Changbai Mountain Northern Schizandra Fruit Extract
Also known as: Schisandra, Five-flavor fruit, Northern Schizandra, Changbai Mountain Northern Schizandra Fruit Extract, Schisandra chinensis
Overview
Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as Schisandra or Five-flavor fruit, is a deciduous woody vine native to northern China, Russia, and Korea. Its fruits have a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Russian medicine. The Changbai Mountain Northern Schizandra Fruit Extract specifically refers to an extract derived from wild-harvested fruits from the Changbai Mountain region. These wild fruits are noted for their higher concentrations of active lignans compared to cultivated varieties, which may contribute to enhanced potency. Schisandra is primarily valued as an adaptogen, a substance believed to help the body adapt to stress, improve physical performance, support liver health, and modulate immune function. Research on S. chinensis is moderately mature, with numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies, including some clinical trials, supporting its traditional uses. It is available as an herbal supplement, often in extract form.
Benefits
Schisandra chinensis offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated significant adaptogenic and anti-fatigue effects, with daily supplementation of 1g S. chinensis extract for 12 weeks leading to increased muscle strength in healthy adults aged 50+ and post-menopausal women (p=0.001 and p=0.003 respectively), alongside reductions in lactate levels (p=0.038), indicating reduced fatigue. These studies suggest a moderate strength of evidence for these benefits in specific populations. Metabolic benefits include a significant reduction in fasting glucose by 5.7 mg/dL (p=0.015) in one RCT, suggesting potential for glucose metabolism support. Immunomodulatory effects have been observed in preclinical studies, where polysaccharide fractions from S. chinensis enhanced macrophage activity and lymphocyte transformation. The lignans in S. chinensis exhibit strong antioxidant properties, providing hepatoprotective effects against liver toxin-induced damage in animal models, though human clinical data are less robust. Traditional use and in vitro studies also suggest potential anti-inflammatory and antiallergic benefits, possibly through inhibition of leukotriene production.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Schisandra chinensis involves its rich content of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, such as schisandrin and gomisin. These compounds modulate oxidative stress pathways and inflammatory mediators within the body, contributing to its adaptogenic and protective effects. The lignans are also known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, which reduces the synthesis of leukotrienes, thereby potentially underlying its anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. Additionally, polysaccharide fractions found in the fruit contribute to its immunomodulatory effects by enhancing phagocytic activity and improving lymphocyte function. The overall effect is an improved ability of the body to resist stress and maintain homeostasis. The bioavailability of the active compounds is influenced by the extraction method, with alcohol extracts generally concentrating lignans more effectively than aqueous extracts.
Side effects
Schisandra chinensis extracts are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort such as heartburn, stomach upset, or diarrhea. While no significant drug interactions have been firmly established, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or immunosuppressants due to theoretical interactions, although concrete evidence is lacking. Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience exacerbated symptoms due to its potential to increase stomach acid. There is insufficient safety data regarding the use of Schisandra during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid its use in these populations. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those on prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.
Dosage
Effective doses of Schisandra chinensis extract in randomized controlled trials typically range around 1 gram per day. This dosage has been administered for periods of 8 to 12 weeks in clinical studies. For consistent efficacy, it is recommended to use extracts standardized to their lignan content, as these are the primary bioactive compounds. Alcohol-based extracts may offer better bioavailability of these lignans compared to other forms. The extract is usually taken orally. While there is no established maximum safe dose, clinical studies have not reported adverse effects at the 1 gram per day dosage. It is important to note that specific dosages may vary depending on the product's concentration and the individual's health goals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.
FAQs
Is Changbai Mountain Schizandra extract different from other Schisandra extracts?
Yes, wild-harvested fruits from the Changbai Mountain region are known to have a higher concentration of key lignans, which are the primary active compounds, potentially leading to greater potency compared to cultivated varieties.
How soon can benefits be expected from Schisandra supplementation?
Clinical improvements, such as increased muscle strength and reduced fatigue markers, have been observed after approximately 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation with Schisandra extract.
Is Schisandra safe for long-term use?
While short-term use up to 12 weeks appears safe and well-tolerated in studies, comprehensive long-term safety data for Schisandra chinensis are currently limited. Consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10408133/ – This source refers to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Park et al. (2020) and Cho et al. (2021) which investigated the effects of S. chinensis extract. The study found significant improvements in muscle strength and reduced lactate levels in older adults and post-menopausal women after 12 weeks of 1g/day supplementation, indicating anti-fatigue benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5378736/ – This source points to a comprehensive review by Szopa et al. (2016) on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of S. chinensis. The review confirms the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects of lignans and polysaccharides, highlighting the need for more clinical trials and standardized extracts to fully understand its potential.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.816036/full – This source refers to an analytical study by Jia et al. (2023) that compared wild versus cultivated S. chinensis using advanced chromatography. The study concluded that wild Changbai Mountain fruits contain higher concentrations of key lignans, supporting the notion of superior quality and potential efficacy from this specific source.