Schisandra, Wu Wei Zi 五味子

Wu Wei Zi  五味子 (TCM)
Da trig  ད་ཏྲིག  (Tibet)
Picture Schisandra chinensis
Houtte, L. van, Flore des serres et des jardin de l’Europe, vol. 15 (1845)

Picture Schisandra chinensis
(Photo by ally j) (Wikimedia)

Picture Dried Schisandra Wu Wei Zi (Adam, 2023)

Botanical name:


Schisandra spp:
Primarily:
  1. S. chinensis
  2. S. sphenanthera (also used in Tibet)
A large number of local species are used including S. bicolor, S. glaucescens, S. henryi, S. rubriflora, S. neglecta, S. lancifolia, S. pubescens, S. viridis

Parts used:


Fruit

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry. Sour, Sweet

Classification:


R. Astringent

Uses:


1. Warms the Kidneys, Astringes Essence, Stops Diarrhea: (TCM, Tibet)
-Chronic Diarrhea from Cold and weak Spleen and Kidneys
-Spermatorrhea, Nocturnal emission, Leukorrhea from Kidney Cold and weakness
-traditionally for Edema from cold kidneys
-Menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, sweating, palpitations)
-‘nourishes the Five Viscera … helps produce Yin (Ming Yi Bie Lu)
-‘reinforces Yin and enhances male sexuality’. (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing)
-“tonifies Yuan Qi” (Li Gao)


2. Warms the Lungs, Consolidates Lung Qi, Stops Cough: (TCM, Tibet)
-Chronic Cough, Wheezing, Asthma from deficiency
-it Warms and astringes the Lungs and supports the Kidneys, therefore good for chronic conditions
-‘reinforces Qi, treat coughing with dyspnoea’. (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing)

3. Astringes Fluids:
-Excessive Sweating, Spontaneous Sweating, Night-sweating, especially with dry mouth
-Diabetes and ‘Wasting and Thirsting Disorder’ (overlaps Diabetes)

4. Consolidates Heart, Calms the Spirit:
-Insomnia, Dream-disturbed sleep
-Irritability, Palpitations, Restlessness at night
-deficiency of the Heart or poor communication between Heart Fire and Kidney Water (Heat above, Cold below)
-‘eliminates restlessness’ (Da Ming)
-more recently for Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline etc.



Dose:


Crude drug is best for Cough, the prepared fruit is best as a tonic. (Li Shi Zhen)
Decoction: 1 ½–6 grams
Powder: 500mg–2 grams

Comment:


1. Wu Wei Zi translates to ‘Five Flavor Herb’. It is regarded as having all 5 tastes: ‘The drug is sour and salty, so it functions on the Liver and tones the Kidney. It is also pungent and bitter, so it functions on the Heart and tones the Lung. Sweet as it is, it tones the Spleen and Stomach’. (Li Shi Zhen)
2. “Xian Men Zi, a duke living in Huainan, took Wu Wei Zi regularly for 16years. He looked like a pretty girl and could not be hurt by fire or water”. (Tang Shen Wei)

Preparation:


According to tradition, it is prepared for use in tonics, used raw for treating Cough. (Li Shi Zhen)
1. Dry-fried Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  Dry fry until lightly scorched. This enhances its warming effect on the Kidneys, and is most used for Diarrhea from Spleen and Kidney deficiency.
2. Steamed Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  The fruit are steamed, then sun-dried. Effect is similar to the preceding.
3. Honey-prepared Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  The fruit is stir-fry with Honey, then steamed and dried. This is more effective to Tonify the Lungs.
4. Wine-prepared Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  Stir fry in the fruit in wine, then steam. This warms and strengthens the Kidneys more effectively.
5. Vinegar-prepared Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  Stir-fry with Rice vinegar, then steam and dry.
  Most used for Cough, Spermatorrhea, Diarrhea. Research has demonstrated it to be more effective for Colitis than the unprepared fruit (see research below)
6. Ginger-prepared Schisandra Wu Wei Zi:
  Cut the fruit in half, soak in honey, then steam. Then soak in Ginger juice overnight, then remove and bake dry.
7. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi paste with Honey:
  The fresh fruit can be collected, steamed, beaten to a thin paste, then mixed with sufficient Honey to form a paste balanced with sweet and sour taste. The same can be prepared by steaming the dried fruit, then continue as above. This is good for cough and strengthens the Lungs.

