Schisandra

(Schisandri Chinesis)

Also called: Magnolia vine.

Source: All species of the genus Schisandra are native to eastern Asia except S. coccinea, which is native to the south-eastern United States. Most of the commercial supply is grown in China.

Medicinal Uses: Hepatitis, liver protection tonic. Laboratory studies in conjunction with clinical trials indicate that schisandra helps normalise blood pressure, improve brain efficiency, increase endurance and build strength, and is strongly antioxidant.

Part used: Fruit.

Forms available: Teas, capsules, tinctures, combination products. Some products are standardised to 2.6 to 4 per cent schisandrins.

Caution: In rare cases, appetite loss and stomach upset have been reported.