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Leong, P.K., Leung, H.Y., Chan, W.M. and Ko, K.M. (2018) Differences in the Mechanisms by Which Yang-Invigorating and Qi-Invigorating Chinese Tonifying Herbs Stimulate Mitochondrial ATP Generation Capacity. Chinese Medicine, 9, 63-74.
https://doi.org/10.4236/cm.2018.92005

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: 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

  AUTHORS: Kam Ming Ko, Hoi Yan Leung

  KEYWORDS: Wuweizi, Schisandra chinensis Fructus, Schisandra sphenanthera Fructus

  JOURNAL NAME: Chinese Medicine, Vol.17 No.1, March 9, 2026

  ABSTRACT: 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.