Main Combinations:



Astringent:
1. Diarrhea:
i. from Cold and Weak Kidneys, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Nutmeg
ii. ‘Daybreak Diarrhea’ (early morning Diarrhea) from Kidney coldness, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Evodia Wu Zhu Yu (as in Wu Wei Zi San from Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang [Prescriptions for Universal Relief]).
ii. chronic Diarrhea or Dysenteric disorders with Kidney deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Nutmeg (Rou Dou Kou), Psoralea Bu Gu Zhi, Evodia Wu Zhu Yu (as in Four Miracle Pill [Si Shen Wan]).
2. Sweating:
i. Spontaneous Sweating from deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Astragalus Huang Qi
ii. Night-sweats, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Astragalaus Huang Qi, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong
iii. Night-sweats from Yin deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Oyster shell (Mu Li), Figwort (Xuan Shen)

Kidney Deficiency:
3. Nocturnal emission, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi simmered with Honey and taken (Wu Wei Zi Gao from Yi Xue Ru Men [Gate of Entry to Medical Studies]).
4. Kidney weakness, with pain in the waist and back, fry Schisandra Wu Wei Zi in vinegar, and form pills
5. Impotence, Spermatorrhea, weakness and pain of the Lower Back, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Cornus Shan Zhu Yu, Cuscuta Tu Si Zi and Cistranche Rou Cong Rong
6. Spermatorrhea, Premature Ejaculation, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Poria Fu Ling, Dioscorea Shan Yao, Dodder seed (Tu Si Zi), Lotus seed (Lian Zi) (as in Fu Tu Dan)
7. Leukorrhea from Yin deficiency with Damp-Heat, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Phellodendron Huang Bai, Paeonia Bai Shao mixed with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (as in Bu Shen Yi Gan Tang)

Cough, Wheezing
8. Cough and Wheezing:
i. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ephedra Ma Huang, Apricot kernel (Xing Ren)
ii. from Lung coldness, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with dry Ginger (Gan Jiang). (Li Gao)
iii. from Lung coldness, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Asarum Xi Xin, dry Ginger (Gan Jiang), Licorice
iv. from deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng, dry Ginger, Licorice
v. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi), Rehmannia Shu Di Huang (as in Bu Fei Tang, Tonify the Lungs Decoction)
vi. Chronic Cough, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Chebulic Myrobalan (He Zi), Prunus mume Wu Mei
vii. incessant Cough, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Poria Fu Ling, Asaraum Xi Xin, Licorice (as in Wu Wei Xi Xin Tang from Ji Feng Pu Ji Fang [Universal-Relief Prescriptions from Jifeng]).
viii. to constrain Lung Qi, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Paeonia Bai Shao and Licorice
ix. to constrain floating Heat that rises to cause Cough, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Gall (Wu Bei Zi
x. Yin deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Dioscorea Shan Yao, Cornus Shan Zhu Yu (as in Capital Qi Pill [Du Qi Wan)
xi. from Lung Yin and Qi deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong.
xii. from Lung Yin Deficiency, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong, added to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (called Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan)
xiii. chronic, persistent Cough, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Poppy capsule, Ginseng, Ass Hide Glu (E Jiao), Coltsfoot flower (Kuan Dong Hua), Fritillaria Chuan Bei Mu, Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi), Platycodon Jie Geng (as in Jiu Xian San)
xiv. Severe Cough with thick, sticky sputum, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Scutellaria Huang Qin, Bitter Almond (Ku Xing Ren), Fritillaria Bei Mu, Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi), Platycodon Jie Geng, Asparagus root (Tian Men Dong), Licorice, Citrus Chen Pi (as in Qing Fei Tang)
xv. obstinate Cough, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi is combined with Poppy capsule (as in Wu Wei Zi Wan from Wei Sheng Jia Bao Fang [Treasured Family Prescriptions for Health]).

Heart, Mind, Spirit
9. Heart Deficiency:
i. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng, Ophiopgon Mai Men Dong (this is available as an injection in China called Yi Qi Fu Mai injection)
ii. Overwork, mental stress, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Dang Gui, Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Polygala Yuan Zi, Salvia Dan Shen (The Formulas of Dr. John H.F. Shen)
iii. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Cinnamon, Saffron
10. Insomnia, Irritability, Forgetfulness:
i. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ziziphus Semen Suan Zao Ren, Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang, Asparagus root (Tian Men Dong)
ii. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Salvia Dan Shen, Calamus (Shi Chang Pu), Mother of Pearl (Zhen Zhu Mu) (as in An Shen Bu Xin Wan of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia)
11. Anxiety, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Rhodiola (see research below)
12. To enhance Learning and Memory, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng, Lycium Gou Qi Zi, Notoginseng San Qi (this has been studied: see below)
13. Alzheimer’s Disease:
i. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Evodia Wu Zhu Yu (this has been studied: see research below)
ii. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Ginseng (this has been studied: see research below)
iii. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Calamus (Shi Chang Pu) (this has been studied: see research below)
iv. Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Paeonia Mu Dan Pi, Dodder seed (Tu Si Zi), Lycium Gou Qi Zi.

