Schisandra
Commonly used for
StressEnergy
Where to Buy
Our experts personally review each product we recommend for quality and cost effectiveness.
The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Schisandra lignans act as adaptogens by modulating the neuroendocrine-immune stress axis and provide antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, improving endurance and stress tolerance in preclinical and older clinical work -- modern high-quality human trials are more limited than the mechanistic and traditional evidence base would suggest.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Schisandra chinensis berry extract standardized to schisandrins/lignans
Typical dose studied: No well-standardized clinical dose -- varies by preparation
Timing: Daily; often cycled as an adaptogen
The CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein interaction potential (specifically raising tacrolimus levels) is the sharpest practical flag here, not a general 'adaptogen caution.'
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Epilepsy / Seizure disorder; GERD / Acid reflux / Heartburn; Peptic ulcer disease; End-stage liver disease / Cirrhosis; Breastfeeding; Organ transplant (on immunosuppression)
Interacts with: Tacrolimus and other CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein-metabolized drugs -- schisandra lignans meaningfully raise levels of these, a clinically relevant interaction, not just theoretical; CNS depressants -- theoretical additive sedation
Already taking it? Extensive traditional and older Russian pharmacology research exists, but few rigorous modern human RCTs -- reasonable to continue if well tolerated, though the CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein interaction (notably with tacrolimus) is a real, documented concern worth flagging to a doctor or pharmacist for anyone on regular medications.
Research & references
Panossian A, Wikman G (2008). Pharmacology of Schisandra Chinensis Bail.: An Overview of Russian Research and Uses in Medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Esmaealzadeh N et al. (2022). A Literature Review of the Studies Concerning Selected Plant-Derived Adaptogens and Their General Function in Body. Phytomedicine.
Disclosure: Knozela is a participant in the Amazon Associates affiliate program. Some "Where to buy" links on this page are affiliate links -- if you make a purchase through them, Knozela may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.