Schisandra's therapeutic uses
Schisandra is a woody vine native to eastern Asia, renowned for its therapeutic properties, particularly its berries, which are traditionally used in herbal medicine. It has been employed in the traditional practices of Russia and China for a variety of health conditions, including respiratory issues, insomnia, inflammation, and kidney problems. Notably, Schisandra has gained attention in modern research for its potential benefits in liver protection, cognitive enhancement, and as an adaptogen to help the body manage stress. Clinical studies have indicated that Schisandra may alleviate menopausal symptoms, reduce amyloid plaque in Alzheimer's patients, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects potentially beneficial for Parkinson’s syndrome. Additionally, some animal studies suggest it may have anticancer properties and improve liver function in cases of hepatitis. While it is generally considered safe, with rare side effects, the effects of Schisandra on pregnant or nursing women and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease remain unclear. Available in various forms such as capsules, tinctures, and powders, typical dosages range from 1.5 to 6 grams daily.
Subject Terms
Schisandra's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, enhancement of cognitive function and mental health, hepatitis, liver protection, enhancement of sports performance, adaptogen, several other proposed uses
Overview
Schisandra is a woody vine native to eastern Asia. It winds around the trunks of trees, covering the branches. The white flowers produce small red berries that may grow in clusters. Traditionally, the berries are harvested in the fall, dried, and then ground to make the powdered medicinal herb. The seeds of the fruit contain lignans, which are believed to be active constituents.
Schisandra has long been used in the traditional medicines of Russia and China for various conditions, including asthma, coughs, and other respiratory ailments; diarrhea; insomnia; menopausal symptoms, reducing inflammation, improving vision and hearing, impotence; and kidney problems. Hunters and athletes have used schisandra, believing it will increase endurance and combat fatigue under physical stress. Schisandra has also been studied for potential liver-protective effects.
Therapeutic Dosages
Schisandra comes in capsules, tinctures, powder, tablets, and extracts. Common dosages are 1.5 to 6 grams (g) daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Schisandra has undergone increased scientific study in the twenty-first century in an effort to confirm traditional health claims. Previously, research on schisandra was limited to animal studies and human trials that were not up to twenty-first-century scientific standards. In the 2010s, that began to change as more human clinical studies were undertaken. A 2016 study found schisandra to be effective in relieving the symptoms of menopause. A 2017 study showed a clear benefit from schisandra supplementation in patients with Alzheimer’s. Patients who took schisandra built up significantly less amyloid plaque on their brains. Schisandra’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities also showed promise in treating Parkinson’s syndrome.
Animal studies suggest schisandra may protect the liver from toxic damage, improve liver function, and stimulate liver cell regrowth. These findings led to its use in human trials for treating hepatitis. In a poorly designed and reported Chinese study of 189 people with hepatitis B, those given schisandra reportedly improved more rapidly than those given vitamins and liver extracts. Other animal studies of schisandra have found possible anticancer properties. Weak evidence hints that schisandra or its extracts might enhance sports performance and improve mental function.
There are several other proposed therapeutic uses for schisandra. Schisandra is an adaptogen, meaning it supports a healthy response to physical and emotional stress. These adaptogenic properties may also make it an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Some athletes supplement with schisandra to aid in their training and recovery. Although a 2020 study found no improvement in muscle strength and fatigue in adult women who were supplementing with schisandra, a 2021 study found that schisandra did strengthen muscle mass in older adults who took it in combination with low-intensity exercises.
Safety Issues
Studies have found schisandra to be non-toxic. Noticeable side effects are rare, although upset stomachs and allergic reactions have been reported. The safety of schisandra for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Hancke, J. L., R. A. Burgos, and F. Ahumada. "Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill." Fitoterapia, vol. 70, 1999, pp. 451-471.
Park, Jinkee, et al. "Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 7, 2020, p. 2475, doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072475. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.
Wilson, Debra Rose. "Schisandra: Benefits, Side Effects, and Forms." Healthline, 11 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/schisandra#benefits. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.
Zhang, Ming et al. "The Influence of Schisandrin B on a Model of Alzheimer's Disease Using β-Amyloid Protein Aβ1-42-Mediated Damage in SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cell Line and Underlying Mechanisms." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, vol. 80, no. 22, 2017, pp. 1199-1205, doi:10.1080/15287394.2017.1367133.