Wǔ Wèi Zǐ · Schisandra Berry
Wǔ Wèi Zǐ (五味子, Schisandra Berry) is a herb of Warm nature and Sour, Sweet flavor, in the “Astringent” category. Tradition uses it to astringent, Tonify Kidney, Generate Fluids.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Wǔ Wèi Zǐ
- Characters
- 五味子
- Botanical name
- Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Part used
- Fruit
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Sour, Sweet
- Meridians
- Heart, Kidney, Lung
- Category
- Astringent
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China, Russia, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Astringent
- Tonify Kidney
- Generate Fluids
- Calm Spirit
Traditional uses
- Chronic cough and wheezing
- Spontaneous sweating and night sweats
- Seminal emission and spermatorrhea
- Chronic diarrhea
- Thirst and dry mouth
Studied effects and current applications
- Enhances mental clarity
- Reduces stress
- Improves liver function
- Protects against toxins
- Enhances endurance
- Improves skin health
Applications under investigation
- Stress adaptation (adaptogen)
- Liver protection
- Athletic performance
- Cognitive enhancement
- Skin anti-aging
- Sexual dysfunction
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Epilepsy
- High intracranial pressure
- Peptic ulcer disease
Relative contraindications
- GERD
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- Pregnancy
- Avoid in first trimester. May stimulate uterus.
- Breastfeeding
- Limited safety data.
- Children
- Insufficient safety data in children.
- Older adults
- Generally safe
Possible adverse effects
- Heartburn
- Stomach upset
- Decreased appetite
- Skin rash
- Restlessness
When to stop
- Heartburn or stomach pain
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYP substrates | Many drugs metabolized by liver | Moderate | May inhibit CYP enzymes, affecting drug metabolism Consult pharmacist about specific medications |
| Warfarin | Warfarin | Severe | Significantly increases warfarin levels and bleeding risk Avoid combination or monitor INR very closely |
Reference dose
- Dried
- 1.5-9 grams daily
- Powder
- 0.5-1.5 grams daily
- Extract
- 500-2000 mg extract daily
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-3 months
- Maximum
- 6 months, then rest period
- Children
- Generally not used in children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 1.5-9g in water 15-20 min. Has sour taste.
Traditional preparation
Take 0.5-1.5g in capsules or mixed in juice (to mask taste).
Convenience, mask taste
Take 2-4ml in water 2-3 times daily.
Adaptogenic support, liver protection
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (schizandrins and gomisins)
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan · Adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, cognitive stimulant
Induction of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase), Nrf2 activation · 0.3-0.8% in berry
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan · Neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-stress
HPA axis modulation, GSH induction, lipid peroxidation inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan · Hepatoprotective, antioxidant
Cytochrome P450 1A induction, hepatocyte protection · Traces
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans · Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
NF-κB inhibition, CYP450 modulation, platelet aggregation inhibition · 0.1-0.4%
Lignano · Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory
Inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β production · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (September-October) when the fruits are completely ripe
Berries collected in clusters when they acquire a bright dark red-purple color. They are collected manually to avoid damage. They must be dried quickly to avoid fermentation.
Ripe berries washed and dried in the sun or with gentle heat (no more than 60°C). It contains the five flavors: predominant sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy in the skin and seeds respectively.
Berries moistened with yellow wine (20 ml per 100 g), mixed and allowed to absorb for 1 hour, then fried over low heat until dry. Wine increases penetration into the Liver.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
