Schisandra chinensis (five-flavour fruit) is a fruit-bearing vine. Its purple-red berries have been described as having five tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour. Schizandra is a curly shrub found in the temperate forests of central China. It grows in the wild without the use of pesticides or fertilisers. In traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra is believed to be beneficial for qi. Qi is the life force or energy inherent in all living things.
Schisandra is used for a wide range of health problems. There is some scientific data from animal and human studies suggesting that schisandra may have a beneficial effect on several conditions and diseases.
May Influence the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
A 2017 study (1) found that Schisandrin B may influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that this was due to Schisandrin B’s ability to block the formation of excess amyloid beta peptides in the brain. However, the findings need to be investigated further.
Antioxidant for Liver
2013 animal study (2) found that pollen extracted from the Schisandra plant had a powerful antioxidant effect against toxic damage induced in the livers of mice. Besides, a 2021 study (3) showed that a combination of Schisandrin C and curdione prevented oxidative stress on the cells. While these findings are positive, more research is needed to determine if and how schisandra can be used for liver disease.
May Have a Positive Effect on Depression
A 2016 animal study (4) found that schisandra extract had an antidepressant effect on mice. Further mouse studies (5) conducted by the same lead researcher confirmed this finding.
However, schisandra and its potential effects on depression haven’t been extensively studied in humans. You should not use it as a substitute for antidepressants, and always talk to a doctor before trying it – especially if you’re already taking medication.
Anti-Inflammatory
Extremely high in powerful antioxidants, Schisandra helps to fight free radical damage, thereby reducing inflammatory responses (6, 7). This in turn has a positive effect on the immune system and can help to protect arteries from hardening, regulate blood sugar, prevent diabetes and maintain normal PH levels in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to have chemoprotective properties, meaning that it helps to protect healthy tissue from the damaging effects of certain anti-cancer drugs.
Schisandra Chinensis
Schisandra is used for a wide range of health problems. There is some scientific data from animal and human studies suggesting that schisandra may have a beneficial effect on several conditions and diseases.
May Influence the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
A 2017 study (1) found that Schisandrin B may influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that this was due to Schisandrin B’s ability to block the formation of excess amyloid beta peptides in the brain. However, the findings need to be investigated further.
Antioxidant for Liver
2013 animal study (2) found that pollen extracted from the Schisandra plant had a powerful antioxidant effect against toxic damage induced in the livers of mice. Besides, a 2021 study (3) showed that a combination of Schisandrin C and curdione prevented oxidative stress on the cells. While these findings are positive, more research is needed to determine if and how schisandra can be used for liver disease.
May Have a Positive Effect on Depression
A 2016 animal study (4) found that schisandra extract had an antidepressant effect on mice. Further mouse studies (5) conducted by the same lead researcher confirmed this finding.
However, schisandra and its potential effects on depression haven’t been extensively studied in humans. You should not use it as a substitute for antidepressants, and always talk to a doctor before trying it – especially if you’re already taking medication.
Anti-Inflammatory
Extremely high in powerful antioxidants, Schisandra helps to fight free radical damage, thereby reducing inflammatory responses (6, 7). This in turn has a positive effect on the immune system and can help to protect arteries from hardening, regulate blood sugar, prevent diabetes and maintain normal PH levels in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to have chemoprotective properties, meaning that it helps to protect healthy tissue from the damaging effects of certain anti-cancer drugs.