Schisandra chinensis, Five Flavor Berry, a Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Super-Fruit from North Eastern China

Introduction: The aim of this review was to summarize the most important traditional and modern health benefits of Schisanda berry. Methods: We used PubMed, Science Direct and Google to search for and collect scientific publication for a full evaluation of current evidence in the literature indicating the potential role of Schisanda berry. Results: The traditional Chinese medicine (TCMs) is essential components of alternative medicines. Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Magnoliaceae) or Wu-Wei-Zi, which means the fruit of five tastes is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The five tastes of Schisandra berry refer to its influence on the five visceral organs in the body. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants used in East of Asia, especially traditional Chinese medicine. S. chinensis is mainly distributed in provinces in northern China including Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. S. chinensis can treat lung-Qi and kidney-Yin deficiencies, relieve coughs and asthma and stop persistent diarrhea. S. chinensis has been used to treat sleep disorder in traditional Chinese medicine and a tonic for kidney and brain in traditional Chinese medicine. Its extracts may apply as a preservative and as an additive to increase the flavor, taste and nutritional value of food. The five important components of S. chinensis are Schisandrol B, Schisandrin A, γ-Schisandrin, Gomisin N and Schisandrin C. Conclusion: The most important pharmacological effects of Schisandrol B are anti allergy, liver protection and anticarcinogenic effects; Schisandrin A has role in liver protection and anti-carcinogenic effect; γ-Schisandrin has liver protection and anti-carcinogenic effect, Gomisin N has anti-proliferative, pro-apoptis HepG2 cells, anti-hepatitis, anti-HIV, anti-carcinogenic effect; and Schisandrin C has protect liver, anti-HIV, anti-catchinogenic effect and anti-hepatitis. The treatment with natural herbal medicine which are also super-fruit and non-synthetic drug is recommended.