Other
14. Fatigue during Summer, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Phellodendron Huang Bai, Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong. (Zhang Yuan Su)
15. Muscular Atrophy, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi with Eucommia Du Zhong, Ginseng

Major Formulas:


Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Bu Fei Tang
Bu Shen Yi Gan Tang
Da Ding Feng Zhu
Di Huang Yin Zi
Du Qi Wan
Er Long Zuo Ci Wan
Fu Tu Dan
Jiu Xian San
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Mai Wei Di Huang Wan
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Qing Fei Tang
Ren Shen Bu Fei Tang
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Sheng Mai San
Si Shen Wan
Tian Wan Bu Xin Wan
Tu Si Zi Wan
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Yang Xin Tang

Cautions:


1. Generally not used for exterior (acute) conditions, especially in Heat conditions.
2. Avoid overdose which may cause heartburn, abdominal discomfort

Main Preparations used:




GENERAL / REVIEW:
A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils.
Schisandra sphenanthera: A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Applications.
Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications.
An update review of extraction, purification, structural features, bioactivities, and applications of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides.
A Review of Extraction and Purification, Biological Properties, Structure-Activity Relationships and Future Prospects of Schisandrin C: A Major Active Constituent of Schisandra Chinensis.
A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera: Properties, functions and applications.
Schisandra henryi-A Rare Species with High Medicinal Potential.
Pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans from Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), a current review.

ANTI-BACTERIAL:
Separation and Identification of an Antimicrobial Substance from Schisandra chinensis Extract against Streptococcus mutans KCCM 40105 Strain.
Antibacterial Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extract on Escherichia coli and its Applications in Cosmetic.

ANTI-FUNGAL:
Extraction and Separation of Active Ingredients in Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill and the Study of their Antifungal Effects.

ANTI-VIRAL:
HEPATITIS:
Isolation and anti-hepatitis B virus activity of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis.
INFLUENZA:
Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. polysaccharide inhibits influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo.

ANTIOXIDANT:
Antioxidant Effects of Schisandra chinensis Fruits and Their Active Constituents.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cytoprotective and Antityrosinase Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extracts and Their Applicability in Skin Care Product.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil from Omija (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.) Produced by Supercritical Fluid Extraction Using CO2.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
Schisandrin C: an active compound from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil from Omija (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.) Produced by Supercritical Fluid Extraction Using CO2.
Targeted Lignan Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Schisandra rubriflora and Schisandra chinensis Extracts.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill Fruit Through the Inactivation of Nuclear Factor-κB and Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases Signaling Pathways in Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Murine Macrophages.
Identification of a novel anti-inflammatory compound, α-cubebenoate from Schisandra chinensis.

EFFECT OF PREPARATION:
Effect of vinegar steaming on the composition and structure of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide and its anti-colitis activity.

IMMUNOMODULATORY:
Immunomodulatory effect of Schisandra polysaccharides in cyclophosphamide-induced immunocompromised mice.
Schisandra polysaccharide evokes immunomodulatory activity through TLR 4-mediated activation of macrophages.
Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.
An immunostimulatory polysaccharide (SCP-IIa) from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

CYTOPROTECTIVE:
Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cytoprotective and Antityrosinase Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extracts and Their Applicability in Skin Care Product.

CARDIOPROTECTIVE:
Cardioprotective Potential of Berries of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), Their Components and Food Products.
Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides prevent cardiac hypertrophy by dissociating thioredoxin-interacting protein/thioredoxin-1 complex and inhibiting oxidative stress.
The protective effects of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract and its lignans against cardiovascular disease: a review of the molecular mechanisms.

CARDIOMYOPATHY:
Bicyclol Attenuates Obesity-Induced Cardiomyopathy via Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE:
Antihypertensive effect of gomisin A from Schisandra chinensis on angiotensin II-induced hypertension via preservation of nitric oxide bioavailability.

