Dosage
Traditional and modern use is 500 mg to 2,000 mg of dried berry per day, or standardised extracts at 100 mg to 500 mg per day. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use if you take medicines processed by the liver.
Ingredient guide
Schisandra Chinensis: Liver Support and Evidence
Schisandra chinensis is an adaptogen used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver health and stress. Most evidence is from animal and laboratory studies showing hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. Human trial evidence is limited.
Limited evidenceBenefits
- Laboratory and animal evidence supports protective effects on liver cells.
- Contains lignans with antioxidant activity.
- Long traditional use as a 'five-flavour' adaptogen tonic.
Evidence summary
What schisandra is
Schisandra chinensis, also spelled schizandra, is a climbing vine whose red berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The berries taste sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, and salty all at once, earning the name 'five-flavour fruit'. The active lignans include schisandrin and gomisin.
What the human research shows
A systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis on liver injury concluded that schisandra demonstrates significant therapeutic effects via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Reductions in liver enzyme markers were significant in preclinical work. Human trial evidence remains limited. We grade the evidence as limited at the human level.
Dosage & safety
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated.
- Most common are mild stomach upset and skin reactions.
Interactions
- Schisandra may affect liver enzymes that process many medicines.
Warnings
- Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before schisandra if you take medicines processed by the liver, since it may affect liver enzymes.
- Avoid in pregnancy.
- Most evidence is animal and laboratory work, so claims need careful interpretation.
Citations
- Schisandra chinensis in liver injury: SR and preclinical meta-analysis ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Schisandra chinensis lignans: pharmacokinetics, mechanisms, future prospects pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frequently asked questions
Does schisandra support liver health?
Animal and laboratory evidence is strong for liver protection. Human trial evidence is limited.
Is schisandra safe with medicines?
It can affect liver enzymes that process many medicines. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use.