Author
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Finn, Chad |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Fruits and Nuts
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 2/19/2007 Publication Date: 2/1/2008 Citation: Finn, C.E. 2008. Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra. In: Janick, J. and Paull, R.E., editors. The Encylopedia of Fruits and Nuts. Cambridge, MA. CABI. p. 848-849. Interpretive Summary: The Encylopedia of Fruit and Nuts is designed as a research reference source on temperate and tropical fruit and nut crops. Schisandra (Schizandra) or magnolia vine [Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Schisandraceae] is a vine native to northeastern Asia. The deciduous vine is often found in shade or partially shaded environments and will grow up into a forest canopy. Schisandra prefers a well-drained moist soil and will grow in environments with extremely cold winters (< -40 degrees C). The small (5-10 mm) berries ripen to a deep red color in late summer. Fresh fruit are tart and are often mixed with other very sweet fruit such as Actinidia arguta to provide a balanced flavor. Dried fruit are often soaked in hot water and drunk as a "tea". Schisandra fruit are a rich source of Vitamin C and can commonly be found as an ingredient in treatments in traditional Chinese and Japanese (Kampo) medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra is one of the ingredients in "Sheng Mei" and is classified as an adaptogen or astringent and is used to increase the body's resistance and improve physiological processes. More specifically, Schisandra is recommended to increase energy and strength and more recently as a liver protector. Technical Abstract: The Encylopedia of Fruit and Nuts is designed as a research reference source on temperate and tropical fruit and nut crops. Schisandra (Schizandra) or magnolia vine [Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Schisandraceae] is a vine native to northeastern Asia. The deciduous vine is often found in shade or partially shaded environments and will grow up into a forest canopy. Schisandra prefers a well-drained moist soil and will grow in environments with extremely cold winters (< -40 degrees C). The small (5-10 mm) berries ripen to a deep red color in late summer. Fresh fruit are tart and are often mixed with other very sweet fruit such as Actinidia arguta to provide a balanced flavor. Dried fruit are often soaked in hot water and drunk as a "tea". Schisandra fruit are a rich source of Vitamin C and can commonly be found as an ingredient in treatments in traditional Chinese and Japanese (Kampo) medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra is one of the ingredients in "Sheng Mei" and is classified as an adaptogen or astringent and is used to increase the body's resistance and improve physiological processes. More specifically, Schisandra is recommended to increase energy and strength and more recently as a liver protector. |