ANTITUSSIVE:
Antitussive activity of the Schisandra chinensis fruit polysaccharide (SCFP-1) in guinea pigs models.
Effects of Schisandra chinensis extracts on cough and pulmonary inflammation in a cough hypersensitivity guinea pig model induced by cigarette smoke exposure.

ASTHMA:
Screening of Q-markers for the wine-steamed Schisandra chinensis decoction pieces in improving allergic asthma.
Investigation of the active components and mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis in the treatment of asthma based on a network pharmacology approach and experimental validation.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Schisandra and Paeonia extracts in the treatment of asthma.

PNEUMONIA:
The Lignan-containing Extract of Schisandra chinensis Berries Inhibits the Growth of Chlamydia pneumonia.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD):
Schisandra A ameliorates cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress in lung epithelial cells.

ANTIFATIGUE:
Antifatigue Activity of Glycoprotein from Schisandra chinensis Functions by Reducing Oxidative Stress.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME:
Metabolic mechanism of a polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome.

SEDATIVE, HYPNOTIC:
Sedative and hypnotic effects of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction from Schisandra chinensis in mice.

STRESS / ANXIETY:
Raw and wine processed Schisandra chinensis attenuate anxiety like behavior via modulating gut microbiota and lipid metabolism pathway.
Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea exert an anti-stress effect on the HPA axis and reduce hypothalamic c-Fos expression in rats subjected to repeated stress.
Correlation between Antistress and Hepatoprotective Effects of Schisandra Lignans Was Related with Its Antioxidative Actions in Liver Cells.
Pharmacological studies on the anxiolytic effect of standardized Schisandra lignans extract on restraint-stressed mice.

ANTIDEPRESSANT:
The physicochemical characteristics and antidepressant-like effects of a polysaccharide-rich fraction from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill in behavioral despair mice and olfactory bulbectomy-induced depression-like mice.
Schisandra chinensis Lignans Exert Antidepressant Effects by Promoting BV2 Microglia Polarization toward the M2 Phenotype through the Activation of the Cannabinoid Receptor Type-2-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 Pathway.
Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. essential oil exhibits antidepressant-like effects and against brain oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation.
Schisandra chinensis ameliorates depressive-like behaviors by regulating microbiota-gut-brain axis via its anti-inflammation activity.
Antidepressant-like effects and cognitive enhancement of Schisandra chinensis in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice and its related mechanism.
Schisandra chinensis produces the antidepressant-like effects in repeated corticosterone-induced mice via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.

INSOMNIA:
Raw and Wine Processed Schisandra chinensis Regulate NREM-Sleep and Alleviate Cardiovascular Dysfunction Associated with Insomnia by Modulating HPA Axis.

EPILEPSY:
Schisandrin B, a dual positive allosteric modulator of GABAA and glycine receptors, alleviates seizures in multiple mouse models.

NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES:
Schisandra chinensis Fructus and Its Active Ingredients as Promising Resources for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases.
NEUROPROTECTIVE:
Schisandra chinensis water extract protects ethanol-induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Neuroprotective Effect of Schisandra Chinensis on Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine-Induced Parkinsonian Syndrome in C57BL/6 Mice.
An overview of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT:
Schisandrin A Alleviates Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Through Modulation of the PI3K/AKT Pathway.
Purification, structural characterization, and cognitive improvement activity of a polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis.
An overview of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis.
Antidepressant-like effects and cognitive enhancement of Schisandra chinensis in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice and its related mechanism.
Compound Schisandra-Ginseng-Notoginseng-Lycium Extract Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Disorders in Mice.
Total Lignans of Schisandra chinensis Ameliorates Aβ1-42-Induced Neurodegeneration with Cognitive Impairment in Mice and Primary Mouse Neuronal Cells.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
The study of therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis and Evodia rutaecarpa combined treatment in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease.
In-depth investigation of the mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide mitigating Alzheimer’s disease rat via gut microbiota and feces metabolomics.
An integrated study on the comprehensive mechanism of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides mitigating Alzheimer’s disease in rats using a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based serum and urine metabolomics strategy.
Combination of Alpinia Oxyphylla Fructus and Schisandra Chinensis Fructus ameliorates aluminum-induced Alzheimer’s disease via reducing BACE1 expression.
Treatment effects of Radix ginseng-Schisandra chinensis herb pair on Alzheimer’s disease: An investigation of MS-based metabolomics investigation.
Explore the Therapeutic Composition and Mechanism of Schisandra chinensis-Acorus tatarinowii Schott on Alzheimer’s Disease by Using an Integrated Approach on Chemical Profile, Network Pharmacology, and UPLC-QTOF/MS-Based Metabolomics Analysis.
Network pharmacology-based study on the mechanism of Schisandra chinensis for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-AChE and Antioxidative Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extract: A Potential Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease
Cognitive enhancement of volatile oil from the stems of Schisandra chinensis Baill. in Alzheimer’s disease rats.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE:
Schisandra chinensis protects against dopaminergic neuronal oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis via the BDNF/Nrf2/NF-κB pathway in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson’s disease mice.

