Schisandra Berry

Over the last 12 months, there has been an ever increasing interest in Schisandra Chinensis, or Schisandra Berry as it is also called. However, there is a long history of Schisandra being used in Chinese traditional medicines to subdue various ailments, from liver and stomach disorders through to excessive sweating and insomnia. In this blog, we’ll take you through what Schisandra is, its benefits and why you should be taking it. 

What is Schisandra Berry? 

Schisandra berry, also known as five-flavour fruit, magnolia berry or schisandra chinensis, is a small, purple-red berry that has been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries. Native to the far east, most prominently in countries such as China, Korea and Japan, the schisandra berries are nutritious with a long and rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they have been valued for their ability to enhance energy levels, improve cognitive function, and boost overall health. 

It is described as having five tastes; sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour. Hence the name five-flavour fruit. The seeds of the Schisandra berry contain lignans which are important to its strong medicinal properties. 

What are Lignans? 

Lignans are bioactive compounds that exhibit various biological properties including; anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities.

Lignans are considered to be phytoestrogens, which are a group of plant chemicals that are structurally similar to oestrogen, the female sex hormone. Lignans are found in whole grain foods such as; barley, buckwheat, flax, sesame seeds, oats and wheat. 

Its positive impact on female hormone health is one of the reasons why we utilise schisandra berry in our Female Hormone Support supplement.

What is the history of Schisandra? 

The cultivation of schisandra berries dates back over 2,000 years, and their medicinal properties have been documented in ancient Chinese texts. Schisandra berries were traditionally consumed as a tonic to promote vitality, longevity and mental clarity. They were also used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive disorders and fatigue.

What are the benefits of Schisandra Berry?

Schisandra berries are a rich source of antioxidants, which are known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a great source of essential amino acids, which are crucial for building and repairing skin tissue, and cellular structure.Here are some of the benefits associated with schisandra chinensis:

Enhanced Energy

Schisandra berries may help to improve energy levels and reduce the feeling and signs of fatigue. This is achieved by stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary energy currency. 

Improved Cognitive Function

Schisandra berries may help to improve cognitive function by enhancing memory, focus, and concentration. 

Better Immunity

Schisandra berries may help to boost immunity by stimulating the production of white blood cells and enhancing the performance of natural cell defenders. 

Cell Protection

Schisandra berries may help to protect telomeres and cellular structures from damage caused by free radicals, which helps to combat the symptoms and impacts of ageing and chronic diseases.

While more research is needed to fully understand the true depths of the benefits that schisandra berries can bring to the body and its cellular health; this versatile and nutritious fruit, with its long history of use in traditional medicine, is something that you should be looking to bring into your routine of wellness and health.