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Schisandra Chinensis (Five-Flavor Berry)

Schisandra chinensis
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Schisandra is the dried fruit of a vine native to Northeast Asia — called 'wu wei zi' (five-flavor berry) in Chinese medicine because it possesses all five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent). One of the major adaptogens used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years. Traditionally used for liver support, stress adaptation and mental stamina, although the best-replicated randomized trials of schisandra on its own measured leg muscle strength rather than any of those three uses. The human liver evidence is thin: the alcohol and drug liver-damage work is animal research, and the one indexed human trial in adults with borderline high liver enzymes used schisandra combined with sesamin.

Studied Dose 1,000 mg/day of extract in both muscle-strength trials, within a common commercial range of 500-2,000 mg/day; berry powder 1-6 g/day.
Active Compound Schisandrins (A-C), schisandrol A and B, gomisins, lignans

Benefits

Hepatoprotection / Liver Support

Schisandra lignans (especially schisandrin C) have well-studied hepatoprotective effects in laboratory models. They protect against drug-induced and alcohol-induced liver damage in animal studies. In people, the indexed evidence is one small placebo-controlled trial in adults with borderline high ALT and AST, and that product combined schisandra fruit extract with sesamin, so the drop in liver enzymes cannot be assigned to schisandra on its own.

Supported by Trial 1

Adaptogenic Stress Resilience

Classical adaptogen alongside ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleuthero. The human data are thin and point the other way at first: in a placebo-controlled study in athletes, standardized schisandra extract raised cortisol and nitric oxide, and only after a course of treatment did heavy exercise stop raising them. No trial has reported a benefit on anxiety or on a perceived-stress score. Used in TCM for centuries for 'jing' (essence) preservation.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Cognitive Performance and Mental Stamina

Soviet-era Russian medicine used schisandra for mental stamina, and it gained recognition as an adaptogen in official Soviet medicine in the early 1960s and later entered the national pharmacopoeia, a history reviewed by Panossian and Wikman in 2008 rather than tested in modern controlled trials. The one indexed trial reporting better attention, speed and accuracy under stress gave ADAPT-232, a fixed combination of schisandra with rhodiola and eleuthero, so schisandra alone was not what was tested.

Supported by Trial 2

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory

Direct antioxidant activity plus Nrf2 pathway activation, which is cell and animal work. The human markers that improved, antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and reductase, came from a five-month trial of schisandra combined with sesamin rather than schisandra on its own.

Supported by Trial 1

Endurance and Athletic Performance

Two randomized placebo-controlled trials of schisandra extract at about 1 g a day for 12 weeks found greater gains in knee extensor strength, one in 45 post-menopausal women and one in 54 adults over 50. Resting lactate fell in the first and muscle mass did not change in the second. This is the best-supported human outcome for schisandra, and it is leg strength rather than endurance.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Schisandrin Lignan Hepatoprotection

Schisandrin B and related lignans induce hepatic glutathione synthesis, enhance Phase I/II detoxification enzymes, and protect hepatocyte membranes. This mechanism is well characterized in cell and animal models, and it is the stated basis for the liver positioning.

2

HPA Axis / Cortisol Modulation

Adaptogenic effects via cortisol response normalization. Schisandra modulates corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenal sensitivity to stress.

3

Nrf2 Activation

Activates Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant response pathway — upregulating phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, NQO1).

4

CNS Effects (Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition)

Schisandrin compounds modestly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine availability, in laboratory assays. Whether this happens at supplement doses in people, and whether it explains any of the attention findings, has not been tested.

Clinical trials

1
Schisandra Plus Sesamin for Liver Enzymes
PubMed

One indexed randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial (Chiu and colleagues, Phytotherapy Research 2013) of a tablet combining schisandra fruit extract with sesamin, taken for five months. The card previously referred to a body of Chinese trials without naming any of them.

40 adults with borderline high ALT or AST, between 40 and 60 U/L.

ALT and AST fell, antioxidant capacity rose and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and reductase increased, while free radical markers fell. Total and direct bilirubin did not change. Because the tablet also contained sesamin, the result cannot be assigned to schisandra alone.

