Schisandra

Related Terms

Acetylursolic acid, andrographolide, anti-HBeAg lignan, bac ngu vi tu (Vietnamese), BDD, bei wu wei zi (Chinese), bei wu zi, beiwuweizi, benzoylisogomisin O, beta-sitosterol, C(18) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan derivatives, C19 homolignans, catechin, chicanine, chindranda berry, Chinese magnolia vine, Chinesischer limonenbaum (German), chosen-gomischi (Japanese), cycloartane skeleton, daucosterol, deoxyschisandrin, deoxyschizandrin, dibenzocyclooctene lignans, dihytroxyursolic acid eklikit, eklikit gomisi, EquiguardT, ESP-102, five-flavor-fruit, five-flavor-seed, fructus schisandrae sphenantherae, fructus schizandrae, gamma-schisandrin, gamma-schizandrin, ganwuweizic acid, geranylgeranoic acid, gomishi (Japanese), gomisi, gomisin, hoku-gomishi, ImmunoGuard?, interiotherin A, Japanese-manchurian endemite, kadsumarin A, kita-gomishi, lancifodilactone G, lancifodilactones B-E, lanostane triterpenoids, lignan-enriched extract of schisandra fruit, lignans, limonnik kitajskij (Russian), m mei gee (Cantonese), magnolia vine, matsbouza (Japanese), micrandilactone, micranoic acid, monoterpenes, nanwuweizi, ngu mei gee, nigranoic acid, nitrophenolic glycosides, norcycloartane skeleton, norschiartane, north wuweizi, northern schisandra, northern schizandra, nortriterpenoids, octanortriterpenoids, omicha (Korean), pregomisin, S-113m, SC-Ex, schiarisanrin, schiartane, schisanartane, schisandra fruit, schisandra berry, Schisandra chinensis Bail., Schisandra chinensis Baill., Schisandra chinensis baillon, Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Bail., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Schisandra glaucescens, Schisandra henryi, Schisandra incarnata, Schisandra incarnate, Schisandra lancifolia, Schisandra micrantha, Schisandra propinqua, Schisandra rubriflora, Schisandra rubrifolia, Schisandra rubriflora Rhed et Wils, Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils, Schisandra viridis, Schisandraceae (family), schisandrae, Schisandrae fructus, schisandrin, schisandrol, schisandronic acid, schisanhenol, schisanlactone, schizandra, Schizandra arisanensis, Schizandra arisanensis Hayata, Schizandra chinensis Bail., Schizandra chinensis Baill., Schizandra chinensis baillon, Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Bail., Schizandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Schizandra nigra Max., schizandrae, Schizandrae fructus, schizandrin, sesquiterpenes, sheng mai san, sheng-mai-san, shengmai san, shengmaisan, shengmaiye, sheng mai yin, sheng-mai-yin, shengmai yin, shengmaiyin, shisandra, slyceryl 26-hydroxyhexacosanoate, slyceryl hexacosanoate, southern schisandra, TJN-101, triterpenoid acids, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, wei zi (Chinese), western schisandra, wurenchun, wu wei zi (Chinese), wu-wei-zi (Chinese), wu xiwuweizi (Chinese), wuweizi (Chinese), wuweizisu (Chinese), xiwuweizi (Chinese).

Background

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also spelled schizandra, is a vining shrub native to northern and northeast China, as well as areas of Korea and Russia.
Schisandra berries are called wu wei zi in Chinese, translated as "five-flavor fruit," based on their salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter flavors. The dried fruit is formed into powder, tinctures, and wine, and used in capsules and teas either as a single ingredient or in a combination herbal product.
The berries of schisandra have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to increase the body's resistance to stress, for liver protection, immune system effects, and as a "harmonizing agent" in herbal formulas. In Russia it has been used for increasing attention, concentration, coordination, endurance, and strength.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Schisandra is believed to strengthen nonspecific resistance of the body to various stressors. At this time however, only limited, poorly designed study has been conducted to study these effects. High quality study is needed to make a conclusion.

C


Schisandra is believed to strengthen nonspecific resistance of the body to various stressors. At this time however, only limited, poorly designed study has been conducted to study these effects. High quality study is needed to make a conclusion.

C


Results from limited study using schisandra in combination with other herbs for eczema, suggested a potential benefit. Further study using schisandra alone is required before conclusions can be drawn.

