Schisandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries. It is
distributed throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and
Korea.1 The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit is used medicinally. It is purported to
have sour, sweet, salty, hot, and bitter tastes. This unusual combination of flavors is
reflected in schisandra’s Chinese name wu-wei-zi, meaning “five taste
fruit.”
Schisandra has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
A classical treatise on Chinese herbal medicine, Shen Nung Pen Tsao Ching,
describes schisandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical
conditions—especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. In addition, other
textbooks on Traditional Chinese Medicine note that schisandra is useful for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst, and physical exhaustion.2
Adaptogenic herbs, like schisandra, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve
the ability of the body to respond to stress.
Active constituents
The major constituents in schisandra are lignans (schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, gomisins,
and pregomisin) found in the seeds of the fruit. Modern Chinese research suggests these
lignans have a protective effect on the liver and an immunomodulating effect. Two human trials
completed in China (one double-blind and the other preliminary) have shown that schisandra may
help people with chronic viral
hepatitis.34 Schisandra lignans appear to protect the liver by
activating the enzymes in liver cells that produce glutathione, an important antioxidant substance.5
Schisandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb Asian ginseng, but with weaker effects. Laboratory
work suggests that schisandra may improve work performance, build strength, and help to reduce
fatigue.6
How much is usually taken?
Use of schisandra fruit ranges from 1.5–15 grams per day.7 The tincture,
2–4 ml three times per day, can also be used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Side effects involving schisandra are uncommon but may include abdominal upset, decreased
appetite, and skin rash.8
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with schisandra. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
469–72.
2. Shu HY. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide.
Palos Verdes, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Press, 1986, 624–5.
3. Liu KT. Studies on fructus Schizandrae chinensis. Annex 12:
Studies on fructus Schizandrae chinensis. Plenary lecture, World Health Organization
(WHO) Seminar on the Use of Medicinal Plants in Health Care, Sept 1977, Tokyo, Japan. In: WHO
Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Final Report, November 1977, Manila,
101–12.
4. Chang HM, But P (eds). Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese
Materia Medica 1. Singapore: World Scientific, 1986.
5. Ip SP, Poon MKT, Wu SS, et al. Effect of schisandrin B on hepatic
glutathione antioxidant system in mice: Protection against carbon tetrachloride toxicity.
Planta Med 1995;61:398–401.
6. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the
West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 146–52.
7. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the
West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 146–52.
8. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al. American Herbal Product
Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 104.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
