Schisandra Berry Extract

is considered a cholagogue, or substance that increases the production of bile in the liver and delivers it to the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed to protect against the progression of cirrhosis into liver cancer and also protect the liver from chemical damage, particularly from chemicals that have to be activated by the liver to become poisonous, such as carbon tetrachloride. In addition, laboratory studies have demonstrated its ability to make the enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, which deactivates several kinds of toxic free radicals that attack the outer membranes of liver cells. This substance is believed to offset damage done to the liver by chronic viral hepatitis, alchohol and HIV/AIDS. Schisandra contains lignin compounds that are said to lower high levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in the blood, which is an indication of hepatitis. Another constituent in Schisandra, gomison-A, blocks the production of inflammation-inducing leukotrienes. Gomison-A helps to prevent liver inflammation and tissue destruction (without compromising the immune systems ability to fight the underlying infection). This substance also helps to stimulate the liver and growth of healthy liver tissue, as well as helping to hasten recovery after liver surgery.