Schisandra extract 9% | Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra extract 9% | Schisandra chinensis

Properties: Wu Wei Zi – „five flavours berry” – is how the Chinese commonly name this unique fruit. Indeed,  when we consume it, we can sense the sweetness of its skin, sour and resinous flavour of its flesh, and finally – the salty and bitter taste of its seeds. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the taste is actually responsible for the effect on various body organs: kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and spleen. Although classical Chinese perception of the human body differs quite a lot from the one we are used to, this classification does make some sense – even according to Western doctors.

Traditionally, the fruits of schisandra chinensis have been used to support the general performance of the body, especially during the periods of demanding work or exhausting travels. Modern research evidence indeed confirms this effect and shows that the supplementation of schisandra extract does reduce the feeling of tiredness.  As we can figure out, this is related to the improved functioning of the cardiovascular system – the heart,  and the increase of tissue oxygenation – the lungs.

What is more, multiple scientific studies have proven that the consumption of schisandra fruits helps us to maintain the health of the liver. Biologically active compounds it contains protect this important organ,  support its functioning, and enhance regeneration. Therefore, our organism is able to expel toxins and dangerous metabolism waste products much faster.

We are left with kidneys and spleen. Here it is harder to find a simple connection, but let us recall the Chinese definition of these organs. In TCM kidneys are referred to as „the root of life” and „the embryo of creation”. Thus, both Yin and Yang begin here. Spleen is coordinating and supporting all other organs. Given the adaptogenic properties of schisandra chinensis, it is no wonder that Chinese doctors attributed it an influence on these organs. Looking from the Eastern perspective it becomes clear how schisandra supplementation increases stress resilience and makes falling asleep easier. After all, relaxation is nothing else but the state of inner comfort. When all the organs of the organism are well cared for,, we might reach exactly that state.

Occurrence: Schisandra chinensis is a perennial climber from the Schisandraceae family.  It is characterized by bright yellow fruits – berries – clustered in bunches that look quite like grapes. Naturally, it occurs in the northeastern part of China and in some areas of Russia (e.g. Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories). There, it can be found in the moisty areas nearby rivers, as well as in the mountainous forests where it forms thickets.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) schisandra has been used for millennia. Its fruits are appreciated for their toning and rejuvenating properties that increase immunity and stamina. Schisandra has been consumed during exhausting journeys, and in the states of weakness or disease. Drinking schisandra tincture has been claimed to protect from scurvy and tone the entire organism. This famous plant has been first mentioned in the scripture “Shen Nong Ben Tsao” written around 3000 BC by a Chinese patron of farming and medicine, one of the Three Greatests – Shennong.  However, its full description appeared only in the year 250, and is contained in the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia written during the Han period. In ancient China, schisandra was important enough to be a good gift for the Emperor.

Biochemistry: The substances to which Chinese citrus owes its properties are primarily lignans. Chemically, they belong to the group of phytoestrogens, i.e. plant hormones. Among them, there are: schizandrins (A, B and C), schizandrols, schizanders and gomisins. Some of the more important ingredients are also essential oils, mainly: citral, limonene, and karen. In addition to them, schisandra also contains: dicarboxylic acids (including malic acid, tartaric acid and succinic acid), pectins, phytosterols, phospholipids, carotenes, tocopherols, catechin tannins, sugars, sugar alcohols (mannitol and sorbitol), cyclic dipeptides and triterpene saponins. In addition, citrinus also contains micro and macro elements (zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium) and vitamins (C, E).

Fun fact: The supplementation with schisandra fruit extract improves the eyesight – even at night! Thus, it should be no surprise that this plant was included in the diet of the Soviet air force during the Second World War. It helped their eyes to adapt to darkness and widened the visual field in these demanding conditions.