2
ADAPT-232 Combination and Attention Under Stress
PubMed

One single-dose randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot (Aslanyan and colleagues, Phytomedicine 2010) of ADAPT-232, a fixed combination of schisandra with rhodiola and eleuthero. Attention was tested two hours after a single 270 mg tablet.

40 women aged 20 to 68 who reported long-term psychological stress.

Better attention, speed and accuracy on the d2 attention test versus placebo, two hours after a single dose. Reaction time as such was not the measure. A three-herb combination given once tells you nothing about what schisandra does on its own or over weeks of use.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
GI distress (heartburn, nausea, abdominal discomfort) — particularly with sour berry forms.
Headache.
Insomnia / overstimulation in sensitive individuals.
Allergic reactions rare.
Mild appetite changes.

Important Drug interactions

CYP3A4 substrates — schisandra modulates CYP3A4 (sometimes inhibition, sometimes induction in different studies); theoretical interactions with: tacrolimus, cyclosporine, statins, calcium channel blockers, certain antidepressants; consult prescriber.
Talinolol. In 12 healthy male volunteers, 300 mg of Schisandra chinensis extract twice daily for 14 days raised talinolol exposure by 47 percent and peak level by 51 percent, consistent with P-glycoprotein inhibition.
Tacrolimus. In liver transplant patients, extract of the close relative Schisandra sphenanthera, which is also sold as schisandra, raised average tacrolimus blood levels by 262 to 339 percent, with peak level up 183 percent. Treat any schisandra product as capable of the same effect and avoid it without transplant team supervision.
Anticoagulants — minimal interaction.
Diabetes medications — modest hypoglycemic effect possible.
Pregnancy — schisandra is uterotonic in TCM; avoid in pregnancy; reportedly safe at term to facilitate labor under TCM supervision.

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Frequently asked questions about Schisandra Chinensis (Five-Flavor Berry)

How much schisandra should I take?

Common doses range from about 500 mg to 2 grams per day of schisandra berry extract, often standardized to schisandrins. It is also used as a berry powder or tea.

What is schisandra used for?

Schisandra is an adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stress resilience, mental focus and liver support. The best-replicated controlled trials of schisandra on its own measured leg muscle strength, where it did help. It is unusual for containing all five basic tastes and is a classic tonic in Chinese herbalism.

When should I take schisandra?

It can be taken in the morning or split through the day. Because some people find it mildly energizing and focus-supporting, taking it earlier is common. It is often used in cycles like other adaptogens.

Is schisandra safe?

Schisandra is generally well tolerated, with occasional mild digestive upset or heartburn. It can affect liver enzymes that metabolize drugs, so check with your doctor if you take medications, and avoid it in pregnancy.

What is Schisandra Chinensis?

Schisandra is the dried fruit of a vine native to Northeast Asia — called 'wu wei zi' (five-flavor berry) in Chinese medicine because it possesses all five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent). One of the major adaptogens used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years.

What is Schisandra Chinensis used for?

Schisandra Chinensis is researched primarily for Cognitive and Antioxidant. Schisandra lignans (especially schisandrin C) have well-studied hepatoprotective effects in laboratory models. They protect against drug-induced and alcohol-induced liver damage in animal studies.

What is the recommended dosage of Schisandra Chinensis?

