Schisandra

The fruit of the Schisandra plant can be used for the production of medicine and is a well-known medicinal plant in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Schisandra works through many mechanisms. Among other things, Schisandra has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The Schisandra berry is characterized as an adaptogen, which means that it helps to reduce physical and chemical stress in the body. The active ingredients contained in Schisandra accumulate in the tissues of the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and lungs after consumption. Schisandrins A, B and C are the bioactive chemical compounds in Schisandra. They are available in the form of powder, tablets, capsules and in liquid form.

What is Schisandra used for?

People use schisandra to increase their energy levels, physical performance and resistance to stress and illness. Concentration, coordination and stamina also appear to improve when an extract from the Schisandra fruit is taken. Another use of Schisandra is to try to protect the liver from toxins or to treat liver diseases such as hepatitis. Schisandra extracts lower the levels of an enzyme that is a marker for liver damage. Schisandra appears to improve liver function in people suffering from hepatitis. In addition to this, some people use schisandra to try to maintain normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure, speed recovery after surgery, prevent seasickness, prevent infections or improve vision. Other uses include trying to treat high cholesterol, coughs, asthma, nerve pain, premenstrual symptoms, night sweats or spontaneous sweating, sexual dysfunction, excessive urination or thirst, depression, irritability or memory loss.

However, there is not enough scientific information to say whether Schisandra is effective for any of these conditions.

Potential health benefits of Schisandra

Schisandra can support liver function

Schisandra is traditionally used to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis and to improve liver function.

In a study of 45 patients with impaired liver function, a combination of schisandra and sesamin (1):

• Reduce liver enzyme levels
• Increase glutathione levels
• Suppress oxidative damage and inflammation
• Provide relief for fatty liver

The antioxidants contained in Schisandra were mainly responsible for these effects. These help to maintain liver function while preventing damage (2). In the field of Japanese herbal medicine, a mixture of plant extracts called TJ-108 is used to treat hepatitis C and Schisandra appears to be the key ingredient in this mixture (3).

In various animal studies, scientists have observed the potential of Schisandra extracts and Schisandrin B to improve the condition of non-alcohol-induced fatty liver and alcohol-induced liver damage (4, 5)

Schisandra can support cognitive function

In a study of 40 healthy women under stress, a single dose of a herbal preparation containing schisandra improved attention, cognition and accuracy (6). In addition, deoxyschizandrin and schisandrin - two components of Schisandra - were able to alleviate memory impairment in various studies conducted with animals. They were also able to prevent changes in the brain caused by brain ageing or Alzheimer's disease (7, 8).

Schisandra could have positive effects on Alzheimer's disease

A 2017 study found that schisandrin B has positive effects on Alzheimer's disease (9). The scientists came to the conclusion that this is due to the ability of schisandrin B to block excessive formation of amyloid peptides in the brain. These peptides are one of the components responsible for the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Another study suggests that schisandrin B could help against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (10). This is based on its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on microglial cells in the brain.

Schisandra could help with anxiety and insomnia

Schisandra has been shown to reduce stress hormone levels in rats (11). In addition, even small doses in rats and mice promoted calmness and relaxation and also improved sleep quality (12). According to animal studies, Schisandra may help control the changes in adrenaline and serotonin levels caused by stress. In addition, schisandra may combat the so-called adrenal fatigue associated with stress and reduce anxiety (13, 14).

Schisandra could alleviate depression

One study found that schisandra had an antidepressant effect in mice (15). Further studies by the same research team confirmed these results (16). However, these effects have not yet been studied in humans.

Schisandra could alleviate stress

Schisandra is believed to have adaptogenic properties. This means that schisandra could help to make the body more resistant to the effects of stress and increase the body's resistance to disease.

Schisandra could have positive effects on lung health

Supplements containing Schisandra extracts are traditionally used to treat coughs and asthma. In a study of 60 patients with pneumonia, a product containing rhodiola, schisandra and Siberian ginseng (ADAPT-232) reduced the duration of antibiotic treatment and improved quality of life compared to standard treatment alone (17).

Schisandra could improve athletic performance

Schisandra can increase nitric oxide levels in athletes, which can improve their performance (18).

In rats and mice, Schisandra improved exercise performance and endurance by helping the animals to cope better with stress (19).

Schisandra could have a positive effect on heart health

Schisandra has been shown in two small clinical trials to increase blood flow and nitric oxide availability, which in theory could protect the heart and blood vessels (18, 20). However, no clinical studies have yet investigated the direct effects of Schisandra on heart health. However, in the field of traditional medicine, a supplement called Sheng-Mai-San, which contains a Schisandra fruit extract, has long been used to treat heart disease (21). And in studies conducted on rats, schisandrin B was able to protect heart tissue and prevent damage (22).

Schisandra could alleviate symptoms of menopause

A 2016 study investigated the effects of a schisandra extract in women with menopausal symptoms. The study followed 36 menopausal women for a year and concluded that schisandra could relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, sweating and palpitations(23).

Dosage

Different dosages of Schisandra are used depending on the condition being treated. However, no optimal dosages have yet been established for any area of application.

Can Schisandra be taken with natural food?

Yes, you can eat the fruit of Schisandra as food.

Risks and side effects

Side effects

Some people may experience allergic skin reactions or digestive tract problems such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, heartburn or stomach acidity (24).

Risks

Pregnant women should avoid Schisandra, as the fruit of the Schisandra can stimulate the uterus. Breastfeeding women should also avoid schisandra to be on the safe side, as there is not enough scientific information on whether schisandra is safe and harmless during breastfeeding.

You should avoid schisandra if you suffer from epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux, stomach ulcers or high intracranial pressure, as there are concerns that schisandra may exacerbate these conditions.

Further scientific research is needed to confirm whether the combination of schisandra with other medicinal herbs is safe and harmless.

Interactions

There do not appear to be any interactions between schisandra and other medicinal herbs or supplements. However, care should be taken when combining schisandra with drugs that are broken down by the liver.

Summary

Schisandra has a long history of medicinal use in Russia and China. This medicinal plant may be effective for a number of conditions including hepatitis and Alzheimer's disease. However, Schisandra is not for everyone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people who suffer from acid-related stomach problems, should only use schisandra after consulting a doctor. To avoid side effects, schisandra should not be overdosed.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22610748
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22792122
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11154048
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901324/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26972505
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374974
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17705144
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22773410
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28891753
10. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299912004736
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17705144
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17127021
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21757327
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27225351
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27387555
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16323290
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10228607
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19323371
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18317575
21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18162350
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14757976
23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27763802
24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378736/