Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Organic schisandra

Also known as: Schisandra, Five-flavor berry, Magnolia vine, Schisandra chinensis

Overview

Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as Schisandra or Five-flavor berry, is a fruit-bearing vine native to East Asia. It is a traditional Chinese medicine herb primarily valued for its hepatoprotective, anti-fatigue, and immune-modulating properties. The plant's berries are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly lignans such as schisandrin, gomisin D, and schisandrol B, along with polyphenols and organic acids. Research indicates its potential in supporting liver health, enhancing physical performance, and modulating gut microbiota. While preclinical studies and systematic reviews show promising results, clinical translation in humans is still under evaluation, with a moderate to advanced level of research maturity.

Benefits

Schisandra chinensis offers several evidence-based benefits. Its most prominent effect is hepatoprotection; a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies found that Schisandra extract significantly improved glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced liver injury markers like AST and ALT, with large effect sizes and robust sensitivity analyses. This suggests strong potential for liver health support. Network pharmacology analysis indicates that Schisandra may improve fatigue and exercise capacity by modulating neurotransmitter receptors, steroid hormone signaling, and immune pathways, though clinical confirmation is needed. Animal studies also show its ability to ameliorate alcoholic hepatitis by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving intestinal barrier function, partly through gut microbiota modulation. The fruit's rich content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and lignans provides significant antioxidant properties, with wild varieties often having higher bioactive content. Benefits appear to be dose-dependent in preclinical models, with higher doses yielding stronger effects.

How it works

Schisandra chinensis exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its primary actions involve significant antioxidant activity, achieved by increasing levels of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and anti-inflammatory effects. It also modulates liver metabolism enzymes, contributing to its hepatoprotective properties. At a molecular level, Schisandra's bioactive compounds interact with various targets, including neurotransmitter receptors and steroid hormone receptors, which may explain its anti-fatigue effects. Furthermore, it influences oxidative stress pathways. A crucial aspect of its mechanism involves interaction with the gut microbiota, which contributes to systemic effects such as improved liver inflammation and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. The key bioactive lignans and polyphenols are absorbed with variable bioavailability, with pharmacokinetic data suggesting oral bioavailability of at least 30% for some compounds.

Side effects

Schisandra chinensis is generally considered safe, with a long history of traditional use and no significant adverse effects reported in reviewed studies. Common side effects are rare and typically mild. While no major drug interactions have been extensively documented, caution is advised when co-administering Schisandra with medications metabolized by liver enzymes, as it may modulate these enzymatic pathways. Specific risk factors for adverse effects are not well-defined due to limited clinical data. Contraindications and data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are also limited; therefore, these individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use. Overall, its safety profile is favorable, but comprehensive human clinical trials are needed to fully characterize potential interactions and long-term safety.

Dosage

Human dosing guidelines for Schisandra chinensis are not yet well standardized, largely due to a lack of extensive clinical trials. Traditional use often involves consuming 1-3 grams of dried fruit daily. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate dose-dependent effects, with higher doses correlating with more pronounced hepatoprotective outcomes. However, optimal dosing for specific health benefits and populations in humans still requires further research and clinical trials to establish efficacy and safety. The timing of administration and the formulation (e.g., whole fruit, extract, standardized lignan content) can also influence absorption and bioavailability, potentially affecting the effective dosage. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term human consumption have not been definitively established.

FAQs

Is Schisandra effective for liver health?

Yes, preclinical evidence, including systematic reviews, strongly supports its hepatoprotective effects by improving antioxidant status and reducing liver injury markers. More human clinical trials are needed for definitive confirmation.

Can Schisandra improve exercise performance?

Network pharmacology analysis suggests potential anti-fatigue benefits by modulating various physiological pathways. However, clinical confirmation in humans regarding exercise performance is currently limited.

Is Schisandra safe for long-term use?

Current data indicate a good safety profile with rare and mild side effects. However, long-term human studies specifically assessing safety over extended periods are still lacking.

Does Schisandra interact with medications?

While no major drug interactions are documented, caution is advised with medications metabolized by liver enzymes due to Schisandra's potential to modulate these pathways. Consult a healthcare provider if taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1627081/full – This 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies found that Schisandra chinensis extract significantly improved glutathione levels and reduced markers of liver injury (AST, ALT). The study highlighted robust hepatoprotective effects with large effect sizes, though it noted the need for clinical translation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8843844/ – This network pharmacology analysis identified 8 active compounds in Schisandra chinensis and suggested its roles in immunity, fatigue, and liver metabolism. It provided a theoretical basis for its anti-fatigue and exercise capacity benefits by modulating neurotransmitter and steroid hormone signaling, but lacked clinical validation.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.822429/full – An animal study using a mouse model of alcoholic hepatitis demonstrated that Schisandra extract improved liver inflammation and oxidative stress. The research also indicated that these benefits were partly mediated by the modulation of gut microbiota and improved intestinal barrier function.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10408133/ – This review summarized the nutritional components of Schisandra chinensis, identifying significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and lignans with antioxidant properties. It also noted that wild varieties generally possess higher concentrations of these bioactive compounds compared to cultivated ones.