Schisandra Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Schisandra, Five-flavor berry, Schisandra glycerite liquid extract, Schisandra chinensis
Overview
Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as Schisandra or Five-flavor berry, is a botanical supplement derived from the fruits of the *Schisandra chinensis* plant. It is traditionally valued in East Asian medicine for its adaptogenic properties, liver protection, fatigue reduction, and immune-modulating effects. The plant's fruits are rich in a complex phytochemical profile, including lignans (such as schisandrin), phenolic acids (like chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids. Schisandra glycerite liquid extract is a liquid herbal preparation that may offer enhanced solubility and absorption of these bioactive compounds. Modern research, primarily preclinical, focuses on its hepatoprotective, metabolic regulatory, and anti-inflammatory actions, positioning it as a promising agent for supporting overall health and vitality.
Benefits
Schisandra chinensis offers several evidence-based benefits, predominantly supported by preclinical research. Its most prominent benefit is its **hepatoprotective effect**, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses of 54 animal studies demonstrating significant reductions in liver injury markers (AST, ALT) and improvements in antioxidant parameters like glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The strength of evidence for this is high in animal models, with large effect sizes (SMD for GSH improvement ~3.5, p < 0.001). It also contributes to the **reduction of hepatic lipid accumulation**, as shown in a controlled rat study where a *Schisandra* extract significantly reduced plasma and hepatic triglycerides, attributed to decreased activity of hepatic lipogenic enzymes. Furthermore, network pharmacology analyses suggest **anti-fatigue and immune-modulating properties** by influencing immune function, inflammation, and steroid hormone receptor pathways, potentially enhancing exercise capacity. Lastly, its rich content of polyphenols and lignans, including schisandrin and chlorogenic acid, provides **nutritional antioxidant properties**, contributing to its overall anti-inflammatory effects.
How it works
Schisandra chinensis exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It significantly enhances **antioxidant activity** by boosting endogenous antioxidant defenses, such as increasing glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress, particularly in liver tissue. Its **anti-inflammatory effects** are mediated by modulating immune-related gene expression and inflammatory pathways, which helps to reduce liver inflammation and systemic immune activation. Schisandra also plays a role in **lipid metabolism regulation** by inhibiting hepatic de novo lipogenesis enzymes, which in turn reduces triglyceride synthesis and accumulation in the liver. At a molecular level, its active lignans, like schisandrin, interact with intracellular steroid hormone receptors and neurotransmitter receptors, influencing various metabolic and immune pathways. While oral bioavailability of lignans is moderate, glycerite liquid extracts may improve solubility and absorption.
Side effects
The overall safety of Schisandra chinensis is generally regarded as good, based on traditional use and animal studies; however, comprehensive human safety data are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented in clinical trials, and traditional use suggests a low incidence of adverse effects. There is a potential for **drug interactions**, particularly with medications metabolized by liver enzymes (e.g., CYP450), due to Schisandra's modulation of liver metabolism. Therefore, caution is advised when co-administering with such drugs. **Contraindications** are not definitively established due to insufficient data; however, caution is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with severe liver disease until more robust clinical data become available. Furthermore, there is a lack of robust clinical safety data in specific populations, including children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing comorbidities, necessitating a cautious approach in these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Schisandra chinensis in humans is not well-established, as most research is preclinical. Animal studies, when scaled to human equivalents, suggest a range of approximately 500–1500 mg/day of extract. Optimal dosage ranges are currently lacking due to the absence of sufficient human clinical trials. The maximum safe dose is unknown, though animal studies have not reported toxicity at typical doses. Schisandra is typically administered orally, and glycerite liquid extracts may offer flexibility in dosing and potentially improved bioavailability compared to other forms. There are no specific timing considerations, though co-administration with food may influence absorption. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its effects.
FAQs
Is Schisandra glycerite liquid extract effective for liver health?
Preclinical evidence strongly supports its hepatoprotective effects, showing improvements in liver enzymes and antioxidant markers. However, human randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm these benefits in people.
Is it safe to take Schisandra long-term?
Traditional use suggests long-term safety, but comprehensive clinical safety data, especially for extended periods, are limited. It's best to consult a healthcare professional for long-term use.
How quickly might I see benefits from Schisandra?
Animal studies indicate biochemical improvements within weeks. However, human data on the onset of benefits are currently lacking, and individual responses may vary.
Can Schisandra be combined with other supplements or medications?
Caution is warranted, especially with medications metabolized by liver enzymes (e.g., CYP450), due to potential interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements or medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1627081/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 animal studies demonstrated that Schisandra chinensis significantly improved liver injury markers (AST, ALT) and antioxidant parameters (GSH, SOD) in liver injury models. The study reported large effect sizes and confirmed robustness through sensitivity analyses, highlighting strong preclinical evidence for hepatoprotective effects despite heterogeneity in models.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10992756/ – This animal randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a combined Schisandra extract on male Sprague–Dawley rats fed a high-sucrose diet. The study found significant reductions in plasma and hepatic triglycerides, attributing the mechanism to the inhibition of lipogenic enzymes. Limitations include a small sample size and the absence of human data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1227027/full – This source highlights the nutritional antioxidant properties of Schisandra extracts, emphasizing their richness in polyphenols and lignans like schisandrin and chlorogenic acid. These bioactive compounds contribute to the observed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the plant's traditional uses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8843844/ – This pharmacological network analysis identified 8 active compounds in Schisandra targeting 21 genes related to immunity, inflammation, liver metabolism, and fatigue. The in silico study suggested Schisandra's potential as an exercise supplement by modulating these pathways, though it lacked clinical trial data to support these findings in humans.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40832608/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same systematic review and meta-analysis on Schisandra chinensis in liver injury models, as indicated by the similar content in the first research source. It reinforces the findings of significant improvements in liver enzymes and antioxidant markers in animal studies, underscoring the strong preclinical evidence for its hepatoprotective properties.
