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We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

  • Herb overview

    Safety

    Some adverse effects have been reported including heartburn, gastric upset and urticaria

    Sustainability

    At risk from overharvesting and habitat loss
    FairWild certified sources available

    Key constituents

    Lignans
    Triterpene lactones
    Phenolic acids

    Quality

    China, Mongolia and Russia
    Wild harvested

    Key actions

    Adaptogenic
    Hepatic
    Nervine
    Antioxidant

    Key indications

    Anxiety
    Reproductive conditions
    Asthma

    Key energetics

    Cooling
    Bitter
    Sour
    Sweet
    Astringent

    Preperation and dosage

    Berries
    400–500 mg/per day
    2–7 ml per day

  • How does it feel?

    Schisandra has an incredible flavour profile that truly excites the senses. Initially sweet, with a potent sour and sharp taste that instantly stimulates the salivary glands. Schisandra embodies all of the five primary flavours — sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent (hence the name five-flavour berry). A delicious tasting medicine.

    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

  • Into the heart of schisandra

    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

    In TCM, schisandra is used to ‘astringe the jing’. In practice this is applied where there is excess of secretions such as diarrhoea, frequent urination, leucorrhoea or excess discharge and premature ejaculation. It is also used for excess sweating, such as in menopause, night sweats often used in combination with astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa) (2,4).

    Schisandra is a powerful adaptogen that supports the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. It is herb that has a gently stimulating effect on the central nervous system, helping to improve cognition, memory focus and mental clarity. It also helps to support depletion from prolonged stress, including chronic fatigue, lethargy, anxiety or depression (4). 

    Schisandra is a potent antioxidant which offers protection from damage caused by oxidative stress in the liver and the nervous system, also contributing to its neuroprotective quality (4). 

    In TCM, schisandra is believed to calm the shen, or spirit, (the spiritual element of a person’s psyche). This action makes schisandra an effective medicine to use for a patient experiencing stress-induced palpitations, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and sleep disturbed by bad dreams. In TCM, the shen is nourished by the Blood and yin. If these are deficient, the spirit will suffer and it is in this specific milieu of shen-disturbance that schisandra is of use (2,5). 

    Schisandra is a very important astringing herb in TCM, used primarily to inhibit the ‘leakage of Lung qi’ (i.e., to stop cough and wheeze), particularly in the case of chronic coughs. It is also a nourishing herb and this combination of qualities makes it especially indicated for chronic coughs derived from weakened Lung and Kidney organ systems.

    Respiration, in TCM theory, involves the Lungs directing qi downwards and the Kidneys ‘grasping’ and anchoring it. Where the Lung and Kidneys are deficient, this process fails and Lung qi rises, causing a cough. Schisandra has the wonderful ability to both reduce the leakage of Lung qi while at the same time strengthening the Kidneys, therefore stopping cough with a two-pronged approach, addressing both the cause and symptom. 

    This astringing, nourishing ability, particularly in relation to weakness of the Kidneys, also extends schisandra for use with the irregular leakage of other bodily substances including semen, vaginal discharge, urine and stools (especially diarrhoea first thing in the morning). 

    Schisandra is also known to generate body fluids and is thus perfectly suited to relieving irregular sweating — especially nightsweats, where it may both inhibit and restore from the loss of fluids from excessive sweating — and thirst (2,5).

  • What practitioners say

    Nervous systemNervous system

    Schisandra is a nourishing medicine for the nervous system and, therefore, helps with managing acute and chronic stress. As stress can manifest in so many ways, schisandra offers support for anxiety, insomnia, irritability and low mood where stress is a causative factor. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be due to other factors, and a clinical herbalist can help decipher the root cause and give a precise and personalised herbal prescription.

    The lignans in schisandra can cross the blood-brain barrier and act as a neuroprotective agent by reducing neuroinflammation. Owing to these properties, schisandra can be used to enhance cognitive function, improve memory and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (4,8). 

    Immune system

    Schisandra is a powerful immune activator that is used where low immune function is caused by prolonged exposure to stress hormones. Schisandra enhances the function of the non-specific endocrine mediated immune system. The non-specific part of the immune system is most affected by stress and is inhibited by chronic anxiety, depression, anger and fear. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones is well known to reduce the immune function and may be induced where a patient is highly susceptible to viral infections (10). 

