Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis is a climbing plant from north-east Asia whose red berries have been used for centuries in Chinese tradition, where it is known as wu wei zi, "the five-flavour fruit". Its characteristic compounds are lignans.

Quick facts

  • Traditionally considered an adaptogenic plant
  • Its berries combine all five flavours: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent

Schisandra is one of the classic plants of Chinese tradition and one of the first to be studied as an adaptogen in the former Soviet Union.

What is schisandra?

It is a climbing plant native to China, Russia and Korea. Its berries are used, and they have a very distinctive taste: according to tradition, they combine all five flavours. Its most studied compounds are lignans, such as schisandrins.

What does the science say?

Research on schisandra began in Russia in the mid-20th century, where it was studied as an adaptogenic plant in situations of physical and mental exertion (Panossian and Wikman 2008). Much of that work is old or was carried out in animals, and modern human trials are scarce.

Health claims for plants are still pending assessment in the European Union.

Dose and how to take it

It is used as a dry berry extract, usually at 100 to 500 mg a day, preferably in the morning or at midday. At IVB, Stress OFF includes 200 mg of schisandra extract together with reishi and eleuthero.

Safety

  • It may cause heartburn or digestive discomfort in some people.
  • It may alter how the liver processes some medicines: if you take medication, check with your doctor first.
  • It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is schisandra used for?

It is a traditional Chinese and Russian plant that has been studied as an adaptogen. Modern human evidence is limited and it has no authorised health claims in the EU.

What is an adaptogenic plant?

It is a term used for plants such as schisandra, rhodiola or eleuthero, traditionally employed to help the body cope with demanding situations.

When should I take schisandra?

In the morning or at midday, with food.

References
  1. Panossian A, Wikman G. Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;118(2):183-212.
  2. Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress-protective activity. Pharmaceuticals. 2010;3(1):188-224.
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Clinical Studies

Schisandra chinensis in sport

The following study examined the potential ofSchisandra chinensisas an exercise supplement, highlighting its adaptogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It was concluded that it could improve performance, reduce fatigue and speed up recovery. Although the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in the sports context.

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Hong BS, Baek S, Kim MR, Park SM, Kim BS, Kim J, Lee KP. Systematic analysis of the pharmacological function of Schisandra as a potential exercise supplement. Phys Act Nutri. 2021 Dec;25(4):38-44.

Schisandra chinensis and its properties

Another recent article highlighted lignans as the main active compounds responsible for its adaptogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, as well as its effects on improving immune function and its therapeutic potential for liver and cardiovascular disorders.

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Shunyi Yang, Chunhong Yuan, Schisandra chinensis: A comprehensive review on its phytochemicals and biological activities, Arabian Journal of Chemistry, Volume 14, Issue 9, 2021, 103310, ISSN 1878-5352.

Schisandra chinensis and memory

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effects of a single dose ofADAPT-232(an excerpt fromSchisandra chinensis) on cognitive functions, showing improvements in concentration and memory in participants, suggesting that this plant may have positive effects on cognitive functions.

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Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Panossian A, Wikman G. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of the single dose effects of ADAPT-232 on cognitive functions. Phytomedicine. 2010;17:494-499.