Schisandra Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Schisandra Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Schisandra is generally considered safe when taken orally and appropriately. Daily doses of schisandra extract up to 1 gram for up to 12 weeks have been used without apparent safety concerns. However, pregnant women should avoid oral use of schisandra due to its potential uterine stimulant effects.

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of schisandra during lactation, so it is recommended to avoid using it during this time.

How Does Schisandra Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Schisandra contains various active compounds known as lignans, including schizandrins, schizandrols, gomisins, schizandrers, wuweizisus, and more. These lignans contribute to the effects of schisandra.

Some of the mechanisms of action of schisandra include:

• Adaptogenic effects: Schisandra is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress and enhances concentration, coordination, and endurance.
• Anti-aging effects: Schisandra has antioxidant properties that may protect against oxidative damage associated with aging.
• Anticancer effects: Laboratory studies suggest that schisandra or its constituents may have protective effects against cancer, such as inhibiting tumor promotion and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Schisandra exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting platelet activating factor (PAF).
• Antiviral effects: Certain compounds found in schisandra have shown activity against HIV and other viruses in laboratory studies.
• Cytochrome P450 effects: Schisandra can affect the activity of enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family, which are involved in drug metabolism. It may inhibit or induce these enzymes, potentially affecting the metabolism of certain medications.
• Hepatoprotective effects: Schisandra supports liver function, protects against liver damage, and promotes liver regeneration.
• Metabolic effects: Schisandra may have therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.
• Neurologic/CNS effects: Schisandra lignans have reported anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifatigue, and tranquilizing effects.
• Respiratory effects: Schisandra lignans have reported antitussive (cough-suppressing) and respiratory stimulant effects.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, schisandra constituents such as schizandrins and schizandrols are absorbed and reach the bloodstream. They can bind to serum proteins and undergo metabolism in the liver. The elimination of these constituents primarily occurs through urine.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

Schisandra can interact with certain drugs, including cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and various cytochrome P450 substrates. These interactions can affect the levels and clinical effects of these medications. It is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if taking schisandra alongside any medications.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken orally, some common side effects of schisandra may include decreased appetite, heartburn, stomach upset, and urticaria (hives).

Are Supplements Standardized?

Products containing schisandra extract are often standardized based on specific lignan constituents, such as deoxyschizandrin. Standardization ensures consistent levels of active compounds in the supplements.

What is Schisandra Used for as a Supplement?

Schisandra supplements are commonly used for various purposes, although the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Some potential uses include:

• Aging: There is interest in using schisandra to slow down the aging process, although more research is needed to evaluate its clinical effects.
• Asthma: Schisandra is sometimes taken orally for asthma, but there is insufficient reliable information available about its effectiveness for this condition.
• Athletic performance: Some individuals use schisandra supplements to enhance athletic performance, but there is limited evidence to support its use in this regard.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Oral schisandra has been studied in combination with other ingredients for COVID-19, but its effectiveness when used alone is unclear.
• Cough: Schisandra has been of interest as a potential remedy for cough, although there is insufficient evidence to support its use for this purpose.
• Diarrhea: Some people consider schisandra as a remedy for diarrhea, but there is not enough reliable evidence to confirm its effectiveness.
• Diabetes: Schisandra has been explored as a potential treatment for diabetes, but there is insufficient reliable information available to support its use for this condition.
• Familial Mediterranean fever: Schisandra has been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for familial Mediterranean fever, but the effectiveness of schisandra alone remains unclear.
• Hepatitis: Although there is interest in using schisandra for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this condition.
• Hypercholesterolemia: Schisandra has been considered for managing high cholesterol levels, but there is insufficient reliable information to support its use for this condition.
• Menopausal symptoms: It is unclear whether oral schisandra is beneficial for improving menopausal symptoms.
• Muscle strength: The effectiveness of schisandra for improving muscle strength is uncertain and requires further investigation.
• Myopia: Topical application of schisandra has been explored for myopia in children, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to support its use for this condition.
• Physical performance: The potential benefits of schisandra for improving physical function in older adults are unclear and require more research.
• Pneumonia: Oral schisandra has been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for pneumonia, but its effectiveness when used alone is unclear.
• Stress: Schisandra has been studied in combination with other ingredients for stress relief, but its individual effect is not well-established.

It is important to note that more evidence is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of schisandra for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Schisandra