Schizandra
Also known as: Schisandra chinensis, Chinese magnolia vine, five-flavor berry, Omija
Overview
Schisandra chinensis, also known as Chinese magnolia vine or five-flavor berry, is a plant native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Russia. Its berries are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their anti-aging, anti-fatigue, and immune-enhancing properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (e.g., schisandrin, gomisin G), dibenzylbutane lignans, aryltetralin lignans, and triterpenoids. Research suggests potential benefits in improving exercise performance, cognitive function, and metabolic health. Studies include in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, but more high-quality systematic reviews are needed. Schisandra is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and extracts, with the extract form commonly used in research.
Benefits
Schisandra chinensis has shown potential benefits in several areas. It may improve fatigue and exercise capacity by regulating steroid receptors and enhancing liver metabolism, as suggested by pharmacological network analysis. A clinical study demonstrated that a 500 mg/day extract mixture significantly improved plasma glucose and insulin levels, and reduced LDL-cholesterol and free fatty acid levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Additionally, it can modulate immune function and reduce inflammation, protecting against lung oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant markers like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Network pharmacology and metabolomics analyses also suggest potential cognitive benefits, particularly in treating Alzheimer's disease by modulating relevant biological pathways. These benefits are most pronounced in athletes, individuals with high physical activity, and those with metabolic syndrome, with improvements typically observed over 12 weeks of daily supplementation.
How it works
Schisandra chinensis exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its compounds interact with intracellular steroid hormone receptors, influencing various physiological processes. The extract enhances antioxidant markers like SOD and GSH, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It also modulates immune function by regulating the expression of cytokines and other immune-related genes. Schisandra enhances liver function and metabolism, contributing to its anti-fatigue effects. Furthermore, it may influence neurotransmitter receptor activity, potentially impacting cognitive function. The active compounds have moderate bioavailability, with pharmacokinetic properties indicating oral bioavailability ≥ 30%, Caco-2 permeability ≥ -0.4, and drug-likeness ≥ 0.18.
Side effects
Schisandra chinensis is generally considered safe when used at recommended doses. No significant common side effects have been consistently reported in reviewed studies. Data on uncommon and rare side effects are limited, but no severe adverse effects have been documented. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with drugs metabolized by the liver, as Schisandra can influence liver metabolism. For example, it may affect the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel and cyclosporin A. Caution is advised in individuals with liver conditions due to its effects on liver metabolism. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Schisandra with caution due to limited safety data in these populations. It is crucial to consider potential interactions with liver-metabolized drugs and to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Dosage
A common dosage range for Schisandra chinensis is 500 mg to 2 grams per day, based on available studies. The minimum effective dose is not well-established, but studies have used doses within this range. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 2 grams per day are less commonly studied. No specific timing recommendations are available, but it is generally taken as part of a daily supplement regimen. Schisandra is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and extracts, with the extract form often used in research. Bioavailability is moderate, and absorption may be influenced by the presence of other nutrients or drugs. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Schisandra chinensis safe?
Schisandra is generally considered safe, but potential interactions with liver-metabolized drugs should be considered. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have liver conditions or are taking other medications.
When should I take Schisandra?
Schisandra can be taken at any time of day, but consistency in dosing is recommended. Some users prefer taking it in the morning for its potential anti-fatigue effects.
How long does it take to see results?
Improvements in fatigue, exercise performance, and metabolic health may be expected within several weeks to months of consistent use. It is not a quick fix, and consistent use is necessary to observe benefits.
What are the common misconceptions about Schisandra?
A common misconception is that it is a quick fix for fatigue or metabolic issues. Consistent use over several weeks is necessary to observe benefits, and it should be part of a holistic approach to health.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35152622/ – This pharmacological network analysis identified active compounds and target genes related to immunity, inflammation, liver metabolism, and neurotransmitter activity, suggesting Schisandra chinensis's potential as an exercise supplement. The study provides a comprehensive pharmacological profile but requires clinical validation to confirm its theoretical findings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/6362617 – This network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis identified main therapeutic components and functional mechanisms related to Alzheimer’s disease treatment, highlighting Schisandra chinensis's potential in modulating relevant biological pathways. While the study offers insights into potential mechanisms, clinical validation is necessary to confirm its efficacy.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/11/4333 – This study investigates the protective effects of Schisandra chinensis extract against lung oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide. The findings indicate that the extract enhances antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), suggesting its potential in mitigating lung damage from oxidative stress.
- https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/35966/html – This article discusses the potential of Schisandra chinensis in protecting against lung oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke extract and lipopolysaccharide. The study highlights the extract's ability to enhance antioxidant markers and reduce inflammation, suggesting its role in mitigating lung damage.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/15/3159 – This randomized controlled trial with 67 subjects with metabolic syndrome showed that a Schisandra chinensis extract mixture significantly improved plasma glucose and insulin levels, LDL-cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels compared to the placebo group. The study provides high-quality evidence for the extract's benefits in improving metabolic health, although the sample size is relatively small.
