Schisandra
Schisandra is the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, a climbing vine used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains plant compounds called lignans.
Also listed as Omija, Omija Cha, Gomishi, Repnihat
Why is it studied for liver health?
A review describes medicines derived from Schisandra chinensis or Schisandra sphenanthera, and synthetic analogues, used for drug-induced liver injury in China. It reports encouraging clinical findings but calls for higher-quality trials. These specific medicines cannot be treated as evidence that any berry supplement repairs the liver. 1
Clinical leads concern particular medicines and need stronger confirmation. 1
What did the strength trial show?
In 54 adults over 50 with relatively low muscle mass, 1 g of extract daily for 12 weeks improved knee-extension strength compared with placebo. Both groups walked regularly. Muscle mass and quality-of-life scores did not improve more with the extract, so the result concerns strength in this setting, not a general energy boost. 2
Can it improve mental energy?
MSK describes cognitive findings from preclinical models and a human study of a combination product. A mixture cannot reveal schisandra’s individual contribution. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Organ Function1 effect
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Fitness1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
All studies
3 publications are linked to Schisandra, newest first.
Sources
- 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 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2021
- Schisandra Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center