  Source:
A berry-like fruit of
the family Schizandraceae, it grows on a
thorny creeping bush that is native to Northern China. The Schizandra
plant reaches a height of up to 25 ft (7.5 m) and has pink flowers.
Schizandra fruit is fully ripened in the fall and appears as
numerous spikes of tiny, bright red berries. The berries have sweet,
sour, hot, salty, and bitter tastes hence the Chinese name for Schisandra,
"Wu Wei Zi" (five-flavored herb). |
Traditional uses:
In ancient China, Schizandra was used as a staple
food for hunting and gathering tribes. In Beng Cao Cang Mu,
a great book on pharmacy written by Li Schizheng in the 16th century,
Schisandra is listed in the highest ranks. Schizandra is said to increase
energy, replenish and nourish the viscera (internal abdominal organs
such as intestines, The
lungs are not located in the abdominal ),
improve vision, boost muscular activity and sooth both coughs and
digestive problems, rejuvenates skin,
and improve sexual endurance. The herb is
also used as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue.
Schizandra seems to have been made into
a famous tonic consumed by
Chinese
royalty and by Daoist masters. The herb is said to contain the ”three
treasures”
1) Sexual enhancer –
helps to produce increased sexual fluids and
sexual
endurance and overall strength.
2) Beauty enhancement
– the herb has been used for centuries a youth preserver
making skin supple, moist and radiant.
3) Memory improvement
– used in China for centuries as a memory enhancement and
promoting a generalized feeling of well being.
 Physiology:
Schizandra is known for its ability to increase levels of nitric
oxide which is an important component of erection physiology. In
a cascade of events that starts with erotic thoughts and/or physical
sensations nitric oxide is release from nerve endings in the
penis. Nitric oxide act as a relaxant that allows blood vessels
to dilate, supplying increased blood flow and swelling of
the tissues.
This increase in the flow of blood also creates an
increased tension on the blood vessel wall which activates the release
of more nitric oxide. The increase release of nitric oxide further
allows the blood within the penis to dilate, increasing both the
length and girth of the penis.
Clinical Studies:
Research has indicated that the supplemental
use of Schizandra increases
the nitric oxide in the circulation. In a recent study published
in Phytomedicine 1999 Mar;6(1):17-26, standardized extracts from
Schizandra and Bryonia alba roots were applied to several groups
of athletes in a placebo controlled double blind study. The
study revealed that those individuals treated with Schizandra chinensis
and Bryonia alba extracts increased the concentration of nitric
oxide and cortisol in blood plasma and saliva. As mentioned above
nitric oxide is an important chemical in erection physiology.
Modern day uses:
Today, Schizandra is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist
for the following:
Impotence –
secondary to Schisandras ability to dilate blood vessels men report
improve erections.
Anti-hepatotoxic –Schisandra
contains lignans that are known to have liver protective qualities
including liver regeneration properties. Lignans also interfere
with a compound known as platelet activating factor that is responsible
for some properties of inflammation.
Antioxidant –
the herb also has
some other antioxidant properties other than just Vitamin E.
Adaptogenic properties
– helps the body adapt to changes associated with stress from
physical, mental, chemical and environmental sources.
Cardiovascular system
- the herb is also responsible for dilating the blood vessels, hence,
improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and improving heart
function.
Respiratory system
– the herb acts as an expectorant (promoting the clearing
of lung mucus), and cough-suppressant.
Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with
their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or
over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant
or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician
prior to taking any new supplements. Schisandra is very safe for
long-term use, there have been very few side effects reported at
the time of this writing. The few uncommon side effects include
decreased appetite, upset stomach, heartburn, and possibly a skin
rash.
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