bit x-mass bored so will post some pubmed/google searches on Schisandra CH.
1.) Hung TM, Na M, Min BS, Ngoc TM, Lee I, Zhang X, Bae K.
College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea.
The hexane extract of the fruit of Schizandra chinensis (Schisandraceae) was found to show significant inhibition of the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). In further studies, fourteen lignans were isolated, and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on AChE. The compounds having both aromatic methylenedioxy and hydroxyl groups on their cyclooctadiene ring, such as gomisin C (6), gomisin G (7), gomisin D (8), schisandrol B (11) and gomisin A (13), entirely inhibited AChE in dose dependent manners, with IC50 values of 6.71 +/- 0.53, 6.55 +/- 0.31, 7.84 +/- 0.62, 12.57 +/- 1.07 and 13.28 +/- 1.68 microM, respectively.
These results indicate that the lignans could potentially be a potent class of AChE inhibitors.PMID: 17679544 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract
A methanolic extract of dried Schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinensis Baill.; Schisandraceae) significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity induced by L-glutamate in primary cultures of rat cortical cells. Five dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, gomisin A, schisandrin, and wuweizisu C) were isolated from the methanolic extract; their protective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were then evaluated. Among the five lignans, deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, and wuweizisu C significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity as measured by 1) an inhibition in the increase of
intracellular [Ca2+]; 2) an improvement in the glutathione defense system, the level of glutathione, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase; and 3) an inhibition in the formation of cellular peroxide. These results suggest that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis may possess therapeutic potential against oxidative neuronal damage induced by excitotoxin. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.)
Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in miceThe individual and combined antistress effects of the fruit of Schizandra chinensis and the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis were evaluated using a mouse acute stress model. Stress consisted of immobilization and electric foot shocks over 5 days. Mice were treated with herbal extracts for 7 days before exposing the animals to stress. Before each stressor presentation, the mice were treated with each herbal extract. Reduced locomotor activity and the percentage of time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus-maze under stress were recovered by treatment with the extract containing equal amounts of S. chinensis and S. baicalensis (CB11) at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The effects of CB11 were greater than the effects of S. chinensis or S. baicalensis alone. CB11 treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels (p < 0.05). Spleen size and the serum interleukin-2 level decreases induced by stress were prevented by CB11 (200 mg/kg) (p < 0.05).
Taken together, these results suggest that S. chinensis and S. baicalensis in equal amounts could be used to treat stress disorders, in part, by preventing corticosterone and IL-2 level changes and ameliorating stress-related behavior parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.)
Gomisin A improves scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice Dong Hyun Kima, Tran Manh Hungb, Ki Hwan Baeb, Ji Wook Jungc, Seungjoo Leea, Byung Hoon Yoona, Jae Hoon Cheongd, Kwang Ho Koe and Jong Hoon Ryua, ,
aDepartment of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, #1 Hoeki-dong, Dongdeamoon-ku, Seoul 130-701, South Korea
bCollege of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Taejon 305-764, South Korea
cDepartment of Herbal Medicinal Resource, College of Health and Welfare, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 712-715, South Korea
dDepartment of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-goo, Seoul 139-742, South Korea
eDepartment of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Shillim-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
Received 22 March 2006; revised 6 June 2006; accepted 12 June 2006. Available online 15 June 2006.
Gomisin A is a component of the fruits of Schizandra chinesis which are widely used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we assessed the effect of gomisin A on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine. The cognition-enhancing effect of gomisin A was investigated using a passive avoidance test, the Y-maze test, and the Morris water maze test in mice. Drug-induced amnesia was induced by treating animals with scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Gomisin A (5 mg/kg, p.o.) administration significantly reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice by the passive avoidance test and the Y-maze test (P < 0.05), and also improved escape latency in the Morris water maze test at 5 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Moreover, in an in vitro study, gomisin A was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 value; 15.5 μM).
These results suggest that gomisin A may be a useful cognitive impairment treatment, and its beneficial effects are mediated, in part, via enhancing the cholinergic nervous system. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.)
