Schisandra chinensis from  the family of Schisandraceae is deciduous woody liana growing to lengths up to 10 meters. Clearly red fruits are grouped in bunches resembling currant.  From the whole plant, spherical juicy fruits with yellow kidney seeds contain the most active substances. The main efficient element is a lignan schizandrin, which permeates entire plant , but the most of it is in the fruits and in the seeds. There is also a number of organic acids (malic, citric, tartaric and succinic) , glycosides of a flavonoid type and a wide range of vitamins – mainly A, C, E – and minerals (Ca, Mg, K, S, Na, P, Fe, Ag, Mo, Ti, and others). Schizandra chinensis is ranked since immemorial time among foremost pharmaceuticals at Eastern medicine, while its active substances exhibit an extremely wide range of applications. Traditional Chinese medicine describes Schizandra as a plant providing five fruit flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent) and and ranks it among the most significant pharmaceuticals.

Schizandra (five fruit flavors) , known in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its multilateral healing effects and its relationship to the organs of lung, kidney and liver. At times of old Chinese dynasties it was a highly prized plant at the royal court for its “youth sustaining effect “ and as an aphrodisiac. Recently it is sorted to so called “ adaptogens “ – natural medicaments reducing the negative reaction of the body to stress. But its phytotherapeutic usage is much more varied.

Weakened immunity – it is known its immunostimulatory (boost immunity) and immunomodulatory (directing immunity in right  direction) effect. During prolonged use it generally reduces susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Fatigue Syndrome-  for its overall toning and strengthening immunity and modulating effect.

Stimulating effect on the brain – for its amount of active substances contained therein that are, according to researches of Japanese doctors predecessors of the brain transmitters (neurotransmitters) – it is suitable for drivers, students and for people whose job requires increased attention.

Overview of treatment effects of Schisandra chinensis:

• dry cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis - for its moisturizing and astringent effect on the lungs
• inflammatory liver disease - increased production of  reduced glutathione ( the cellular carriers in the liver which is known for its regenerative and protective effect on liver cells)
• it stops  sweating- not only during the day (because of its astringent effects on the pores) but also during the night - replenishing yin components of the organism
• eye fatigue and improve vision quality – according to the traditional Chinese medicine , the eyes are the terminal of the liver and through the regeneration of the liver it improves visual acuity
• improving of the digestion - regular use improves the production and secretion of gastric acid
• obesity - for its oil dispersing effect is part of herbal mixtures for weight loss
• it decreases the blood pressure in its long- term effect
• it is known for its antisclerotic and decreasing cholesterol effect
• diabetes mellitus (diabetes) – it complements the essence of yin and kidney, which is according to the traditional Chinese medicine one of the causes of diabetes at old age
• insomnia – according to the traditional Chinese medicine quiets “ the spirit of the sen” based in the heart, whose restlessness is one of the causes of the insomnia
• palpitation (heart beating) – such as heart tonic reduces the frequency of these unpleasant sensations
• premature ejaculation - its astringent effect on the kidney “essence”  improves these problems too
• inflammatory skin disease- its  detoxifying and regenerating effect has a positive impact on the overall condition of the skin
• other effects according to the traditional Chinese medicine- antiparasitic, anti-depressive, anti-allergy