The Schisandra berry is famous for having five different flavors. The vine that bears the fruit is also named Schisandra chinensis. These purple-red berries taste sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy simultaneously. This flavor profile makes them unique.
Lignans found in the seeds have numerous health benefits. Due to this, Schisandra isn’t consumed as a food but gets utilized for its medicinal properties in Russia and Asia. The Chinese believe that Schisandra positively affects essential heart, lung, and kidney pathways.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits of Schisandra
Schisandra is said to have a positive impact on the body. Hence, it is linked to multiple health benefits that have been researched thoroughly.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Schisandrin B found in the plant is associated with eliminating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted in 2017 showed that Schisandrin B reduced the production of amyloid beta peptides in the brain. Amyloid plaque, found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s, is produced by these peptides. [1]
Schisandrin B also has anti-inflammatory properties, leading to the neuroprotection of microglial cells in the brain. These properties make Schisandra effective in treating and reducing the chances of both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Liver Disease
A study conducted on mice showed that pollen from Schisandra was rich in antioxidants that protected the liver from toxic damage. Patients suffering from acute and chronic hepatitis use Schisandra C as an effective way to reduce liver damage. [2]
Research also showed that Schisandra B reduced fatty acids in the liver. NFLAD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) is caused by cirrhosis or hepatitis, which causes inflammation in the liver. Schisandra B acts effectively as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.
Menopause
A study carried out in 2016 observed the effects of Schisandra on women going through menopausal symptoms. Researchers discovered that Schisandra reduced some symptoms of menopause. It proved to be effective in controlling hot flashes, heart palpitations, and sweating. [3]
Stress And Depression
Schisandra also has certain adaptogenic properties, which make it adequate for use against stress and depression. While another mice study also indicated Schisandra having potent antidepressant side effects, there is no research conducted on humans. [4]
Sexual Functions
Schisandra also positively affects fertility and hormones in the body. While improving the libido, it also reduces sexual dysfunction, such as potency. The herb boosts the health of reproductive organs, including the uterus.
Since it also affects estrogen, it indirectly helps heal bones and improve bone density in people. This reduces the chances of osteoporosis in older women as their hormone levels change.
Schisandra: What Is It Good For?
Since Schisandra is a natural herb, it has many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a preferred remedy to treat liver damage, cough, and wheezing. Schisandra is good for the lungs, skin, and liver since it protects and boosts their functions.
What is Schisandra Used For?
Schisandra is a herb native to the Chinese region, Russia, and other Asian countries. It has been used for centuries to treat coughs, indigestion, diarrhea, liver damage, and sweating and as an adaptogen. Tonics derived from Schisandra are used to improve vitality in people and reduce stress.
Does Schisandra Have Side Effects?
You may believe that a natural herb can’t have any side effects. Still, anything used in more than a moderate amount can be dangerous. We’d recommend consuming a specific herb dosage as advised by a doctor or as labeled on Schisandra supplements.
Consuming a larger amount of Schisandra can lead to gastric issues such as heartburn. Moreover, regular use of Schisandra can cause a reduction or loss of appetite in many people. Moreover, Schisandra is not recommended for use in pregnant and nursing women because the effects of the herb are unknown.
Schisandra can also impact the absorption of certain medications in your body, so it is highly necessary to consult your doctor before using this herb. Some allergic reactions may occur, causing skin rashes and itching. More research is required regarding Schisandra and how it may impact the body.
Schisandra Risks
Since there aren’t many harsh side effects of Schisandra, there are also fewer risks attached to using the herb. However, since it impacts the digestive system, it can be risky to use for people suffering from ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux (GRED) or hypochlorhydria (increase in stomach acid).
Some studies have discovered the interaction between Schisandra and drugs used for treating cancer. Moreover, Schisandra affects how medications and drugs get processed in the liver. This can lead to high toxicity in the body or decrease the effect of drugs meant to be life savers. Considering the herb’s risks, you must consult a practitioner or doctor before use.
How to Use Schisandra
There are various methods to use the herb. First, mix the dried herb extract with water and create a tincture. You can consume 20 to 30 drops of this tincture daily. You can also consume the herb by eating powdered fruit or its extract. In this form, 3 grams of fruit powder is considered safe for consumption.
Since supplements are easily available, you can buy one online or from a store. Eating up to 3 grams through pills or capsules is normal. Consume these supplements with meals. You can also make Schisandra tea and wine by steeping the fruit in hot water for 40 to 60 minutes. You can also include other herbs in this mixture for added health benefits.
The Bottomline
Schisandra has been used for centuries to cure common and certain complicated diseases. However, there is still very little knowledge about the herb’s impact on the human body in detail. While animal studies are being carried out, these don’t fully explain the impact Schisandra can have on humans.
Different research has shown that Schisandra isn’t only useful for treating colds and other illnesses. It also impacts other organs, such as the brain and liver. Moreover, you can also use Schisandra as an adaptogen for decreasing stress and depression in humans. Nonetheless, if you are already consuming multiple drugs and medications, you must consult your doctor before using Schisandra.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Zhang, M., Zheng, H. X., Gao, Y. Y., Zheng, B., Liu, J. P., Wang, H., Yang, Z. J., & Zhao, Z. Y. (2017). The influence of Schisandrin B on a model of Alzheimer’s disease using β-amyloid protein Aβ1-42-mediated damage in SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line and underlying mechanisms. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A, 80(22), 1199–1205. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2017.1367133
- Cheng, N., Ren, N., Gao, H., Lei, X., Zheng, J., & Cao, W. (2013). Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 55, 234–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2012.11.022
- Park, J. Y., & Kim, K. H. (2016). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 19(6), 574–580. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2016.1238453
- Yan, T., Xu, M., Wan, S., Wang, M., Wu, B., Xiao, F., Bi, K., & Jia, Y. (2016). Schisandra chinensis produces the antidepressant-like effects in repeated corticosterone-induced mice via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway. Psychiatry research, 243, 135–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.06.037
