PROTOKOLwiki
COMPOUNDS / ADAPTOGEN / SCHISANDRA
ADAPTOGEN

SCHISANDRA

LOW RISK
BEST FOR:Liver support●●●●●●●○○○7/10
SCHISANDRA · SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS · SCHIZANDRA · WU WEI ZI · FIVE FLAVOR BERRY · OMIJA · GOMISHI · SCHISANDRACEAE
AdaptogenHepatoprotectiveAntioxidantTraditional Chinese MedicineLignan

Traditional Chinese adaptogenic berry rich in lignans with hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties.

ROUTE / DOSAGE
LOW500mg
STANDARD1000-1500mg
HIGH3000mg+
Note: Typically taken as dried fruit powder, extract, or decoction; take with food to reduce GI irritation
CYCLE
Daily use acceptable cycle 2-3 weeks on 1 week off for long-term use
BIOAVAILABILITY
Low-moderate oral (~20-40% for key lignans) first-pass metabolism significant
ACTIVE DURATION
6-10 hours (subjective)
STORAGE
Room temperature dry away from light refrigerate liquid extracts after opening
HALF-LIFE
4-8 hours (plasma)
DURATION BREAKDOWN
Total6-10 hours
Onset1-2 hours
Come up30-60 min
Peak2-4 hours
Offset2-4 hours
After effects2-6 hours
Duration varies by route, dose, and individual. Source: community reports.
§ 01 — EFFECTS
7 documented
Hepatoprotective
Adaptogenic stress support
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Mild CNS stimulation
Improved physical endurance
Neuroprotective
§ 02 — RISKS
GI upset and heartburn at higher doses
May interact with CYP450 enzymes altering drug metabolism
Mild insomnia or restlessness with evening dosing
Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Theoretical estrogenic effects due to lignan phytoestrogen activity
§ 03 — INTERACTIONS
Interaction data not yet available for this compound.
§ 04 — SCIENCE

Schisandra chinensis has centuries of traditional use and is a pharmacopoeial species in China. Clinical studies show SF-derived drugs effectively reduce drug-induced liver injury markers (ALT, AST, bilirubin). Preclinical research demonstrates hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, primarily attributed to dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. Evidence for cognitive enhancement and adaptogenic effects in humans is limited, with most data from animal models. High-quality randomized controlled trials remain scarce, and clinical efficacy for many claimed indications is insufficiently validated.

§ 06 — SOURCES
[1]
Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[2]
Schisandra henryi-A Rare Species with High Medicinal Potential
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[3]
Protective effect of acidic polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis on acute ethanol-induced liver injury
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[4]
Schisandra fruits for the management of drug-induced liver injury in China: A review
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[5]
Schisandra sphenanthera: A Comprehensive Review
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[6]
Schisandra chinensis Fructus and Its Active Ingredients as Promising Resources for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[7]
Cardioprotective Potential of Berries of Schisandra chinensis
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[8]
Schisandra extract ameliorates arthritis pathogenesis by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Disclaimer. Protokol.wiki is an informational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice. Compounds listed may be unapproved, unregulated, or illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician before use. Data compiled from peer-reviewed literature.
METHODOLOGYCONTRIBUTECONTACT