Schisandra chinensis Fructus (Bei Wuweizi), Rather Than Schisandra sphenanthera Fructus (Nan Wuweizi), Is Responsible for Producing the Qi-Invigorating Effects in the Five Visceral Organs

Schisandra chinensis Fructus (Bei Wuweizi) and Schisandra sphenanthera Fructus (Nan Wuweizi) are traditional Chinese herbs known for their tissue-protective and adaptogenic properties. This study investigates the Qi-invigorating effects of schisandrin A (Sch A), the primary active lignan in Nan Wuweizi, and compares it to our previous findings for schisandrin B (Sch B) from Bei Wuweizi. We measured mitochondrial ATP generation capacity (ATP-GC) and glutathione redox status in various tissues of Sch A-treated mice. Results showed that Sch A treatment increased mitochondrial ATP-GC in several tissues, particularly the liver, but was less effective than Sch B. Additionally, Sch A improved mitochondrial glutathione redox status in the brain, kidney, and lung, but did not significantly affect innate or adaptive immunity. These findings suggest that Sch A may provide limited tissue protection compared to Sch B, indicating that the Qi-invigorating effect on visceral organs attributed to Wuweizi likely pertains more to Bei Wuweizi. Our results support the traditional use of Bei Wuweizi in herbal formulations.