Most health-conscious herb-lovers are familiar with adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Rhodiola for stress, sleep, and promoting calm focus.
However, few know about Schisandra, the original adaptogen.
Yet this traditional herb (technically a berry) has been widely used in Traditional Chinese and Russian Medicine for thousands of years to relieve stress, promote immune support, nourish the liver, support sleep, and so much more.
And it has an impressive body of research to boot.
Read on to learn more about the fascinating history, usage, side effects, and benefits of Schisandra, and how it became the original adaptogen.
What is Schisandra? A Brief History
Also known as Schisandra, Schisandra Berry, five flavor berry, Schisandra chinesis, and wu wei zi in Chinese, this herb is a popular adaptogenic herb* used in Traditional Chinese, Russian, and Korean Medicine.
*Adaptogens are a classification of herbs that help reduce stress through their actions on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. 1
Schisandra is native to China, Russia, Japan, and Korea, where it is wild-crafted and cultivated for use in various herbal preparations and applications.
There are 19 species of Schisandra, but the two main species, Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera, are used interchangeably and mentioned throughout all Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts.
The first recorded use of Schisandra was found in “Shennong’s Herbal”, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Text, over 2,000 years ago.
Schisandra is unique in that it possesses five distinct flavors which correspond to the five phases or Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
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Sour (Wood)
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Bitter (Fire)
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Sweet (Earth)
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Acrid (Metal)
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Salty (Water)
It is also the original adaptogen!
The term adaptogen was first coined in 1947 by Soviet scientist Nikolai Lazarev to describe substances that help the body maintain resilience under stress.
In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers such as Israel Brekhman expanded the concept to include certain plants, with Schisandra chinensis among the earliest studied, alongside Eleutherococcus and later Rhodiola rosea.
Traditional Uses of Schisandra
Schisandra is considered a tonic as well as an adaptogen and sedative, meaning it can benefit various aspects of health and wellness.
Some of Schisandra’s traditional uses in Traditional Chinese and Russian Medicine include: 2,3
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For dull complexion
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For fatigue or weakness
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To reduce hunger
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To support urinary health
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To promote reproductive function in men and women
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For kidney function
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To inhibit sweating
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To relieve thirst
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To support liver health
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For longevity
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To promote digestion
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For thyroid function
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As a cariotonic
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To improve stamina
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For aches and pains
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To support the nervous system
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For Night sweats
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To promote sleep
Although not all of these benefits have been verified, several studies have demonstrated that Schisandra has potentially far-reaching health benefits.
10 Benefits of Schisandra Berry (the Original Adaptogen)
Tonic herbs with thousands of years of successful traditional use are increasingly the subject of scientific research.
Here, we share ten benefits of schisandra berry based on emerging research and traditional uses.
1: Schisandra Contains Powerful Antioxidants
For centuries, traditional herbalists knew Schisandra worked on a variety of health concerns, but they didn’t know precisely what made it work.
Today, analytical studies have revealed various active plant compounds in Schisandra, including potent antioxidant lignans like schizandrins, schizandrols, gomisins, as well as vitamins C and E, believed to be responsible for its health benefits.
Antioxidants, such as those found in Schisandra and other functional herbs and foods, help protect the body from free radical damage.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage if left unchecked, resulting in inflammation and other health issues.
Related reading: What Are Antioxidants? How They Work & Their Benefits
2: Schisandra Helps Reduce Stress
As previously discussed, Schisandra is an adaptogen that helps increase the body’s resilience to stress through its effects on the HPA Axis.
An interesting characteristic of many adaptogens is that they typically grow in harsh, cold, mountainous, and stressful climates, which is consistent with Schisandra’s origins.
Studies have shown that Schisandra may have a beneficial effect on cortisol levels, as well as the nervous and neurological systems, all of which contribute to a healthy stress response and resilience. 4,5
This is consistent with its traditional use as a sedative and adaptogen.
3: Schisandra May Be Good For Your Liver & Digestion
Much of the research on Schisandra has focused on its actions on the liver, which is a primary use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Studies have shown Schisandra may promote various aspects of liver health and function, including the production of various liver detoxifying enzymes and bile (which benefits digestion), as well as its antioxidant-protective effects. 6
Several Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas designed for liver and/or digestive support include Schisandra for these purposes.
4: Schisandra May Promote Immune Function
Schisandra has long been used alone and in traditional herbal formulas to support immune and respiratory function.
Although more research is needed, studies suggest the antioxidants, such as schizandrin (Sch) and gomisin A in Schisandra, may provide multifaceted immune support, respiratory support, and immune regulation benefits. 7,8,9,10
Learn more about herbs for immune support in: 7 Simple Tips To Support Immune Health
5. Schisandra May Increase Stamina And Endurance
Adaptogens, including Schisandra, have a rich history of traditional use in promoting normal stamina and endurance, especially in harsh climates and under stressful conditions.
Today, many people rely on adaptogens to help them power through workouts and stay strong during times of stress.
Research supports this traditional use of Schisandra, suggesting it can enhance physical performance, reduce thirst during physical exertion, and reduce muscle pain during endurance running. 11
More research is needed, but these emerging studies are encouraging.
6. Schisandra May Promote Thyroid Function
Schisandra has become a popular herb for promoting thyroid function, which speaks to its traditional use in TCM.