    The lignans in schisandra can reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and provide support for inflammatory disorders (11). Schisandra has also been shown to promote the production of lymphocytes and interferon-gamma, which help to facilitate recovery from illness and provide immune support (12). 

    Digestive system

    Herbalists often focus on liver function, as the liver is a hugely important organ that processes and detoxes the blood supply from the digestive tract, whilst also metabolising and storing nutrients. The liver is often indicated in treatment of inflammatory conditions.

    Schisandra is hepatoprotective, and has been shown to regenerate hepatocytes and promote the synthesis of hepatic glutathione, which is an essential liver antioxidant. Schisandra berries also offer effective liver protection against chemical and drug induced liver damage, whilst assisting with healing of any existing damage Schisandra also accelerates the detoxification process by enhancing cytochrome P450 enzymes (13,14).

    By the same mechanism schisandra may also be indicated for cases of cirrhosis and hepatitis both for its wide antioxidant benefits and action on the nonspecific immune function (13).

    There may also be a case for applying schisandra where there are food sensitivities or allergies caused by poor liver function, to help improve hepatic surveillance and detoxification (14).

    Schisandra berries have been shown to modulate the gut microbiome by downregulating harmful bacteria and upregulating beneficial bacteria (15). 

    Respiratory system

    It is frequently used in TCM where the Kidneys are not grasping Lung qi. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are very closely linked with the Lungs, as the Kidneys help the Lungs to take a full inhalation. Where someone is experiencing difficulty in taking a full breath, this may indicate weakness in the Kidneys (2,5).

    The balance of schisandra’s qualities indicate it for use for balancing moisture in the lungs, helping to moisten dry coughs and wheezing as well as astringe excess mucus, whilst reducing airway inflammation in cases of allergy or asthma. It is often also recommended as an effective herb in treating chronic coughs (2,5). 

    Reproductive system

    Schisandra supports male fertility via multiple different mechanisms. It has been shown to improve spermatogenesis, sperm count and motility whilst also increasing testosterone levels (16). It has also been indicated in erectile dysfunction by showing a relaxant effect on penile corpus cavernosal tissue (17). 

    In TCM, schisandra strengthens kidney yin, which, when depleted, can affect menstruation and reproductive health (2). Schisandra may be of use in hormonal conditions where poor liver function leads to higher levels of hormones in circulation. Schisandra enhances hormone metabolism and excretion through the liver, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal excess, for example oestrogen dominance, PMS and endometriosis (4,6). 

    Skin health

    Schisandra is a well known anti-aging and revitalising tonic used within external preparations for the skin. Schisandra is sometimes used within a blend for its toning and soothing properties, given its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The same may be applied for wound healing, reducing dilatation of blood vessels and restoring the skin’s protective barrier (18).

  • Schisandra research

    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

    Antioxidant effects of Schisandra chinensis fruits and their active constituents

    A systematic review of schisandra extracts and its bioactive compounds puts forward a unanimous finding that explains how it helps to restore impaired mitochondrial functions, acting as a mitoprotective agent. The review concludes on a number of studies that schisandra and a number of its active compounds show potent antioxidant activity. Schisandra compounds directly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) — molecules that cause the degradation of cells and tissues.

    It also activates the cellular antioxidant defence system components, and inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes, thus suppressing inflammation signal transduction pathways and protecting them from apoptosis (programmed cell death). Schisandra’s bioactive compounds decrease the levels of liver function markers, block pro-oxidant enzyme activities, suppress inflammation, and exert anticancer effects, activating apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells (18).

    An overview of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis

    A systematic review of studies using various cell line models and neurotoxicity induction methods to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of lignans revealed that schisandra lignans show neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties through various mechanisms such as anti-apoptosis, inhibiting mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory mediators, antioxidative actions, and modulating different signalling pathways (18).

    A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms

    A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial where women between the ages of 40 and 70 years who complained of menopausal symptoms were randomly assigned to treatment with either an extract from Schisandra chinensis (BMO-30) or placebo. Results were measured by the Kupperman Index (KI). Treatments continued over a period of six weeks and results were followed for 12 weeks.

