What are the effects and benefits of Nanwuweizi (Schisandra sphenanthera), how does it differ from Beiweizi (Schisandra chinensis), and what are its side effects?
Wuweizi is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and it is also one of the health tea ingredients that traditional Chinese medicine advocates popularizing. Wuweizi is divided into Nanwuweizi (Schisandra sphenanthera) and Beiweizi (Schisandra chinensis), among which Nanwuweizi has been used as a precious and commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb since ancient times. It has a long history and is a variety of traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a relatively wide range of applications and a relatively large dosage, and is deeply favored by the public. So what are the effects and benefits of Nanwuweizi? How does it differ from Beiweizi? Does it have side effects?
1. What are the effects and benefits of Nanwuweizi?
1. Nanwuweizi has certain effects and benefits on the central nervous system.
Wuweizi has an obvious sedative effect. Wuweizi extract and schisandrin can reduce the spontaneous activity of mice, prolong barbiturate sleep time, inhibit aggressive behavior in animals, and counteract electric shock and chemical convulsions, with effects similar to those of tranquilizers.
2. Nanwuweizi has liver-protecting effects and benefits.
Wuweizi alcohol extract and schisandrin A, B, C, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, schisantherin B, etc. have obvious protective effects against animal liver cell damage caused by chemical toxicants, can inhibit the release of transaminases, and reduce ALT activity.
3. Nanwuweizi has certain effects and benefits on the cardiovascular system.
Wuweizi has a vasodilatory effect. Schisandrin, schisandrin C, deoxyschisandrin, etc. all have inhibitory effects on the contraction of isolated dog mesenteric arteries, and can increase coronary blood flow in isolated guinea pig hearts and anesthetized dogs.
2. What is the difference between Nanwuweizi and Beiweizi?
1. Differences in growth and appearance
Beiweizi is irregularly spherical or flattened spherical, with a diameter of 5-8 mm. The surface is red, purplish red, or dark red, wrinkled, somewhat oily and moist, and the flesh is soft; some surfaces are blackish red or show a “white frost.” There are 1-2 seeds, kidney-shaped, with a brownish yellow surface and luster, and the seed coat is thin and brittle. The flesh has a slight odor and a sour taste; after the seeds are crushed, they have a fragrant odor and a pungent, slightly bitter taste.
Nanwuweizi grains are relatively small. The surface is brownish red to dark brown, shriveled, wrinkled, and the flesh often clings tightly to the seeds. It is a perennial deciduous vine. The branchlets are grayish brown with obvious lenticels. The leaves are alternate, broadly elliptical or obovate. They are 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with an acute or acuminate tip and fine teeth along the margin; the petioles are pale pink. The flowers are unisexual and dioecious, growing in leaf axils, with slender and soft pedicels; there are 6-9 tepals, milky white or pink, fragrant; male flowers have 5 stamens; the gynoecium is elliptical, with 17-40 carpels arranged imbricately on the receptacle. When the fruit ripens, it forms a spike-like aggregate fruit. The berry is spherical, fleshy, and dark red when ripe. The flowering period is May-June, and the fruiting period is July-September. It grows in semi-shaded and humid mountain gullies and thickets.
2. Differences in effects
Indications and actions of Beiweizi: Astringes and consolidates, benefits qi and promotes fluid production, tonifies the kidney, and calms the heart. Used for cough and asthma, spermatorrhea, chronic diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and palpitations and insomnia.
Indications and actions of Nanwuweizi: Astringes and consolidates, benefits qi and promotes fluid production, tonifies the kidney, and calms the heart. Used for chronic cough with deficiency asthma, nocturnal emission and slippery spermatorrhea, enuresis and frequent urination, unremitting chronic diarrhea, spontaneous sweating and night sweats, fluid damage with thirst, internal heat and wasting-thirst, and palpitations and insomnia.
3. Does Nanwuweizi have side effects?
From the above, we can see that Nanwuweizi has quite a few uses in daily life, so does Nanwuweizi have side effects? Let us take a look together below and we will know.
1. Wuweizi has slight toxicity. It can excite the respiratory center, increase respiratory rate and amplitude, and also has the effect of increasing gastric acid and lowering blood pressure.
2. Oral administration of more than 13-18 g of the crude drug may cause hiccups, acid reflux, a burning sensation in the stomach, borborygmus, drowsiness, etc., and occasionally allergic reactions.
3. Poisoning reactions manifest as: fever, headache, fatigue, dry mouth and tongue, abnormal taste sensation, nausea, vomiting, urticaria, etc.
In summary, if Wuweizi is taken in excess, its side effects will still appear. As the saying goes, every medicine has some toxicity, so when taking Wuweizi, be sure to master the dosage and do not take it excessively or frequently.