Although there are no studies directly linking Schisandra and thyroid health, it may support the thyroid indirectly via its effects on immune regulation, inflammation, and stress response.
Despite the lack of direct evidence, Schisandra is commonly used with other herbs in TCM formulas for the thyroid, and many people swear by it.
Ultimately, more research is needed to understand how Schisandra may benefit the thyroid.
Related reading: 5 Helpful Herbs For Thyroid Awareness Month
7. Schisandra May Support Cardiovascular Function
Generally, antioxidant-rich foods and herbs are beneficial for cardiovascular function.
This is due to their positive effects on promoting a normal inflammatory response, which is critical for overall heart and cardiovascular health.
Research supports the use of Schisandra, specifically the lignan dibenzocyclooctadienelignans, for cardiovascular health, citing its inflammatory-response supportive and stress-relieving properties as well as its beneficial effects on helping promote vascular health, nitric oxide production, platelet activation, and apoptosis (normal cell death). 12
As always, check with your healthcare practitioner before taking any new herbs for your heart.
8. Schisandra Can Help You Sleep
As mentioned previously, Schisandra is considered a sedative and has been shown to be beneficial for the nervous system and to reduce stress.
It’s also been traditionally used to promote healthy sleep, a common benefit of adaptogens.
Although research on how Schisandra supports sleep is in its infancy, animal studies suggest its lignans work on the sleep-wake cycle, potentially affecting GABA (a calming neurotransmitter essential for sleep) and promoting greater sleep latency and sleep time. 13
Schisandra’s previously mentioned effects on cortisol (the master stress hormone) may also help promote a better night’s rest.
Related reading: Why You Really Can't Sleep
9. Schisandra May Promote Normal Cognitive Function
Adaptogens, like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Schisandra, are prized for their ability to promote energy, stamina, and calm focus.
Regarding Schisandra, research has shown its lignans have neuroproprotective and cognitive supportive properties, primarily via its anti-oxidant and inflammatory-supportive mechanisms.
For example, studies have shown that Schisandra may help promote memory, cellular function, and normal neurological inflammatory response. 14,15
Anecdotally, many people appreciate how Schisandra promotes focus and attention, which is typical of adaptogens.
Traditional herbalists knew this, which is why Schisandra was and is included in many TCM formulas for cognitive support. 16
10. Schisandra May Help Protect Against Heavy Metals
Heavy metal contamination in foods, beverages, supplements, and the environment is a real problem.
For this reason, many integrative healthcare practitioners recommend taking steps to protect yourself from heavy metal toxicity.
Although not all heavy metal detox products are proven, some research suggests Schisandra Berry may help protect the body from heavy metal exposure, but more studies are needed. 17
Contraindications & Side Effects of Schisandra
Schisandra has been safely used for centuries as a functional food and traditional herb by millions of people.
However, it may be contraindicated during pregnancy due to the possibility of uterine contractions and lack of safety studies. 18
There is also some concern about taking Schisandra for people with epilepsy, likely due to its potential effects on the neurological system.
Since Schisandra is believed to act on liver enzymes, including those that break down medications, it may be contraindicated for people taking certain medications.
Generally, Schisandra is safe to take, but talk to your healthcare practitioner for individual recommendations.
How to use Schisandra to Support Your Health
Schisandra is typically taken as a dietary supplement or in customized Traditional Chinese herbal formulas.
Its flavor is complex and warm, making it generally pleasing to take (although you can find capsules if you don’t like the taste).
The best form and dose of Schisandra depends on why you’re taking it, your health history, and your goals, so check with a healthcare practitioner trained in traditional herbalism, such as an acupuncturist, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, or clinical herbalist for individual recommendations.
Learn More About the Power of Herbal Adaptogens in:
What Are Adaptogens and Why Are People Taking Them?
Exploring Eleuthero: Origins, Benefits, and Promise of an Adaptogenic Botanical
The Essential Guide to Ashwagandha: Overview, Benefits, & Side Effects
An Essential Guide to Holy Basil
Fact or Fiction: Is the Cordyceps Fungus in “The Last of Us” Real?
1 -“Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals”. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
2 -“Schisandra”. American Botanical Council.
3 -“Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components, pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies”. Phytochem Rev.
4 -Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine”. J Ethnopharmacol.
5 -“Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. In Human Health and Nutrition: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives”. Nutrients.
6 -“Lignans are the main active components of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus for liver disease treatment: A review”. Food Science and Human Wellness
7 -“The Immuno-Regulatory Effects of Schisandra chinensis and Its Constituents on Human Monocytic Leukemia Cells”. Molecules
8 -“Schisandra sphenanthera: A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Applications”. Am J Chin Med.
9 -“Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine”.J Ethnopharmacol.
10 -“Comprehensive review on Schisandra chinesis”. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine
11 -“ Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine”. J Ethnopharmacol.
12 -“Comprehensive review on Schisandra chinesis”. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine
13 -“Mechanism of Schisandra chinensis in Treatment of Insomnia by Sleep–Wake Cycle Based on Network Pharmacology”. Pharmacognosy Magazine.
14 -“An overview of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis”. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
15 -“Antidepressant-like effects and cognitive enhancement of Schisandra chinensis in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice and its related mechanism”. Scientific Reports
16 -“An overview of neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement properties of lignans from Schisandra chinensis”. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
17 - “Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine”. J Ethnopharmacol.
18 -“Schisandra”. RxList.
