| Herbs & Supplements:

Schisandra

Alternate Names:
  • Schisandra chinensis, magnolia vine

 

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Introduction

Schisandra is a vine that grows in Asia and parts of Europe. The berries have been used to improve liver function and overall well-being. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. Schisandra can also be made into tea or juice.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for schisandra.

 

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What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Menopause^A1 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

 

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Safety Notes

It is likely safe for most adults to take schisandra in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is not known whether it is safe to take by women who are breastfeeding. Schisandra may be unsafe during pregnancy.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:

• People taking medicine to suppress the immune system should talk to their doctors before taking schisandra. It may interact with their medicine.^{B1, B2} 

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References [ + ]

A. Menopause

A1. Park JY, Kim KH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric. 2016 Dec;19(6):574-580. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

B. Safety

B1. Xin HW, Li Q, et al. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the blood concentration of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;67(12):1309-1311.

B2. Gurley BJ, Fifer EK, et al. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (part 2): drug interactions involving popular botanical dietary supplements and their clinical relevance. Planta Med. 2012 Sep;78(13):1490-1514.

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Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 3/30/2020

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