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Schisandra Extract Concentrate

Also known as: Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra, Omija, Five-flavor berry

Overview

Schisandra Extract Concentrate is derived from the fruit of *Schisandra chinensis*, a plant with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is characterized by its unique 'five flavors' and contains bioactive compounds known as lignans, along with other phytochemicals. This extract is primarily utilized for its adaptogenic properties, which are believed to help the body resist stressors. Research suggests potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. It is also being investigated for its ability to improve exercise capacity, cognitive function, and metabolic health. Schisandra is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. While research is ongoing, the current evidence base consists of a mix of in vitro, animal, and limited human studies, highlighting the need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm its benefits.

Benefits

Schisandra extract demonstrates several potential benefits supported by varying degrees of evidence. Animal and cell studies suggest significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced oxidative stress markers. Limited animal research indicates potential improvements in learning and memory, possibly through antioxidant mechanisms. Network pharmacology analysis suggests that Schisandra may improve exercise capacity and reduce fatigue by modulating immunity, inflammation, and liver metabolism. Animal studies also point to potential benefits in glycemic control in type 2 diabetes models when combined with other extracts. A human study showed improved quadriceps muscle strength and reduced lactate at rest in adult women, suggesting benefits for muscle function. However, human data are preliminary, with small sample sizes, and require further validation through larger, well-designed trials.

How it works

Schisandra's adaptogenic and other effects are attributed to its active lignans, which interact with multiple biological pathways. These compounds modulate pathways involved in oxidative stress reduction, inflammation control, and steroid hormone regulation. At the molecular level, Schisandra can influence antioxidant enzymes like SOD and glutathione, as well as inflammatory mediators and metabolic enzymes. The oral bioavailability of its active compounds is considered moderate, allowing for systemic effects. Overall, Schisandra appears to exert its effects through a complex interplay of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic modulation.

Side effects

Schisandra extract is generally considered well-tolerated based on available animal and limited human studies. Significant adverse effects have not been consistently reported in the reviewed literature. However, comprehensive safety data from large-scale human trials are currently lacking. Potential drug interactions may occur due to Schisandra's modulation of liver metabolism pathways, particularly with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that are metabolized hepatically. Due to limited data, contraindications are not well-established, and caution is generally recommended until more extensive safety data become available.

Dosage

Due to limited human research, an optimal dosage for Schisandra extract has not been definitively established. Animal studies have used a range of doses, while human studies have often relied on doses used in traditional preparations or standardized extracts. Concentrated extracts standardized for lignan content are generally preferred to ensure consistency. Effects on antioxidant capacity and muscle strength have been observed after supplementation periods ranging from weeks to months. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the most effective and safe dosage for various applications. Until more data are available, it is best to start with lower doses and gradually increase as tolerated, while monitoring for any potential side effects.

FAQs

Is Schisandra extract safe for long-term use?

Current data suggest good tolerability, but long-term human safety data are insufficient. More research is needed to fully assess the safety of long-term Schisandra supplementation.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Animal studies show effects within weeks; human data are limited but suggest several weeks may be needed to observe noticeable benefits from Schisandra extract.

Can it improve exercise performance?

Preliminary evidence supports potential benefits in reducing fatigue and improving muscle strength, suggesting a possible role for Schisandra in enhancing exercise performance.

Does it interact with medications?

Possible liver enzyme interactions warrant caution. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking Schisandra, especially if you are currently taking any medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8843844/ – This network pharmacology study identified Schisandra’s active compounds and target genes, showing roles in immunity, inflammation, liver metabolism, and fatigue improvement. It supports the biological plausibility of exercise and metabolic benefits but is not a clinical trial and requires further validation.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X20970855 – In mice with induced learning and memory disorders, Schisandra extract significantly improved antioxidant markers (SOD, T-AOC) and cognitive performance compared to controls. This indicates neuroprotective effects likely mediated by antioxidant activity, although the study is limited by its small sample size and animal model.
https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/35966/html – Schisandra A component reduced oxidative damage markers (MDA) and increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH) in lung epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract and LPS. This demonstrates potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects at micromolar concentrations, supporting mechanistic understanding but lacking in vivo confirmation.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/15/3159 – Supplementation with Schisandra extract improved quadriceps muscle strength and reduced resting lactate in adult women, suggesting benefits for muscle function and fatigue. The study design details and statistical robustness require further confirmation through larger, well-controlled trials.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/7/2475 – Combined Omija (Schisandra) and soybean extract improved glycemic parameters in a type 2 diabetes animal model, indicating potential metabolic benefits. These findings warrant further investigation in human clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety.