Lignans known as schizandrins. Also contains essential oil, fatty oil and mucilage. Studies show it decreases liver enzymes rapidly in various forms of hepatitis. In mice it protects liver cells from toxins and viruses, and promotes liver protein synthesis. Schizandra is beneficial for insomnia, memory loss and vision impairment.
Chinese herbalists make a decoction of the dried berries, though they are sometimes eaten.
The herb is generally taken as part of a specific formula. Reishi Mushroom . This is a polyphore mushroom known in China as Ling-Zhi. It is rated as one of the greatest of all medicines, even rivalling the legendary ginseng. The wild fungus is now hard to find, but extensive cultivation occurs in many Asian countries so it is readily available though quite expensive.