Schisandra Uses and PharmacologyBesides serving as a tonic and restorative, schisandra has other reported uses, such as liver protection, nervous system effects, respiratory treatment, GI therapy, adaptogenic properties and others.
Liver
The lignin components in schisandra possess pronounced liver protectant effects. The active principles appear to be the lignins wu-wei-zu C, shisantherin D, deoxygomisin A, gomisin N and gomisin C. The presence of one or two methylenedioxy groups appear to be important in hepatoprotection. 2 , 13
Animal data
Animal studies on gomisin A offer convincing evidence of liver protection, including protective actions against halothane-induced hepatitis; 14 carbon tetrachloride; d-galactosamine and dl-ethionine toxicities; 15 , 16 hepatic failure induced by bacteria; 17 and preneoplastic hepatic lesions. 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 Gomisin A's mechanism for tumor inhibition may be a result of its ability to improve bile acid metabolism. 22 Gomisin A causes hepatic cell proliferation, improves liver regeneration, hepatic blood flow and liver function recovery in rats. 23 These effects are caused by protection of hepatocyte plasma membrane. 24 Ethanol extracts of schisandra have been found to increase liver weight in rats and mice. This action has been attributed to schizandrin B and schizandrol B. In a mouse study, extract added to a semipurified basal diet over a 14-day period increased the enzymatic metabolism of the mutagens benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and aflatoxin B (AFB) and increased cytochrome P450 activity. Despite this increased level of metabolism, schisandra extract increased the in vitro mutagenicity of AFB. However, chemicals inducing similar patterns of enzymes have been found to reduce the in vivo binding of AFB to DNA. 25 It is also recognized that the schizandrins and about 6 related compounds may temporarily inhibit or lower the activity of hepatic ALT. This has been observed in animals pretreated with hepatotoxins. 26 , 27 , 28
Clinical data
Research reveals no clinical data for the use of schisandra for the liver.
Nervous System
Schisandra is a nervous system stimulant, increasing reflex responses and improving mental alertness. In China, the berries are used to treat mental illnesses such as depression. It is also used for irritability and memory loss. 1 Schisandra has been evaluated for its inhibitory effects on the CNS as well. In Chinese medicine, it is used as a sedative for insomnia. 1
Animal data
Schisandra in combination with other herbs has improved memory retention disorder and facilitated memory retention deficit in animal testing. This suggests a possible use in treating age-related memory deficits in humans. 29 Schisandra, (in combination with Zizyphus spinosa and Angelica sinensis ) has accelerated neurocyte growth and may prevent atrophy of neurocyte process branches. 30
The CNS inhibition mechanism has been evaluated and may be related to an effect on dopaminergic receptors. 31 Gomisin A has also inhibited spontaneous and methamphetamine-induced motor activity in animals. 32
Clinical data
Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of schisandra for the nervous system.
Respiratory
Animal data
Schisandra is used to treat respiratory ailments such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. 1 Gomisin A exerted antitussive effects when evaluated in guinea pigs. 32
Clinical data
Research reveals no data for the use of schisandra for the respiratory system.
GI
Animal data
In the rat intestine, schisandra extract reduces BaP metabolism, which is the opposite effect from that in the liver. Experiments show that it increases the activity of glutathione S-transferase. In the intestine, schisandra shifts BaP metabolism in favor of diols and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene and away from BaP- 4,5-epoxide and the mutagenic BaP quinones. Schisandra does not increase intestinal cytochrome P450 activity. 33 Schisandra has been used for treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. 1 One report found schisandra extract to have no significant effects on gastric secretory volume, gastric pH and acid output, 34 while another study found schisandra to have inhibitory effects on gastric contraction and stress-induced gastric ulceration when administered IV and orally in rats. 32
Clinical data
Research reveals no data for the use of schisandra for the GI tract.
Other uses
The plant helps the body adapt to stress. It has been used to balance fluid levels, improve sexual stamina, treat rash, stimulate uterine contractions and improve failing senses. 1 One report found antibacterial effects in alcohol and acetone extracts of the fruit. 3
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