TITLE:
How Schisandrae Fructus Benefits the Body: Mechanisms in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine
AUTHORS:
Kam Ming Ko, Hoi Yan Leung
KEYWORDS:
Schisandrae chinensis Fructus, Schisandrin B, Mitochondrial Glutathione Redox Status, Liver
JOURNAL NAME:
Chinese Medicine,
Vol.15 No.3,
August
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Schisandrae chinensis Fructus (SF) is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM theory, SF can invigorate Qi in the liver and other visceral organs through the meridian system. Furthermore, the liver’s pivotal role in regulating the functions of various visceral organs helps explain how SF can promote holistic health benefits. The main active ingredient of SF, schisandrin B (Sch B), has been found to improve mitochondrial ATP production and enhance glutathione redox status in multiple organs. This could account for the overall protective effects of Sch B on organs. Due to its stronger impact on liver function, the positive influence of Sch B on different organs may be facilitated by signal molecules originating from the liver.