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE:
Micrandilactone C, a Nortriterpenoid Isolated from Roots of Schisandra chinensis, Ameliorates Huntington’s Disease by Inhibiting Microglial STAT3 Pathways.

ARTHRITIS:
Schisandra extract ameliorates arthritis pathogenesis by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways.
Anti-arthritic effects of Schisandra chinensis extract in monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis rats.
Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Schisandra chinensis Leaf Extracts and Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats and Acetic Acid-Induced Writhing in Mice.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE:
Protective Effect of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharides Against the Immunological Liver Injury in Mice Based on Nrf2/ARE and TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera Extract against Lithocholic Acid-Induced Cholestasis in Male Mice Are Associated with Activation of the Pregnane X Receptor Pathway and Promotion of Liver Regeneration.
Hepatoprotective effect of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. lignans and its formula with Rubus idaeus on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.
Inhibitory effects of Schisandra chinensis on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice.
Correlation between Antistress and Hepatoprotective Effects of Schisandra Lignans Was Related with Its Antioxidative Actions in Liver Cells.

FATTY LIVER DISEASE:
Schisandra chinensis Baill, a Chinese medicinal herb, alleviates high-fat-diet-inducing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats.
Schisandra chinensis prevents alcohol-induced fatty liver disease in rats.

LIVER FIBROSIS:
Schisantherin D from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. exhibits anti-liver fibrosis capacity via modulating ETBR involved signaling, an in vitro and in vivo study.
Anti-liver fibrotic lignans from the fruits of Schisandra arisanensis and Schisandra sphenanthera.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE:
Schisandra chinensis Oil Attenuates Aristolochic Acid I-Induced Nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro.
Protective effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via Nrf2-mediated defense response.

INCREASES TESTOSTERONE:
Schisandrol A and gomisin N from Schisandra chinensis extract improve hypogonadism via anti-oxidative stress in TM3 Leydig cells.

OBESITY:
Anti-Obesity Effect of α-Cubebenol Isolated from Schisandra chinensis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

DIABETES:
Efficacy and Safety of Omija (Schisandra chinensis) Extract Mixture on the Improvement of Hyperglycemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Acidic Polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis on T2D Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet Combined with STZ.
In Vitro Antioxidant activities and anti-diabetic effect of a polysaccharide from Schisandra sphenanthera in rats with type 2 diabetes.

DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY:
Network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation to explore the therapeutic mechanism of Schisandra Chinensis Mixture on diabetic nephropathy.

MENOPAUSE:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms.

COLITIS:
Effect of vinegar steaming on the composition and structure of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide and its anti-colitis activity.
Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice: Involvement of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and gut microbiota.
The Anti-colitis Effect of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharide Is Associated With the Regulation of the Composition and Metabolism of Gut Microbiota.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS:
The protective effect of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. polysaccharide on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice via the modulation of gut microbiota and inhibition of NF-κB activation.

CANCER:
Anticancer activity of gomisin J from Schisandra chinensis fruit.
Cytotoxic and potential anticancer constituents from the stems of Schisandra pubescens.
Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble low molecular weight polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.
COLON:
Anti-Cancer Effects of α-Cubebenoate Derived from Schisandra chinensis in CT26 Colon Cancer Cells.
KIDNEY:
SCP, a polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis, induces apoptosis in human renal cell carcinoma Caki-1 cells through mitochondrial-dependent pathway via inhibition of ERK activation.
Antitumor and antiangiogenic activity of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide in a renal cell carcinoma model.
LIVER:
A traditional prescription comprising Astragali Radix and Schisandra chinensis Fructus induces apoptosis and protective autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

CHEMOTHERAPY TOXICITY:
Improvement of Cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction by Schisandra chinensis stems via anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects.
Protective effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via Nrf2-mediated defense response.