Schisandra

Schisandra

Other Names : Other Names: Bac Ngu Vi Tu, Baie de Schisandra, Beiwuweizi, Bei Wu Wei Zi, Chinese Mongolavine, Chinese Schizandra, Chinesischer Limonenbaum, Chosen-Gomischi, Five-Flavor-Fruit, Five-Flavor-Seed, Fructus Schisandrae, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fruit aux Cinq Saveurs, Gomishi, Hoku-Gomishi, Kadsura chinensis, Kita-Gomishi, Limonnik Kitajskij, Mei Gee, Magnolia Vine, Matsbouza, Nanwuweizi, Ngu Mei Gee, Northern Schisandra, Omicha, Schisandra Berry, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra chinensis var. rubriflora, Schisandra Sinensis, Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra sphenanthera, Schisandrae, Schizandra, Schizandra Chinensis, Schizandre Fructus, Schzandra, Southern Schisandra, Wuhzi, Wuweizi, Wu-Wei-Zi, Western Schisandra, Xiwuweizi.
Schisandra is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Derived from the fruit of a vine native to China and Russia, schisandra is sometimes known as "five flavor berry."

Special Precautions of Schisandra

• Possible side effects include heartburn, acid indigestion, stomach pain, anorexia, skin rashes and hives. Its use is contraindicated in individuals with ulcers or epilepsy and in pregnancy as it may induce uterine contractions. There are no data on its use during lactation. Schisandra antagonizes the effects of caffeine and amphetamines.
• Use with vasoconstrictors or sympathomimetics such as epinephrine, ephedrine, methoxamine and phenylephrine may cause severe hypertension.
• Given the lack of scientific research on schisandra's health effects, it's important to consult your health-care provider if you're considering the use of schisandra in treatment or prevention of any health condition. Statements summarise literature evidence and have informative character. They might be derived from invitro or animal testing and not be substantiated for humans. They don’t warrant end product properties. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Formulations with this extract are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Drug Interaction : Like grapefruit juice, Schisandra is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, which can affect the metabolism of a variety of drugs, increasing their bioavailability.In some cases, this can lead to a fatal interaction with drugs like astemizole or terfenadine. Currently available clinical data strongly suggest that Schisandra extracts pose a significant risk for elevating blood levels of medicines that are CYP3A substrates.

The benefits of Schisandra are

Schisandra essential oil is the extracted with CO2 extraction from dehydrated fruits of Schisandra tree. It was commonly used by Russian Olympic athletes as well as hockey players for its adaptogenic properties. This essential oil is used to counteract stress problems, diseases, anxiety problems and weakness issues. It also slows down the occurrence of premature aging. It stimulates the immune system and useful for the treatment of premenstrual disorder. The berries are a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and have been used for thousands of years to boost the body’s chi and raise the body’s stress threshold. Known as “wu wei zi” in Chinese, this “five flavor fruit” contains a complex palette of flavors that are bitter, salty, spicy, sweet, and sour. In traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra is often used to treat cough, wheezing, and diarrhea.

• Adaptogen… Schisandra essential oil has adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help the mind and body respond to stress better. Schisandra has been shown scientifically to balance cortisol release and to prevent adrenal fatigue.A number of other herbs have been found to possess similar properties; these include Rhodiola, Ginseng, and Ashwagandha.
• Lignans (schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, gomisins, and pregomisin) have a protective effect on the liver and immuno-modulating effect.
• indigestion : Promotes healthy digestion… Schisandra essential oil is used as a whole-body tonic. In particular, it supports intestinal function and helps alleviate intestinal problems. In addition, it has been shown to help detoxify the liver and improve hepatic function.
• Improves cognitive function… Schisandra is used to increase energy levels and help focus the mind. For this reason, schisandra has reputedly been given to Russian astronauts to help them improve performance while in space.
• flu
• asthma
• premenstrual syndrome
• Cancer : Used in Fu Zheng Therapy
• Cardiovascular Problems : In Korean medicine, schisandra is sometimes used to treat cardiovascular symptoms associated with menopause. In a study published in 2009, researchers tested schisandra's vascular effects on a group of rats, finding that the herb helped reduce tension in blood vessel walls. Although this finding suggests that schisandra may help improve blood flow and enhance blood vessel health, more research is needed before schisandra can be recommended in the treatment of cardiovascular problems.
• Inflammation : Schisandra contains compounds that may help fight inflammation, according to a test-tube study published in 2009. Scientists found that schisandra extract helped curb the production of inflammatory cytokines (molecules that can contribute to the onset of chronic disease when overactivated).
• Stress-Related Fatigue : In herbal medicine, schisandra is often used as an adaptogen (a class of herbs said to boost the body's resistance to stress of all kinds). In a research review published in 2009, investigators note that there's "good scientific evidence" that schisandra may increase endurance and mental performance in people with mild stress-related fatigue. The product has relaxant, tonic and adaptogenic properties, increases resistance against stress factors, stabilises cell membranes, inhibits oxidative cell damage and reduces inflammation.
• uplifts energy, sharpens the mind and enhances libido.
• In personal care cosmetics for stressed, sensitive and hyper reactive skin, as prophylaxis in case of problem skin, atopic skin and skin tending to allergies. The product reduces hyper proliferation, is a cox-2 inhibitor and has anti-irritant, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• In food supplements and natural remedies as anti-hepatotoxic, anti-mutagenic, anti-asthmatic and anti-diabetic agent.
• It prevents the deterioration of vision and hearing.
• improves eye problems : It prevents retina degeneration to prevent weak eyesight and blurred vision.
• slows down the premature aging.
• lowers the cholesterol level from the body.
• treats the problem of urination, dehydration and diarrhea.

Used in Patent Medicine

• Bi Yan Pian
• Xiao Qing Long Tang
• Anshen Buxin Wan
• Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa
• Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
• Da Ding Feng Zhu

References

https://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/puarticles/March2014UpdatePPIsAndClopidogrel.htm