C


Results from limited study using schisandra in combination with other herbs for eczema, suggested a potential benefit. Further study using schisandra alone is required before conclusions can be drawn.

C


There is currently a lack of sufficient evidence to determine if schisandra is an effective treatment for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Results from limited study using schisandra in combination with other herbs for this condition suggested a potential benefit. Further study is required before conclusions can be drawn.

C


There is currently a lack of sufficient evidence to determine if schisandra is an effective treatment for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Results from limited study using schisandra in combination with other herbs for this condition suggested a potential benefit. Further study is required before conclusions can be drawn.

C


Although not well studied in humans, schisandra has been suggested as a liver protective agent. Several components of schisandra have strong antioxidant activity, which may enhance liver enzyme systems and regenerate liver tissue. Many studies, however, have evaluated purified constituents, such as schisandrin C. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Although not well studied in humans, schisandra has been suggested as a liver protective agent. Several components of schisandra have strong antioxidant activity, which may enhance liver enzyme systems and regenerate liver tissue. Many studies, however, have evaluated purified constituents, such as schisandrin C. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


In limited available study, visual acuity was improved following use of schisandra. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


In limited available study, visual acuity was improved following use of schisandra. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Schisandra has been taken by mouth as a juice, tea, wine, liquid herbal extract, capsule, or syrup.
For use as an adaptogen, a dose of 91.1 milligrams of standardized schisandra has been taken twice daily.
For liver disease, a dose of 7.5mg of HpPro (a natural version of schisandin C, a component of schisandra) has been taken three times daily for up to four weeks.
For vision improvement, a 5% solution of schisandra has been applied to the eye for 20-25 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Schisandra may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Schisandra may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Schisandra may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood, and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Schisandra may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Schisandra may also interact with antiparasitics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid lowering drugs, anti-cancer agents, antiviral drugs, anti-ulcer drugs, reserpine, doxorubicin, estrogens, halothane, seldane, neurological agents, tacrine, tacrolimus, blood vessel dilators, cardiovascular agents, morphine, immune altering agents, cholinergic agents, and photosensitizing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Bol'shakova, IV, Lozovskaia, EL, and Sapezhinskii, II. [Antioxidant properties of a series of extracts from medicinal plants]. Biofizika 1997;42(2):480-483.
Chang, J and Xie, J. [Total synthesis of schizandrin, the main active ingredient isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine fructus schizandrae]. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998;33(6):424-428.
Chen, J and Tian, G. [Ecological investigation on Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. of the Changbai Mountain]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1992;17(4):204-5, 255.
Cyong, JC, Ki, SM, Iijima, K, et al. Clinical and pharmacological studies on liver diseases treated with Kampo herbal medicine. Am J Chin Med 2000;28(3-4):351-360.
Greenlee, H, Atkinson, C, Stanczyk, FZ, et al. A pilot and feasibility study on the effects of naturopathic botanical and dietary interventions on sex steroid hormone metabolism in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007;16(8):1601-1609.
Iwata, H, Tezuka, Y, Kadota, S, et al. Identification and characterization of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors in Schisandra fruit extract. Drug Metab Dispos. 2004;32(12):1351-1358.
Kassler, WJ, Blanc, P, and Greenblatt, R. The use of medicinal herbs by human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Arch Intern Med 1991;151(11):2281-2288.
Kim, BH, Lee, YS, and Kang, KS. The mechanism of retinol-induced irritation and its application to anti-irritant development. Toxicol Lett. 12-15-2003;146(1):65-73.
Li, Y, Xu, C, Zhang, Q, et al. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori action of 30 Chinese herbal medicines used to treat ulcer diseases. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-26-2005;98(3):329-333.
Melhem, A, Stern, M, Shibolet, O, et al. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection via antioxidants: results of a phase I clinical trial. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005;39(8):737-742.
Panossian, A and Wikman, G. Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 7-23-2008;118(2):183-212.
Ram, VJ. Herbal preparations as a source of hepatoprotective agents. Drug News Perspect. 2001;14(6):353-363.
Wang, K, Tong, YY, and Song, WZ. [Determination of the active ingredients in Chinese drug wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis) by TLC-densitometry]. Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1990;25(1):49-53.
Wang, YH, Gao, JP, and Chen, DF. [Determination of lignans of Schisandra medicinal plants by HPLC]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003;28(12):1155-1160.
Xin, HW, Wu, XC, Li, Q, et al. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007;64(4):469-475.