Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: The main lignans of Schisandra chinensis are known as the therapeutic components. The absorption, distribution, metabolites, and metabolic pathways of them were concluded in this paper. Potential effects on experiment results of different subjects were also discussed. Results: 1. Deoxyschisandrin (DS), schisandrin (SCH) and schisandrin B (SCH B/γ-SCH) can be regarded as the main therapeutic components absorbed into blood. 2. All the lignans showed the same distribution trend: highest concentration in liver and lungs, then in kidney and heart, least in spleen and intestines. DS and SCH can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). 3. CYP3A4 is the only subtype that catalysis metabolic pathway of DS and SCH. The metabolic order of DS and SCH differed in in vivo and in vitro environment. 4. After oral administration, the Tmax of DS was about 4~5 h, the Tmax of SCH distributed from 0.33 to 0.7 h. The secondary absorption of γ-SCH had been observed. 5. Gender difference is found in the metabolism of SCH and γ-SCH in vitro using the liver microsomes of male and female rats. The blood pretreatment methods had also been compared and using plasma turned to be a better choice than using serum for Schisandrae lignan analyzation.

Key words: Schisandrae Fructus, lignan, pharmacokinetic study, gender difference