Schizandra

Schizandra - History

Schizandra first begins to appear in Western literature around the beginning of the 19th century, and it shows up in botanical works of the period. The earliest mention of it I can find in such is in the 1803 Flora boreali-americana of Andreas Michaux.

None of these early works mentions any aphrodisiac quality of Schizandra. However, as soon as we turn the page to the 20th century, things begin to change: in the 1904 China: Catalogue of the Collection of Chinese Exhibits at the Louisana Purchase Exposition, Schizandra berries are described as follows:

This interesting discovery shows us fairly conclusively that the aphrodisiac qualities ascribed to Schizandra are not mere modern invention, and that it was clearly in use for such pupose in 1904.

Going further back, it would appear that this information has older roots (as one would expect from an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine!) In the 1973 version of Chinese medicinal herbs: a modern edition of a classic sixteenth-century manual by Shizhen Li, Porter Smith and George Arthur Stuart; we find an entry for Schizandra chinensis. Sure enough, the exact same phrase is there, clearly borrowed: "Tonic, aphrodisiac, pectoral and lenitive properties are ascribed to this plant." [4]

Another interesting statement is that the plant, which is said to have all of the "five flavors", is believed to contain the "quintessence of the five elements" (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). This is quite a testament to the esteem with which the plant was held. The Chinese Medicinal Herbs is a translation of the Bencao Gangmu of 1578 - also known as the Compenium of Materia Medica - written by Li Shizhen and considered the most complete text on Chinese Traditional Medicine ever written. Li Shizhen is said to have consulted 800 earlier reference works and devoted 30 years to field study.[5]

Is Schizandra an Aphrodisiac?

Modern sales materials rave about Schizandra. It is described in tones of awe - stating that it was once the preserve of Chinese royalty and mysterious Taoist masters. It is said to promote the production of semen, increase sexual endurance, strengthen the body and lead to heightened secual sensitivity for women. Quite where these astounding claims surface from, this researcher is not sure - and it would seem that the only thing left to do is try it. Which is what the sales materials want us to do, of course. Schizandra is included in a number of men's sexual tonics and would therefore appear to have a "reputation" - but in the world of aphrodisiac claims, anything can happen: The consumer is always eager for titillation and new, exotic tastes and experiences - and the sales forces are eager to find a new "buzz" product to turn into the next acai, mangosteen or goji berry.

Schizandra has been the subject of an relatively high number of scientific studies listed on Pubmed - with 364 entries. Many of these studies focus on a wide range of medical research - investigating whether Schizandra is for example anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, has anti-cancer properties, helps with tinnitus, or has effects on liver function. The sheer number of studies done on Schizandra is encouraging and something of an indicator of its medical potential.

Very few of these studies investigate the possible sexual benefits of the herb. One study (1998) at the Department of Urology, Catholic University of Korea of a herbal formulation that included Schizandra chinensis showed enhancement in erectile function in male rats. The herbal formula also included Lycium chinense, Cornus officinalis, Rubus coreanus and Cuscuta chinensis - and so it cannot be determined from this whether the effect was due to Schizandra. [6]

In summary, the outlook is quite good for Schizandra. It has a long history of use by Traditional Chinese herbalists, is said to be one of the "safer" plants with minimal side effects [7], and some encouraging scientific study supporting aphrodisiac claims. As always, much more science is needed - but this would seem to be a good plant to focus on.

Schizandra indicum is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p.132. [9]