Schisandra fruit

Ingredient Profile

Chinese Name五味子
PinyinWu Wei Zi
Latin NameSchisandrae Chinensis Fructus

Modern Research Perspective

Schisandra fruit contains lignans, volatile oils, organic acids, and other constituents. Cell and animal studies have explored hepatic, antioxidant, inflammatory, neuroprotective, and stress-related mechanisms. These findings vary with species, extraction, and dose and do not establish whole-fruit efficacy in humans.

Human studies are limited and often involve standardized extracts or combined interventions. Schisandra constituents may affect drug-metabolizing enzymes, so interactions and dose require attention; independent clinical benefit and long-term safety remain incompletely defined.

Traditional Function

In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra Fruit is sour, sweet, and warm. It is used to astringe leakage, secure essence, stop excessive sweating, calm the spirit, generate fluids, and tonify the Kidney. Its use is interpreted according to deficiency, fluid loss, or leakage patterns.