    The primary endpoint was the mean interval change in KI score from baseline to week 12. Laboratory studies and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were also included as secondary measures focusing on score for sexual and bladder problems. The study concluded that BMO-30 from schisandra can be a safe and effective complementary medicine for menopausal symptoms, especially for hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations (19).

    Schisandra chinensis fruit modulates the gut microbiota composition in association with metabolic markers in obese women: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study

    In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 obese women were given schisandra extract or placebo. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometry, blood and faecal sampling were performed before and after treatment. Gut microbiota in faeces were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Although the values did not differ significantly between the two groups, the schisandra extract group tended to show a greater decrease in waist circumference, fat mass, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase than the placebo group.

    The study showed that Bacteroides and Bacteroidetes were both increased by schisandra. The study concluded that schisandra extract was able to modulate the gut microbiota composition in Korean obese women, and significant correlations with some bacterial genera and metabolic parameters were noted. However, further research is needed to identify better parameters for the dosing of schisandra for this application using different dosage and over different time spans (15).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

    Chinese actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What can I use schisandra for?

    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
    Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

    Schisandra is a potent medicine for supporting the entire body as it affects multiple body systems. This berry originates from China where it has commonly been used within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and as such, much of the understanding of this herb comes from TCM.  

    Schisandra is an adaptogen that is also uniquely affiliated with the kidneys and the lungs. According to TCM philosophy and understanding of bodily systems, the kidneys are very closely linked with the lungs, in the understanding of this the kidneys help the lungs to fully inhale. If someone is experiencing difficulty taking a full breath, this indicates weakness in the kidneys (1).

    Schisandra has a potent anti-inflammatory action whilst being specifically anti-asthmatic making it particularly useful for asthmatics or those with weak lung function, where symptoms may include  wheezing and productive coughing (1,2). This would include chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) (1).

    As an adaptogen, schisandra is nourishing for anyone experiencing chronic or long term exposure to stress hormones. High levels of stress hormones cause a wide range of health problems. Schisandra is specifically helpful where there are stress induced palpitations, anxiety,insomnia and bad dreams (1,3,4).

    Schisandra has lignans which act as a powerful hepatoprotective, helping to restore and ameliorate effective liver function (4). 

  • Did you know?

    Schisandra was historically used by Nanai hunters in far east Russia to improve night vision, reduce hunger and increase endurance (20). This berry was studied in depth during the Soviet era in Russia in the 1960s, and this research confirmed much of its adaptogenic qualities it is currently known for (21).

  • Botanical description

    Schisandra is a perennial deciduous vine that grows up to nine metres in height. The stems are dark brown, woody with young red shoots.

    The leaves are simple, alternate and oval shaped. They are slightly glossy with slight serrated edges. The plant is a dioecious species with small white or cream coloured (female) or pale pink (male) that grow in clusters from leaf axils.

    The fruit are in the form of red shiny berries reaching between 5–10 mm in diameter (24). A related species, Schisandra sphenanthera (nan wu wei zi) from central to south China, is also used as this herb, however, it has less tonifying properties than the “northern” wu wei zi.  

  • Common names

    Wu wei zi

  • Habitat

    Schisandra is native to northern and northeastern China, Mongolia, and far eastern Russia. Usually found in mixed forest margins with dappled sunlight on the banks of a sandy brook or stream (25).

  • How to grow schisandra

    Schisandra can be grown from seed although it is difficult to germinate and slow to get started. The seeds also require cold stratification, which is the process of treating seeds prior to sowing to replicate the winter conditions that they would have experienced in their native habitat. Young vines are sometimes found in specialist garden centres.

    Seedlings and young vines should be planted outdoors in the spring when any danger of frost has passed. Preferably located in partial shade, they do not fare well in full sun and will likely be unsuccessful in full shade.

    Soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. Schisandra will not grow in clay soils. Schisandra thrives best in a slightly acidic soil — optimal soil pH is 5.0–6.0. Place the root ball about two inches into the soil, it should be completely covered and gently firmed in.

