Schisandra - The Five Flavor Berry

Schisandra - The Five Flavor Berry

The plant

It is a fruit-bearing vine, which is native to forests of Northern China and the Russian Far East. It is commonly known as magnolia-vine and the berries are called magnolia-berries or five flavor fruit. It got its reputation due to the fact that its purple-red berries have five different taste: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour.

Health benefits of the berries

Ancient beliefs

The berries are used for hundreds of years in Russia and Asia since they believe that it prolongs the life of people and it has anti-aging properties. It is beneficial to qi, the life force inherent in all living beings, at least that"s what they believe.

Anti-cancer properties

The berries contain a substance called lignans, which is known for its estrogenic and anti-cancer effect said by the National Cancer Institute. You can read about this substance here.

Helps to fight with fatigue and stress, increases endurance

Schisandra might have adaptogenic properties, which means it helps you fight stress and anxiety. Scientific studies show that mice taking this herb increased treadmill running time and working capacity. You can read about its adaptogenic properties here.

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Positive effect on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

The berries have a protective effect on the microglial cells found in the brain. You can read about it in this study. Although that's not the only anti-Alzheimer's disease effect Schisandra has. Researchers found that the berries are capable to block the forming of amyloid plaque, which is the material found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. You can read the study here.

Anti-depressant effects

A recent study shows that Schisandra had an anti-depressant effect on mice.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Researchers proved that through an animal study Schisandra reduced fatty acid levels in the liver of mice. These acid are the results of many liver diseases, like cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Decreases the effect of menopause

A study followed 36 menopausal women, who took Schisandra for over a year. As it turned out the symptoms were lessened in these women.

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