Family

Schisandraceae

Genus

Schisandra

Common Name

Wu Wei Zi

Plant Figure

Description

Schisandra chinensis is a native plant to northeast Asia that is cultivated in South Korea and China. It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a tonic and sedative. In the United States Pharmacopeia, the fruit of S. chinensis is listed as pharmaceutical raw material. The fruit of S. chinensis has been used for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory failure, cardiovascular diseases, and states of body fatigue and weakness, excessive sweating, and insomnia. The major bioactive compounds are lignans with a dibenzocyclooctadiene skeleton.