Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry or five-flavor-fruit) is a vine belonging to the (Schisandraceae) family of plants. Schisandra grows in regions of China and Russia and it is thought that it has medicinal properties. Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal or Chinese skullcap) is a flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae or mint family of plants. Scutellaria baicalensis may also have medicinal effects. Evidence suggests that both plants may have anti-stress effects in animals and this may explain the mood elevating effects of the herbs. In one study, researchers administered a combination of Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis to mice and then exposed the animals to experimental stress. The results of the study showed that the herbs were significantly able to lower blood corticosterone levels indicating an anti-stress effect. In addition the herbs also increase exploratory behaviour suggesting they also had anxiolytic effects and decrease interleukin-2 levels suggesting they had anti-inflammatory effects.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
