# Gomisin A

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/gomisin-a
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Gomisin A, Schisandrin A, Wuweizi A, Schizandrin A, Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan A, Chinese magnolia vine lignan A, Five-flavor berry compound A

## Overview

Gomisin A is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan derived from Schisandra chinensis berries that demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties. This bioactive compound works primarily through Nrf2 pathway activation and cytochrome P450 enzyme modulation.

## Health Benefits

• Hepato-protective effects demonstrated in preclinical studies (animal/in vitro evidence only)
• Anti-diabetic properties shown in laboratory research (preliminary evidence)
• Anti-[oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) activity observed in non-human studies (mechanism not fully elucidated)
• Potential liver support based on traditional use of source plant (no human trials available)
• May support metabolic health through antioxidant pathways (requires human validation)

## Mechanism of Action

Gomisin A activates the Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant enzyme production including [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. The compound modulates cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP2E1, reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in hepatocytes. Additionally, Gomisin A inhibits NF-κB activation, suppressing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production and protecting liver cells from damage.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Gomisin A comes exclusively from animal studies and in vitro research, with no human clinical trials published to date. Rodent studies using doses of 10-50 mg/kg body weight showed significant [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage, with 40-60% reductions in ALT and AST levels. Laboratory studies demonstrated [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with IC50 values of 15-25 μM against various free radicals. The preliminary nature of this evidence limits definitive conclusions about human efficacy and optimal dosing.

## Nutritional Profile

Gomisin A is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan (molecular formula C₂₃H₂₈O₇, MW ~416.47 g/mol) isolated primarily from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (five-flavor berry). It is not a macronutrient source and has no meaningful caloric, protein, fiber, or carbohydrate contribution. Key biochemical and bioactive profile: • **Chemical class:** Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan (also classified as a schisandrin-type lignan). • **Typical concentration in source plant:** Schisandra chinensis dried fruit contains approximately 0.01–0.1% w/w Gomisin A, varying with cultivar, harvest time, and geographic origin. It co-occurs with other lignans including schisandrin (schizandrin), schisandrin B, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, gomisin B, gomisin C, gomisin G, gomisin J, and gomisin N. • **Key functional groups:** Contains multiple methoxy groups (–OCH₃), a methylenedioxy bridge, and hydroxyl functionality, which contribute to its lipophilicity and redox-active [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) behavior. • **Bioactive mechanisms (preclinical):** Acts as a phase I and phase II hepatic enzyme modulator; shown to influence cytochrome P450 activity (particularly CYP3A4 inhibition in vitro, IC₅₀ values reported in the low micromolar range ~1–10 µM); upregulates [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hepatocyte models; activates Nrf2/ARE antioxidant response pathway; may modulate PPARγ and AMPK signaling related to glucose and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). • **Lipophilicity:** Estimated LogP ~3.5–4.2, indicating high lipophilicity; absorption is expected to be enhanced with dietary fat co-ingestion. • **Bioavailability notes:** Oral bioavailability in animal models (rat) is estimated to be low-to-moderate (~10–30%), limited by significant first-pass hepatic metabolism and Phase I oxidation by CYP enzymes. Enterohepatic recycling of lignan metabolites may prolong effective exposure. No human pharmacokinetic data are published. Absorption may be improved by lipid-based delivery systems or co-administration with other Schisandra lignans (potential synergistic inhibition of CYP-mediated clearance). • **Vitamins/minerals:** Gomisin A as an isolated compound provides no vitamins or minerals. When consumed as part of whole Schisandra chinensis fruit or extract, the matrix provides small amounts of vitamin C (~30–60 mg/100 g dried fruit), vitamin E, organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric, quinic acid contributing to the characteristic sour taste), trace minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc in minor amounts), and additional polyphenolic antioxidants. • **Standardized extract context:** Commercial Schisandra extracts are often standardized to total schisandrins (2–9% total lignans); Gomisin A typically represents a minor fraction (~0.5–2% of total lignans in standardized extracts), roughly 0.01–0.18 mg per typical 500 mg extract capsule, though this varies considerably by manufacturer and standardization target. • **Safety/interaction note (preclinical):** Due to CYP3A4 inhibitory potential, Gomisin A may theoretically alter pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs metabolized by this enzyme; no human drug interaction studies are available.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Gomisin A is classified as harmful if swallowed (GHS H302). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Gomisin A in humans is limited due to lack of clinical studies, though traditional use of Schisandra suggests general tolerability. Animal studies report no acute toxicity at doses up to 200 mg/kg, but chronic toxicity data is insufficient. Potential interactions may occur with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 substrates, due to the compound's enzyme-modulating properties. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established, and use should be avoided in these populations.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Gomisin A. Current research is limited to preclinical pharmacological studies including in vitro and animal models demonstrating hepato-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Gomisin A occurs in Schisandra chinensis fruit (Wuweizi), which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for liver protection and general tonification. However, specific historical use of isolated Gomisin A is not documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other Schisandra lignans, milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, silymarin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain Gomisin A naturally?

Gomisin A is found primarily in Schisandra chinensis berries (five-flavor fruit), with concentrations ranging from 0.1-0.5% by dry weight. Schisandra sphenanthera also contains this compound but in lower amounts, typically 0.05-0.2% by dry weight.

### How much Gomisin A should I take daily?

No established human dosage exists for isolated Gomisin A due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional Schisandra preparations typically provide 1-3 mg of Gomisin A per gram of extract, with standard doses ranging from 1-6 grams daily of standardized extract.

### Can Gomisin A help with liver detoxification?

Animal studies suggest Gomisin A supports liver function by increasing glutathione levels by 30-50% and enhancing phase II detoxification enzymes. However, human evidence is lacking, and claims about detoxification benefits remain scientifically unproven in clinical settings.

### Does Gomisin A interact with blood pressure medications?

Potential interactions may occur since Gomisin A affects cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolize many blood pressure medications including amlodipine and losartan. Consult a healthcare provider before combining Gomisin A supplements with any cardiovascular medications.

### Is Gomisin A the same as Schisandrin B?

No, Gomisin A and Schisandrin B are distinct lignans from Schisandra chinensis with different chemical structures and biological activities. Gomisin A has stronger hepatoprotective effects, while Schisandrin B shows greater neuroprotective properties in preclinical studies.

### What does clinical research show about Gomisin A's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for Gomisin A comes from laboratory and animal studies, with no published human clinical trials to date. While preclinical research demonstrates hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human efficacy without controlled human studies. The gap between laboratory promise and proven human benefit means current supplement claims remain preliminary and require further investigation through rigorous clinical trials.

### Is Gomisin A safe for children and elderly individuals?

Safety data for Gomisin A in children and elderly populations is not established through human studies. Since this compound has only been studied in laboratory and animal models, supplementation in vulnerable populations should only occur under medical supervision. Anyone in these age groups considering Gomisin A should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Which form of Gomisin A supplement is most bioavailable?

Bioavailability research specifically comparing different Gomisin A delivery forms (standardized extracts, isolated compounds, complexes) has not been published in human studies. Most commercial products contain Gomisin A as part of Schisandra chinensis extracts rather than isolated form, though the optimal formulation for human absorption remains unknown. The bioavailability of Gomisin A in humans has not been directly measured or compared across supplement formats.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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