Wǔ Wèi Zǐ (五味子) — Schisandra Berry (Five Flavour Fruit)
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Wǔ Wèi Zǐ (五味子) — Schisandra chinensis — is known in English as Schisandra berry / Five flavour fruit. It belongs to the category of Stabilising and binding herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Wǔ Wèi Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Wǔ Wèi Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 五味子 |
| Latin name | Schisandra chinensis |
| English name | Schisandra berry / Five flavour fruit |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sour (primarily), bitter, pungent, salty, sweet — all five flavours |
| Channels entered | Heart, Kidney, Lung |
| Category | Stabilising and binding herbs |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Constrains the Lung Qi and stops cough
- Tonifies the Kidney and astringes Jing
- Generates Body Fluids and stops thirst
- Nourishes Heart Yin and calms the spirit
- Astringes sweating
Indications
- Chronic cough and wheezing from Lung deficiency
- Spermatorrhoea, urinary frequency and premature ejaculation from Kidney insecurity
- Excessive sweating, spontaneous sweating and night sweats
- Palpitations, insomnia and anxiety from Heart and Kidney disharmony
- Chronic diarrhoea from Spleen and Kidney deficiency
- Male fertility — potent antioxidant protection of sperm DNA
- Liver disease — hepatoprotective effects well established
4. Key formulas containing Wǔ Wèi Zǐ
Wǔ Wèi Zǐ is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi) is a major adaptogenic herb with extensive pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents are schisandrins (lignans — schisandrin A, B, C, gomisin A), polysaccharides and essential oils. Research confirms potent hepatoprotective effects (Schisandrin B is one of the most studied natural hepatoprotectants), adaptogenic and anti-stress effects through HPA axis modulation, antioxidant activity protecting against reactive oxygen species, nootropic and neuroprotective effects, and anti-fatigue properties. Schisandrin B specifically protects the liver from drug-induced, alcohol-induced and ischaemic injury. Wu Wei Zi has documented positive effects on sperm quality and provides antioxidant protection of sperm DNA. Clinical trials confirm benefit in liver disease, chronic fatigue and cognitive function.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid in the early stages of cough and exterior conditions where astringent action may retain the pathogen. Avoid in patients with excess Heat conditions, epilepsy and during pregnancy. May interact with CYP3A4-metabolised medications — inform your prescribing doctor.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Wǔ Wèi Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Sperm DNA fragmentation, Insomnia, Fatty liver, Chronic fatigue syndrome. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
