Schisandra Extract Review, Effects and Safety

Schisandra is a shrub found in Russia, Korea and parts of China. This vining plant produces berries that are referred to as the “five flavor fruit,” because of their unique taste.

These berries are consumed as a food, as well as for medicinal purposes, according to the Natural Medicines Database. Schisandra berry extracts are also used to make natural medicine supplements in the form of liquid solutions, tinctures, capsules, powders and teas.

In traditional medicine, Schisandra extract was used as a tonic, antiseptic and astringent. It was purported to have liver-protecting effects and to support the immune system.

In Russia, Schisandra supplements were used as adaptogens to improve the body’s ability to fight stress and disease. This herb is also purported to have benefits for energy, cognitive function and mood. Below is an in-depth Schisandra extract review to help you better understand this supplement’s properties.

Schisandra

Herbal Supplement

Stress

Attention

Energy

How It Works:

• Adaptogen used for mood & anxiety
• Promotes concentration, attention & cognitive function
• Supports energy, immunity & sleep

Dosage:

1.5 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Schisandra Fruit Extract Uses

Schisandra berries have a long history of traditional use. In Chinese medicine, Schisandra was primarily used as a kidney tonic and was purported to have benefits for lung function, liver health and the heart.

In the 1940s, Schisandra was researched in Russia for its effects on the central nervous system and cardiopulmonary function. It was found to have anti-anxiety properties and to help the body combat stress.

Much of the human research on this fruit extract was conducted by Russian researchers and has not been translated into English. There has been some human research into its effects, but more studies are needed to validate many of its uses.

However, according to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement is possibly effective for increasing concentration, attention, and speed and accuracy on cognitive tests. This supplement has also been found to improve liver function in patients with hepatitis.

At this time, the United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved Schisandra berries or supplements for the treatment of any ailment or condition. However, according to the Natural Medicines Database, Schisandra extract supplements have been used for the following purposes.

• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Depression
• Excessive urination
• Physical exhaustion
• Impotence
• Thirst
• Involuntary seminal discharge
• Spontaneous sweating and night sweats
• Dysentery & chronic diarrhea
• Neurasthenia
• Insomnia
• Asthma and coughs
• Improving adrenal health
• Preventing infection
• Reducing high cholesterol
• Normalizing blood pressure and blood sugar
• Preventing motion sickness
• Protection against radiation
• Speeding recovery following surgery
• Stimulating the immune system and preventing infection
• Premenstrual syndrome symptoms
• Preventing premature aging
• Liver protection & hepatitis

Purported Benefits of Schisandra Extract

Schisandra extract has also been used for improving cellular energy metabolism and boosting muscular activity. It is purported to support improved vision, increased energy, physical performance, endurance and resistance to stress and disease.

Researchers have studied the ability of schisandra to treat and/or improve some of the issues above. According to the Natural Medicines Database, the evidence collected indicates that schisandra may be effective for treating hepatitis and improving cognitive performance.

However, further study is needed to verify these results. Studies performed to determine whether schisandra is effective for other purposes have been limited and/or inconclusive.

Preliminary evidence indicates that Schisandra extract supplements are possibly safe when consumed orally and appropriately, and very few side effects have been recorded by researchers.

However, as with all alternative medicines, consumers should exercise caution when taking Schisandra. In addition, people with certain conditions should avoid consuming Schisandra berries or supplements.

Review of Schisandra Extract Effects

Studies have shown that schisandra has several effects that may be beneficial for consumers. Some of these effects include:

• Neuroprotective effects – Schisandra may protect neurons from damage.
• Immunomodulatory effects – Some studies have shown that schisandra has a positive effect on immune function.
• Hepatoprotective effects – Research indicates that schisandra may protect the liver from damage in certain circumstances.
• Gastrointestinal effects – Schisandra may support healthy digestion.
• Effects on exercise performance – One study showed that schisandra may protect against exercise-induced muscle damage.

Isolated in vitro and animal studies have also shown that this substance may reduce fatigue, inhibit tumor growth, inhibit inflammation and act as an antioxidant. However, further research on all of these possible effects of schisandra extract is required to verify these findings.

Recommended Schisandra Extract Dosage

No standardized dosing guidelines for schisandra extract are available. However, the Natural Medicines Database reports that the following dosages of schisandra extracts and supplements have been used in past research studies.

• Liver disease – 7.5 mg of HpPro, a constituent of schisandra, has been taken three times daily for a maximum of four weeks.
• Fatigue/Performance – 91.1 mg of schisandra twice daily.

Dosages of schisandra for general purposes have included:

• 2 to 4 mL of schisandra tincture three times daily for a maximum of four weeks.
• 1.5 g schisandra in capsule form daily.
• 1.5 to 6 grams of schisandra powder daily.
• 1 to 3 cups of schisandra tea daily.

Keep in mind that the concentration of active ingredients in schisandra extracts and other supplements made from schisandra berries may vary.

As with any supplement, you should talk to your doctor about the proper dosage of schisandra for your needs. Never take more of this substance than your doctor recommends.

Anecdotal schisandra extract reviews support this substance’s safety and efficacy. However, because these reviews are opinion-based, your results and experiences may differ. If you experience any worrisome side effects while using schisandra, discontinue your usage of the supplement and talk to your doctor.

Schisandra Extract Side Effects

Schisandra extract has not yet been connected to any significant side effects in research studies. However, that does not mean that side effects are impossible.

Furthermore, long-term safety data is not available for schisandra extract. Thus, consumers should be cautious when using this supplement.

According to user reviews, Schisandra extract supplements are generally well-tolerated. Some users experienced gastrointestinal side effects consisting of heartburn, acid indigestion, stomach upset, decreased appetite and abdominal pain.

In rare cases, allergic skin rashes and urticarial have been reported. Animal studies show that this supplement may have antidiabetic effects and cause low blood sugar. Other side effects are possible, but rare.

Schisandra extract may interact with certain prescription drugs, including warfarin, tacromilus, phenobarbital, clarithromycin, lovastatin, tamoxifen, ibuprofen and fluvastatin. Schisandra extract may not be appropriate for individuals with high intracranial pressure, epilepsy, peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Because some evidence indicates that schisandra extract may act as a uterine stimulant, it should be avoided during pregnancy. It is not known whether schisandra extract is safe for children or lactating women.

The risk of schisandra toxicity is relatively low. The lethal dose of purified schisandra extract is 2.8 g per kg, while the lethal dose of crude schisandra extract is 10.5 g per kg.

If you have used this supplement, share your schisandra extract review below to let other users know about your experience.

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