Schisandra chinensis extract

Schisandra chinensis extract is derived from the fruit of the Schisandra chinensis plant, a deciduous woody vine native to Northern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen and tonic for improving resistance to stress and disease. The extract contains lignans such as schizandrin and gamma-schizandrin that are believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. Mechanistically, it exhibits adaptogenic properties by modulating stress response pathways and demonstrates hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant activity and inhibition of liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism (notably CYP3A4/5). Clinical studies suggest potential benefits for mental performance (improving concentration), liver protection (reducing markers of liver damage), physical endurance, menopausal symptoms relief, metabolic health improvement (including diabetes management), blood pressure regulation, and possible reduction in side effects from immunosuppressant drugs like tacrolimus. However, robust clinical evidence is limited[1][2][3][4][5][8].

Brand names

wu wei zi

Other names

schisandraschizandraSchisandrae Fructuswu wei zi