Schizandra chinensis is a creeping vine, native to northeasten China and Korea. Northern schisandra fruit is the dried, ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis. The fruit is harvested in autumn, then steamed before being dried in the sun. The plant bears small red berries from which the herbal extract is produced. It is classified as an adaptogen, an herb that regulates and normalizes the functions of the body and increases its resistance to stress. The active ingredients in schizandra include substances called schizandrin as well as vitamins C and E. Schizandrins have been found to act as tonics for the liver, lungs and kidneys while balancing the immune system, normalizing nervous system function and aiding digestion. Schizandra has also been shown to have anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-depressant properties