Everything You Need to Know About

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Botanical family: Schisandraceae
Parts used: Berries
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
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Overview & Health Benefits

The intensely aromatic berries of Schisandra chinensis, also known as magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit, offer a unique sensory journey. Its complex flavor profile—initially sweet and sour, evolving to salty, pungent, and finally bitter—reflects its multifaceted actions in traditional medicine systems, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Yang et al., 2022). Referred to as wǔ wèi zi ("five flavour berry") in TCM, Schisandra is widely described as an adaptogen, supporting the body's resilience to stress (Panossian & Wikman, 2008; Winston & Maimes, 2007). Modern science is investigating its potential benefits for cognitive function, physical performance, hormonal equilibrium, liver health, and immune system regulation (Szopa et al., 2017).

Key Benefits

  • Resilience to stress
  • Liver protection
  • Cognitive support
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Immune modulation

Stress, fatigue and cognitive performance: Schisandra is often classed as an adaptogen, and some studies suggest it may support perceived stamina and reduce fatigue (Panossian & Wikman, 2008). Mechanistic and animal studies suggest neuroprotective potential, including protection against glutamate-related neuronal stress (Kim et al., 2004) and modulation of neuroinflammatory signalling in models relevant to neurodegeneration (Xu et al., 2020). 

Antioxidant and Cardiovascular Support: Schisandra boasts a rich array of lignans, renowned for their antioxidant properties (Lu & Liu, 1992). Research suggests these antioxidants could shield cells from oxidative damage (Kopustinskiene & Bernatoniene, 2021; Chiu et al., 2011).  Specifically, Schisandrin B has been shown to protect against solar irradiation-induced oxidative injury in human skin fibroblasts (Chiu et al., 2011). Research is ongoing to explore the potential of Schisandra lignans in maintaining cardiovascular health, including their potential to protect against cardiovascular disease (Chun et al., 2014). 

Anti-inflammatory and Immune Modulation: Schisandra constituents show anti-inflammatory activity in experimental models, including respiratory and cardiac inflammation studies (Bae et al., 2012; Chen et al., 2013; Guo et al., 2008). Polysaccharides and specific compounds have also demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in animals (Li et al., 2018; Jung et al., 2013). 

Liver Support: Schisandra is best known in modern research for hepatoprotective potential. Lignans have shown protective effects in cell and animal models, including modulation of oxidative stress and induction of phase II detoxification pathways (e.g., Nrf2/NQO1) (Lee et al., 2009; Xie et al., 2014). These same mechanisms also underpin potential interactions with medicines processed by liver enzymes, so clinical use should consider drug-herb interaction risk.

Antimicrobial Properties: Some studies report antibacterial or antiviral activity of Schisandra preparations in vitro or in animal models (e.g., Salmonella; Coxsackievirus B4; formula studies such as Yakammaoto) (Kwon et al., 2008; Yen et al., 2014).

Safety Profile

Schisandra is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but caution is warranted. Avoid in epilepsy unless supervised by a clinician with herb–drug interaction expertise (McIntyre, 2019). Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data (McIntyre, 2019). Schisandra may influence hepatic drug-metabolising enzymes and transporters, creating interaction risks with medicines that rely on these pathways (Lee et al., 2009; Xie et al., 2014). Seek professional advice if taking immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, or medicines with a narrow therapeutic index.