The clinically studied dose is 1,000 mg/day of extract in both muscle-strength trials, within a common commercial range of 500-2,000 mg/day; berry powder 1-6 g/day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Schisandra Chinensis safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Schisandra Chinensis is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. GI distress (heartburn, nausea, abdominal discomfort) — particularly with sour berry forms. It may also interact with some medications. Schisandra Chinensis is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Schisandra Chinensis interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: CYP3A4 substrates — schisandra modulates CYP3A4 (sometimes inhibition, sometimes induction in different studies); theoretical interactions with: tacrolimus, cyclosporine, statins, calcium channel blockers, certain antidepressants; consult prescriber. Talinolol. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Schisandra Chinensis?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Schisandra Chinensis as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 9 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(9 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Park J, Han S, Park H. Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(7)..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 1,000 mg a day of Schisandra chinensis extract for 12 weeks in 45 post-menopausal women averaging 62 years. It measured quadriceps muscle strength, which rose, and resting lactate, which fell. It did not measure stress, anxiety, cognition or any antioxidant marker, so it does not support those claims.
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Lee CH, et al. Effect of Schisandra chinensis Baillon extracts and regular low-intensity exercise on muscle strength and mass in older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;113(6):1440-1446..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis Baillon extract, 1 g/day for 12 weeks alongside regular low-intensity exercise, in 54 adults over 50 with relatively low muscle mass. Right knee extensor strength rose 10.2 Nm more than placebo and left 6.7 Nm; muscle mass did not differ. A second, independent RCT of schisandra alone, and the reason this page should not be dropped to evidence level 1.
  3. Chiu HF, Chen TY, Tzeng YT, et al. Improvement of liver function in humans using a mixture of schisandra fruit extract and sesamin. Phytother Res. 2013;27(3):368-73..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled trial in 40 adults with borderline high ALT or AST (40-60 U/L) taking a schisandra fruit extract plus sesamin tablet, four tablets a day, for five months. ALT and AST fell; antioxidant capacity rose, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and reductase activities increased and free radical markers fell; total and direct bilirubin were unchanged. The only human antioxidant-marker and liver-enzyme evidence on this page, and it tested a schisandra plus sesamin combination, not schisandra alone.
  4. Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study of single dose effects of ADAPT-232 on cognitive functions. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(7):494-9..PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized single-dose pilot in 40 chronically stressed women aged 20-68 given one 270 mg tablet of ADAPT-232, a fixed combination of Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Attention, speed and accuracy on the d2 test improved versus placebo at two hours. The only indexed cognitive trial behind this page, and it is a three-herb combination, so it supports the Cognitive category only with that caveat.
  5. Panossian AG, Oganessian AS, Ambartsumian M, et al. Effects of heavy physical exercise and adaptogens on nitric oxide content in human saliva. Phytomedicine. 1999;6(1):17-26..PubMedUsed to support: Placebo-controlled double-blind study in several groups of athletes given standardized Schisandra chinensis or Bryonia alba extracts, measuring nitric oxide and cortisol in saliva and plasma around heavy exercise. The extracts themselves initially raised nitric oxide and cortisol, and after a course of treatment heavy exercise no longer raised salivary nitric oxide and cortisol as it did on placebo. The basis for correcting the page's claim that schisandra simply reduces the cortisol response to stress. Note that the report does not give group sizes and does not separate the schisandra result from the Bryonia result.
  6. Fan L, Mao XQ, Tao GY, et al. Effect of Schisandra chinensis extract and Ginkgo biloba extract on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in healthy volunteers. Xenobiotica. 2009;39(3):249-54..PubMedUsed to support: In 12 healthy male volunteers, Schisandra chinensis extract 300 mg twice daily for 14 days increased talinolol AUC(0-24) by 47 percent and Cmax by 51 percent, indicating P-glycoprotein inhibition. Confirms the page's talinolol interaction warning and supplies its magnitude.
  7. Jiang W, Wang X, Xu X, et al. Effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood of liver transplant patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2010;48(3):224-9..PubMedUsed to support: In liver transplant patients, Schisandra sphenanthera extract raised mean blood tacrolimus concentration by 339 percent in group A (21 patients) and 262 percent in group B (25 patients), with average increases in Cmax of 183 percent and AUC(0-12) of 212 percent. Supports the page's tacrolimus warning and identifies the species actually tested.
  8. 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..PubMedUsed to support: Review of Russian and Soviet research on Schisandra chinensis. It records that schisandra first gained recognition as an adaptogen in official USSR medicine in the early 1960s, and that it now appears in recent editions of the National Pharmacopoeia of the USSR and the State Register of Drugs. Supports the page's Soviet-era usage history as history rather than as efficacy evidence, replacing an uncited folklore claim about Olympic athletes and cosmonauts.
  9. Park JY, Kim KH A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric. 2016;19(6):574-580..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30) versus placebo for 6 weeks with 12-week follow-up in women aged 40 to 70 with menopausal symptoms; 41 enrolled, 36 completed, 18 per group. Total Kupperman Index improved significantly versus placebo (p=0.042), with the authors highlighting hot flushes, sweating and heart palpitations. This is a third randomized trial of schisandra on its own. It is listed for completeness of the human evidence base and does not support the Cognitive or Antioxidant categories, since no cognitive or antioxidant endpoint was measured and the psychological items of the Kupperman Index were not reported separately.