Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis) — the Five Flavour Berry — is a premier adaptogenic berry in Traditional Chinese Medicine containing lignans (schisandrin A, B, C) that simultaneously support the liver, nervous system, adrenal glands, kidneys, and lungs. Schisandrin B is a potent hepatoprotective and neuro-adaptogenic lignan unique to Schisandra, clinically studied for liver enzyme normalisation, cognitive endurance, and stress resilience.
Applications:
- Adaptogenic stress relief and adrenal support formulations
- Liver protection and hepatoprotective supplement products
- Cognitive endurance and mental performance formulations
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and longevity supplement lines
Key Features & Benefits:
- Multi-organ adaptogen — liver, brain, adrenals, kidneys, lungs
- Schisandrin B — unique hepatoprotective and neuro-adaptogenic lignan
- Clinically studied for liver enzyme normalisation
- No animal substance – halal-certified
- The only herb with all five flavours — TCM tonic classification
Lignans are the markers
The characteristic compounds of Schisandra chinensis fruit are dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans: schisandrin, schisandrin B, gomisin A and related compounds. Most of them sit in the seed rather than the pulp, so the ratio of seed to pulp in the raw material affects the lignan content of the extract. Ask for total lignans or named schisandrins by HPLC rather than an extraction ratio alone.
Spelling and species
Buyers search for both “schisandra” and “schizandra”. The related Schisandra sphenanthera (southern schisandra) has a different lignan profile, so state the full Latin name on the specification and the COA.
Formulation notes
The extract is sour, salty and bitter at once, which is the origin of the “five flavour” name. It works better in capsules and tablets than in plain drinks. Schisandra lignans are known to affect drug-metabolising liver enzymes, so check any interaction warnings your market requires. It is often formulated with Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Ginseng Extract or Milk Thistle Extract.
What the research says
- In a 2021 trial, 54 adults over 50 with low muscle mass took 1 g of schisandra extract or placebo daily. All walked regularly for the 12 weeks. [1]
- Knee extension strength rose 10.2 Nm (right) and 6.7 Nm (left) more than with placebo. Muscle mass and inflammatory and antioxidant markers did not differ. [1]
- A 2020 trial in 45 postmenopausal women (1,000 mg a day for 12 weeks) also reported greater gains in quadriceps strength and lower resting lactate. [2]
- In 28 obese women, 12 weeks of schisandra fruit did not change weight-related measures significantly versus placebo. No meta-analysis was found. [3]
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Cho YH, et al. Effect of Schisandra chinensis Baillon extracts and regular low-intensity exercise on muscle strength and mass in older adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;113(6):1440-6. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqaa447
- Park J, et al. Effect of Schisandra chinensis extract supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue in adult women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(7):2475. doi:10.3390/ijerph17072475
- Song MY, et al. Schisandra chinensis fruit modulates the gut microbiota composition in association with metabolic markers in obese women: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Nutr Res. 2015;35(8):655-63. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2015.05.001
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Botanical name and plant part (Schisandra chinensis fruit)
- Total lignans or schisandrins by HPLC, if specified
- Extraction ratio, solvent and carrier with its percentage
- Identity test (TLC or HPLC fingerprint)
- Loss on drying, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and pesticide residues
- Microbiology: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates
