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Schisandra

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Schisandra. Adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stamina, liver protection, and stress resilience.

How it works. Schisandrins induce Phase II hepatic enzymes and act as antioxidants.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves ALT/AST in chronic hepatitis (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1500 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC, Ashwagandha.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Schisandra. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Schisandra. Adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stamina, liver protection, and stress resilience.

Key compound: schisandrinC24H32O7 · 432.5 g/mol

What it is

Adaptogenic berry traditionally used for stamina, liver protection, and stress resilience.

Also called

Schisandra chinensisFive-flavor berry

Food sources

Schisandra chinensis berries

Goals

Liver HealthCortisol ManagementEnergy Production

How it works

Schisandrins induce Phase II hepatic enzymes and act as antioxidants.

Pathways

  • Phase II induction
  • Nrf2

Effects

  • +Hepatic detoxification supports
  • ↓Stress markers decreases

What the research supports

Improves ALT/AST in chronic hepatitismoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500–1500 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized schisandrins form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Heartburn

Medication interactions

CYP3A4 substratesmoderate

Induces CYP3A4.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Schisandra — Improves ALT/AST in chronic hepatitis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Schisandra and "Improves ALT/AST in chronic hepatitis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Schisandra — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Schisandra and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Schisandra — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Schisandra and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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