    Space plants three to five inches apart and be sure to have at least one male and one female in order to get fruit.

    They are not self pollinating so at least two plants will be needed to produce fruit, one male one female, ideally if you are growing multiple plants, one male is needed for every three or four females. Berries start to appear by the second season, sometimes the third (29).

  • Herbal preparation of schisandra

    • Dried berry
    • Decoction
    • Tincture
    • Powdered herb
    • Capsule

    The tonic properties of schisandra are enhanced by preparing it in wine and its astringing quality by preparation with vinegar. Dried, it more strongly generates fluids and inhibits perspiration.

  • Plant parts used

    Fruit (berries)

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (1:5| 60%): 2–7 ml per day (9)
    • Infusion/decoction: Add 1–2 tsp of dried berries to 8–10 oz water, decocting for 15–20 minutes on a gentle heat. Remove from heat and allow to steep for a further 20–30 minutes, strain and drink 4 oz three times a day.
    • Capsules: Take one to two 400–500 mg capsules two or three times a day.

  • Constituents

    • Lignans: Schisandrin,gomisin, schizandrin, angeloylgomisin, deoxyschisandrin
    • Triterpene lactones
    • Saponins
    • Polysaccharides
    • Phenolic acids: Quinic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, gentisic acid, benzoic acid derivatives
    • Flavonoids: Quercetin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, galangin, hesperetin
    • Resin
    • Essential oils: Limonene, thymol, caryophyllene. 
    • Vitamins: C, A and E
    • Minerals: Potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium (22)

  • Schisandra recipe

    Schisandra berry syrup

    This simple and effective syrup recipe makes a flavoursome cordial that can be used with tonic or soda water to make a refreshing drink. It can also be added to yoghurts, smoothies or deserts. 

    Ingredients

    • 250 ml schisandra berries 
    • 500 ml filtered water 
    • 200 g organic honey or agave syrup

    How to make schisandra berry syrup

    • Blend the schisandra berries to maximise the surface area.
    • Add the schisandra berries into a saucepan and fill with the water.
    • Bring the mixture to the boil and simmer gently until the liquid has reduced (between 45 minutes to an hour).
    • Strain the liquid to remove the berries. 
    • Stir in the honey and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
    • Transfer the syrup to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.
Schisandra harvesting: From the habitat of the Amur tiger to the giant panda bear

Schisandra harvesting: From the habitat of the Amur tiger to the giant panda bear

  • Safety

    Not recommended for use during pregnancy, lactation or for young children (4,9,22). 

    Some adverse effects have been reported including heartburn, gastric upset and urticaria (9,22).

  • Interactions

    Schisandra may increase the effects of barbiturates.

    Schisandra may increase or decrease drugs metabolised via cytochrome P450 depending on the drug and the patient, it is best to consult a professional medical herbalist in these cases (9,22). 

    Schisandra is hepatoprotective; it may prevent liver damage that is sometimes caused by hepatotoxic medications, such as acetaminophen and tetracycline (1).

    Schisandra may increase the metabolism of oestrogens, and has been shown to reduce serum oestradiol levels (9).

  • Contraindications

    As it is an astringing herb, it is contraindicated for use in cases of pathogens that need to be expelled from the body. This includes ‘exterior’ conditions such as colds and flus and the early stages of a rash. Being a warm astringent, it is also contraindicated where there is an excess of ‘internal heat’ (2).

  • Sustainability status of schisandra

    Schisandra is not yet included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants database; however, there are reports of it being over-harvested from the wild and it now being endangered. It is, therefore, best to buy from suppliers who grow it and can explain their sustainability processes if they are harvesting from the wild (26).

    Schisandra often grows in environments which are also home to panda bears, and harvesting methods were originally detrimental to the local environment and disturbed the panda bears by causing the mothers to abandon their cubs due to the scent of humans. In 2008, a sustainable harvesting initiative was introduced to protect local biodiversity and the panda population (27,28).

    It is recommended to check with suppliers that the berries have been harvested sustainably and in accordance with the wildlife protection initiative. See our article Schisandra harvesting: From the habitat of the Amur tiger to the giant panda bear for more information.

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

    Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

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