The therapeutic properties of Chinese Schisandra fruits

Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have discovered that Schisandra chinensis fruits contain schizandrain B (Sch B), a plant compound from the polyphenol class that has an anti-colon cancer effect.

The journal (American Chemical Society) Pharmacology & Translational Science indicates that the Chinese Schisandra plant grows in China, Japan, Korea, and the regions of Primorye and the Khabarovsk region in Russia. It is a climbing plant that reaches a height of 15 meters, and its fruits are small in size and red in color with a sour taste.

During the study, researchers discovered that the plant compound Sch B polyphenol has a high ability to destroy tumors. To confirm and determine the mechanism behind this therapeutic property, they tested it in treating cancer cells from mice with colon cancer. It became clear to them that Sch B is able to induce programmed cancer cell death (degranulation process) by activating specific cellular interactions with chemotherapy drugs.

It also became clear to the researchers that Sch B, as part of combination therapy, can effectively stop the process of cancer cell division even in the late stages of colorectal cancer development. Moreover, the compound showed very low toxicity towards healthy cells.

The researchers intend to further study the properties of Sch B as an adjunct to alternative treatment for colon cancer. But they warn that this substance is unable to replace full-fledged modern treatment for colorectal cancer.