Schizandra Berry
Also known as: Schisandra Berry, Omija, Schisandra chinensis
Overview
Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as Schizandra Berry or Omija, is a berry-producing plant with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The fruit and its extracts are rich in bioactive lignans and other phytochemicals, which are believed to contribute to its purported health benefits. It is primarily recognized as an adaptogen, meaning it may help the body resist stressors. Schisandra is often used to support liver health, reduce fatigue, modulate the immune system, and enhance exercise capacity. Research has expanded from traditional applications to include molecular and pharmacological studies, providing increasing evidence from in vitro, animal, and some human trials. However, more comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses are needed to fully establish its clinical efficacy.
Benefits
Schisandra chinensis offers several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and animal studies. It may improve fatigue and exercise performance by modulating neurotransmitter receptors and steroid hormone pathways. Schisandrin B, an active compound, has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in animal models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The berry also influences immune function and inflammation pathways, potentially supporting immune health. Furthermore, molecular studies suggest anti-cancer potential through the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell invasion in vitro and in animal models. Some research indicates metabolic benefits, such as hypoglycemic effects and improved pancreatic function in diabetic animal models. While human clinical data are limited, initial findings suggest potential benefits in fatigue and liver function.
How it works
Schisandra chinensis exerts its effects through several biological pathways. It modulates postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor activity and regulates intracellular steroid hormone receptor signaling pathways. Lignans like schisandrin B contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing oxidative stress and ER stress in hepatocytes. The active compounds are selected based on oral bioavailability, indicating reasonable absorption potential. Molecular targets include steroid receptors, neurotransmitter receptors, and enzymes involved in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, and performance-enhancing effects attributed to Schisandra.
Side effects
Schisandra chinensis extracts are generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in the literature. Common side effects are not well-documented, but traditional use suggests good tolerability. Uncommon and rare side effects are not significantly reported in high-quality studies. However, potential drug interactions may occur with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes due to the modulation of liver metabolism; caution is advised for individuals taking such medications. Contraindications are not clearly established, but caution is warranted in individuals with liver disease or hormone-sensitive conditions due to steroid receptor activity. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited data in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Schisandra chinensis is not definitively established in humans; animal studies and traditional use suggest variable dosing. Clinical trials are needed to define optimal human doses. The maximum safe dose is also not well-defined, and high doses of schisandrin B may have biphasic effects on lipid metabolism. It may be taken as a daily supplement, with timing relative to meals not specifically defined. Extracts standardized for lignan content are preferred for consistent effects. The oral bioavailability of active compounds is moderate, and formulation may affect absorption. No specific cofactors are required for its activity.
FAQs
Is Schizandra Berry safe for long-term use?
Current evidence suggests good safety, but long-term human data are limited. Monitor for any adverse effects and consult with a healthcare provider.
Can it improve exercise performance?
Pharmacological data support anti-fatigue effects, but robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in enhancing exercise performance.
Does it protect the liver?
Animal and in vitro studies show hepatoprotective effects; human evidence is preliminary. It may support liver health, but more research is needed.
Are there any drug interactions?
Potential exists due to liver enzyme modulation; consult healthcare providers if on medications to avoid potential interactions.
How soon will benefits appear?
Effects may require weeks of supplementation; precise timelines are unclear and may vary depending on the individual and the specific benefit.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8843844/ – This systematic pharmacological analysis identified eight active compounds in Schisandra chinensis with 21 target genes related to neurotransmitter receptor activity, steroid hormone receptor signaling, and immune function. It suggests roles in improving fatigue, liver metabolism, and inflammation, supporting its use as an exercise supplement. The study provides mechanistic insights but lacks direct clinical trial data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6412213/ – This comprehensive review highlights Schisandra chinensis's anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-aging, and antimicrobial effects. It emphasizes molecular mechanisms and animal model findings, noting the absence of significant side effects. The review calls for further research to isolate active constituents and conduct clinical trials to validate these findings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/6171658 – This review discusses schisandrin B's dual effects on lipid metabolism in NAFLD models, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ER stress-reducing activities. It demonstrates dose-dependent biphasic responses, highlighting the need for careful dosing in therapeutic applications. The review provides strong preclinical evidence for liver benefits but limited human data.
