Schisandra(Schisandra chinensis)
Other Names:
Magnolia-vine, five-flavor-fruit, Chinese: Wu Wei Xi, Japanese: Gomishi, Korean: Omija, Russian: Limonnik
Range:
Family:
Family - name Family
Habitat:
Found in healthoofd stores or online
Parts Used:
Fruit
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: All Tastes
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Neutral
Medicinal Indications:
To restore vitality. To counter Lung weakness, repair Liver damage, and modulate the Immune system. Also works to tone and dry leaky mucus membranes. S. chinensis has been shown to improve asthma symptoms (Bin Li et al., 2022) and (Xi Lv et al., 2020)
Medicinal Conditions Treated:
Asthma, Diarrhea, Epiphora, Incontinence, Immunodeficiency, Leukorrhea, Rhinorrhea, Spermatorrhea.
Contra-Indications:
As there is a chance of uterine contractions, do not use Schisandra during pregnancy.¹
Possible Side Effects:
When taken by mouth: Schisandra is possibly safe when taken appropriately. It's been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It can cause heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and itching.¹
Possible Interactions:
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.¹
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
¹
Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down tacrolimus. Taking schisandra with tacrolimus might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this combination.¹
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Schisandra might increase the breakdown and decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.¹
Midazolam interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking schisandra along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.¹
Talinolol interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might increase the amount of talinolol in the body. Taking schisandra while taking talinolol might increase the effects and side effects of talinolol.¹
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Schisandra might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.¹
Voriconazole (Vfend) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down voriconazole. Taking schisandra with voriconazole might increase the effects and side effects of voriconazole.¹
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.¹
Sirolimus (Rapamune) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down sirolimus. Taking schisandra along with sirolimus might increase the effects and side effects of sirolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking sirolimus.¹
Cyclophosphamide interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclophosphamide. Taking schisandra with cyclophosphamide might increase the effects and side effects of cyclophosphamide.¹
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclosporine. Taking schisandra with cyclosporine might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.¹
Medicinal Actions:
Antiasthmatic,
Adaptogen,
Anticancer,
Anti-Inflammatory,
Astringent,
Hepatic
Herbal Preparations For Plant
00 Capsules
Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
Capsules made from dried powdered fruit are used in the treatment of Diarrhea, Epiphora, Incontinence, Leukorrhea, Rhinorrhea, Spermatorrhea.
Dosage: 2 capsules three times daily.
Decoction
Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Fresh or Dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh chopped, or 1 ounce of dried chopped, fruit into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to three times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Fruit
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried fruit into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof evercler and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 3ml three times daily
Referenes:
1. Chemical Characterization and Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Asthmatic Activity of a Subfraction from Schisandra chinensis Fruit Extract
Bin Li, Qi Xiao, Jiushi Liu, Xinlu Mu, Jianuo Zhang, Yaodong Qi, Bengang Zhang, Peigen Xiao, and Haitao Liu
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2022 70 (16), 5015-5025
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01034
2. Investigation of the active components and mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis in the treatment of asthma based on a network pharmacology approach and experimental validation
Journl of Food & Function 2020 (16),
3. WebMD: Schisandra - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-376/schisandra