):397-405. Courtesy of; Kim SR, Lee MK,
Koo KA, Kim SH, Sung SH, Lee NG, Markelonis GJ, Oh TH, Yang JH, Kim
YC.
(2) Natural occurrence of cancer-preventive geranylgeranoic acid
in medicinal herbs. J Lipid Res. 2004 Jun;45(6):1092-103. Epub 2004
Apr 01. Courtesy of; Shidoji Y, Ogawa H.
(3) Analysis of the essential oil of schisandra chinensis (Turcz.)
Baill. with GC/MS. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Mar;36(3):215-9. Courtesy
of; Li XN, Cui H, Song YQ, Liang YZ.
More
scientific abstracts
|
|
 |
|
Presentation:
2 x 10 tablets. 50mg Schisandra chinensis
extract and 150 mg Bilberry fruits.
|
|
 |
Schisandra
has been found useful for the following purposes
* as an adjunct to chemotherapy
* to decrease eye fatigue in extended visual tasks
* to improve vision and hearing
* to aid the immune system
and also:
* Fatigue
* Stress
* Common cold and sore throat
* Hepatitis and other liver condtions
* Neoplasms
* Diabetes
Dosage:
Schisandra fruit: 1-6 grams per day.
Or: 5 grams of fruit per 100ml (half a glass) of water.
Possible side-effects, and warnings:
Side-effects involving schisandra are uncommon,
but may include abdominal upset, decreased appetite, and skin
rash. Some herbs are known to react with other medications. Schisandra
occasionally causes heartburn. Large doses can also lead to restlessness,
insomnia, or difficulties in breathing.You are advised to consult
your physician before starting on any herbal treatment.
|
More
info about Schisandra chinensis
Scientific
abstracts
|
