Schisandra chinensis (five flavor fruit) is a fruit-bearing vine. It isn’t typically used as a food, but it has been used for medicinal purposes throughout Asia and Russia for generations.
Its purple-red berries are described as having five tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. The seeds of the Schisandra berry contain lignans, which are substances which
In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra is considered beneficial to qi, the life force or energy inherent in all living things. It’s thought to have a positive impact on several meridians, or pathways, in the body, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Read on to learn more about Schisandra.
Schisandrins A, B, and C are bioactive chemical compounds. They’re extracted from the berries of the Schisandra plant.
Schisandra is also available as a supplement in multiple forms. These include dried powder, pills, extracts, and elixirs. Supplements typically include a recommended dosage on the packaging for you to follow. Additionally, you can purchase it as berries or as a juice.
Schisandra is used for a wide range of health-related issues. There’s some scientific data from animal and human studies that indicate Schisandra may have a positive effect on several conditions and diseases.
Alzheimer’s disease
A
These peptides are one of the components responsible for forming amyloid plaque, a substance found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the findings need to be further investigated.
Liver disease
An older
Additionally, a 2021 in vivo study showed that a combination of Schisandrin C and curdione prevented oxidative stress on the cells. The authors said this made it a promising potential treatment protocol for advanced liver disease.
While these findings are positive, more research is needed before determining if and how Schisandra can be used for liver disease.
Menopause
A small
Depression
A
However, Schisandra and its potential effect on depression hasn’t been extensively studied in humans. You shouldn’t use it as a replacement for antidepressant medication, and always speak with a doctor before trying it — especially if you’re already on medication.
It’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage. This may either be on the label of a supplement or an amount recommended by a doctor.
Doses that are too high can cause gastric symptoms, such as heartburn. Therefore, Schisandra may not be appropriate for people with conditions such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or hyperchlorhydria (high stomach acid).
However, it’s
Schisandra may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant or nursing. Always speak with a doctor before you start taking something new.
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Schisandra has a long history of medical use throughout Asia and Russia.
While there are multiple animal studies that have found it to be beneficial for depression and liver disease, these findings need to be researched further through human studies before it can be recommended for this purpose.