Schisandra chinensis Wu Wei Zi (Schisandraceae) Deciduous climber

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Schisandra chinensis
Wu Wei Zi
Deciduous climber
(1 Page of 5)

The Schisandra chinensis plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. It is a member of the Schisandraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wu Wei Zi. Some home gardeners know the variety as S. japonica. Kadsura chinensis. Maximowiczia chinensis. Sphaerostema japonicum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Schisandra chinensis
Common Name:  Wu Wei Zi
Family:  Schisandraceae
Author:  (Turcz.)Baill.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Mixed forests, especially on the margins, also by streams and brooks, usually on sandy soils[74].

Medicinal Information: Wu Wei Zi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. It is an excellent tonic and restorative, helping in stressful times and increasing zest for life[254]. It is considered to be a substitute for ginseng and is said to be a tonic for both the male and the female sex organs[238]. The fruit is antitussive, aphrodisiac, hepatic, astringent, cardiotonic, cholagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, lenitive, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and tonic[174, 176, 178, 218]. Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it[218]. The fruit also regulates the cardiovascular system[218]. It is taken internally in the treatment of dry coughs, asthma, night sweats, urinary disorders, involuntary ejaculation, chronic diarrhoea, palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, hyperacidity, hepatitis and diabetes[238]. Externally, it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions[238]. The fruit is harvested after the first frosts and sun-dried for later use[238]. The fruit contains lignans[254]. These have a pronounced protective action on the liver. In one clinical trial there was a 76% success rate in treating patients with hepatitis, no side effects were noticed[254]. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer[218]. The plant is antirheumatic[218]. A mucilaginous decoction obtained from the branches is useful in the treatment of coughs, dysentery and gonorrhoea[218].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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