Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Schisandra chinensis contains lignans like schisandrin A and schisandrol A that enhance liver detoxification through glutathione pathway activation. These compounds also modulate cortisol production and support neurotransmitter balance for stress reduction and cognitive enhancement.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Wu Wei Zi, or Schisandra chinensis, is a fruit-bearing vine native to northern China and the Russian Far East. The berries are harvested and dried for use in traditional medicine.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research on Wu Wei Zi includes studies on its adaptogenic properties, with some evidence supporting its use in improving liver function and reducing stress.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis) is rich in bioactive lignans, primarily schisandrin (schizandrin), schisandrin B (γ-schisandrin), schisandrin C, gomisin A, gomisin N, and deoxyschisandrin (~1-3% total lignans by dry weight). Contains organic acids including citric acid (~10-15%), malic acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid. Polysaccharides present at ~5-8% dry weight with immunomodulatory properties. Volatile oils (~0.03-0.05%) including α-ylangene, β-chamigrene, and sesquicarene contribute to aromatic properties. Antioxidant compounds include vitamin C (~50-100 mg/100g fresh weight), vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Mineral content includes potassium (~300-400 mg/100g), calcium (~50-80 mg/100g), magnesium (~30-50 mg/100g), iron (~3-5 mg/100g), zinc (~0.5-1 mg/100g), and selenium (trace amounts). Contains triterpenoids including schisandrolic acid and wuweizic acids. Macronutrient composition (dried berries): carbohydrates ~50-60%, proteins ~5-8%, lipids ~4-7%, dietary fiber ~20-25%. Bioavailability notes: Lignans exhibit moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%), significantly enhanced when consumed with lipids due to fat-soluble nature; schisandrin undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP450 enzymes; polysaccharides are poorly absorbed but exert prebiotic effects; organic acids are readily absorbed in the GI tract.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Schisandra's lignans, particularly schisandrin A and schisandrol A, upregulate Phase II detoxification enzymes including glutathione S-transferase and increase cellular glutathione levels. These compounds modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by reducing cortisol release and enhance acetylcholine and dopamine neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple randomized controlled trials involving 200-400 participants demonstrate schisandra's hepatoprotective effects, with 500-1000mg daily reducing liver enzyme levels by 20-40% in hepatitis patients. Cognitive studies show 300-600mg daily improves attention and working memory scores by 15-25% over 4-8 weeks. Stress reduction studies indicate significant cortisol reductions, though sample sizes remain modest at 50-100 participants. Evidence is strongest for liver protection, with emerging support for cognitive and stress benefits.
Also Known As
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