References

Bae, H., Kim, R., Kim, Y., Lee, E., Kim, H. J., Jang, Y. P., Jung, S.-K., & Kim, J. (2012). Effects of Schisandra chinensis Baillon (Schizandraceae) on lipopolysaccharide induced lung inflammation in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 142(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.04.009 

Chen, P., Pang, S., Yang, N., Meng, H., Liu, J., Zhou, N., Zhang, M., Xu, Z., Gao, W., Chen, B., Tao, Z., Wang, L., & Yang, Z. (2013). Beneficial Effects of Schisandrin B on the Cardiac Function in Mice Model of Myocardial Infarction. PLOS ONE, 8(11), e79418. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079418 

Chiu, P. Y., Lam, P. Y., Yan, C. W., & Ko, K. M. (2011). Schisandrin B protects against solar irradiation-induced oxidative injury in BJ human fibroblasts. Fitoterapia, 82(4), 682–691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2011.02.010 

Chun, J. N., Choi, R. J., Khan, S., Lee, K. W., Kim, Y. S., Park, J. D., & Lee, D. S. (2014). The protective effects of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract and its lignans against cardiovascular disease: A review of the molecular mechanisms. Fitoterapia, 97, 224–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2014.06.014 

Guo, L. Y., Hung, T. M., Bae, K. H., Shin, E. M., Zhou, H. Y., Hong, Y. N., Kang, S. S., Kim, H. P., & Kim, Y. S. (2008). Anti-inflammatory effects of schisandrin isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill. European Journal of Pharmacology, 591(1–3), 293–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.06.074 

Jung, Y. S., Lee, S. K., Ok, C. Y., Cho, E. J., Park, J. S., Choi, Y. W., & Bae, Y.-S. (2013). Role of CXCR2 on the immune modulating activity of α-iso-cubebenol a natural compound isolated from the Schisandra chinensis fruit. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 431(3), 433–436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.12.152 

Kim, S. R., Lee, M. K., Koo, K. A., Kim, S. H., Sung, S. H., Lee, N. G., Markelonis, G. J., Oh, T. H., Yang, J. H., & Kim, Y. C. (2004). Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 76(3), 397–405. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.20089 

Kopustinskiene, D. M., & Bernatoniene, J. (2021). Antioxidant Effects of Schisandra chinensis Fruits and Their Active Constituents. Antioxidants, 10(4), 620. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10040620 

Kwon, H. A., Kim, K. J., Park, S. Y., Park, I. K., Cho, Y. J., Choi, J. W., Choi, C. Y., & Chun, J. S. (2008). Evaluation of antibacterial effects of a combination of coptidis rhizoma, mume fructus, and schizandrae fructus against Salmonella. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 127(1-2), 180-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfm.2008.06.010 

Lee, S. B., Kim, C. Y., Lee, H. J., Yun, J. H., & Nho, C. W. (2009). Induction of the phase II detoxification enzyme NQO1 in hepatocarcinoma cells by lignans from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis through nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Planta Medica, 75(12), 1314–1318. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1185685 

Li, Z., Guo, H., Xu, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, X. (2018). A review of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera: Properties, functions and applications. Carbohydrate Polymers, 184, 178–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.058

Lu, H., & Liu, G. T. (1992). Anti-oxidant activity of dibenzocyclooctene lignans isolated from Schisandracea. Planta Medica, 58(4), 311–313. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-961473

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon. 

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2008). Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: An overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118(2), 183–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.020

Szopa, A., Ekiert, H., & Ekiert, R. (2017). Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components, pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(2), 195–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-016-9470-4 

Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Healing Arts Press. 

Xie, Y., Peng, N., Huang, Z., Li, N., & Chen, L. (2014). Reversing effects of lignans on CCl4-induced hepatic CYP450 down regulation by attenuating oxidative stress. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.016 

Xu, M., Xue, Y., Sun, Y., Wang, J., Yu, Z., & Niu, X. (2020). Polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis acts via LRP-1 to reverse microglia activation through suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 256, 112798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112798 

Yang, K., Qiu, J., Huang, Z., Yu, Z., Wang, W., Hu, H., & You, Y. (2022). A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 284, 114759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114759 

Yen, M. H., Lee, J. J., Yeh, C. F., Wang, K. C., Chiang, Y. W., Chiang, L. C., & Chang, J. S. (2014). Yakammaoto inhibited human coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4)-induced airway and renal tubular injuries by preventing viral attachment, internalization, and replication. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(3), 1056–1063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.049