# Schisandrin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/schisandrin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Schisandra chinensis lignan, Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, Wu Wei Zi lignan, Five-flavor berry compound, Schisandrin A, Chinese magnolia vine extract, Gomishi extract compound

## Overview

Schisandrin is a bioactive lignan compound extracted from Schisandra chinensis berries that activates the Nrf2 [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathway. It demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through modulation of gut microbiota and reduction of inflammatory cytokines in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces disease activity and inflammation in ulcerative colitis models, shown in preclinical mouse studies.[1] • Upregulates Nrf2 pathway and reduces inflammation in COPD models, comparable to dexamethasone.[2] • Modulates gut microbiota and bile acids, contributing to intestinal health in animal studies.[1] • Protects lung function by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and cytokine levels in COPD mouse models.[2] • Exhibits antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties, based on traditional and preclinical evidence.[7][8]

## Mechanism of Action

Schisandrin upregulates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, enhancing cellular [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) defenses. It modulates gut microbiota composition and bile acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), contributing to reduced intestinal inflammation. The compound also inhibits [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production comparable to dexamethasone in respiratory inflammation models.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for schisandrin comes primarily from preclinical mouse studies investigating inflammatory conditions. Studies show reduced disease activity in ulcerative colitis models and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in COPD models with potency comparable to dexamethasone. Animal studies demonstrate beneficial modulation of gut microbiota and bile acid profiles. Human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Schisandrin is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan (molecular formula C₂₄H₃₂O₇, MW ~432.51 g/mol) and is one of the principal bioactive constituents of Schisandra chinensis (five-flavor berry) fruit. It is not a macronutrient source and is relevant purely as a bioactive phytochemical. Key details: • **Chemical class:** Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan; also known as Schisandrin A or Wuweizisu A. • **Typical concentration in source material:** Schisandra chinensis dried fruit contains approximately 0.2–1.2% total lignans by weight, of which schisandrin typically constitutes roughly 0.1–0.4% (1–4 mg/g dried berry), varying by cultivar, geography, and processing. Standardized Schisandra extracts may contain 2–9% schisandrin. • **Co-occurring bioactive lignans in Schisandra:** Schisandrin B (γ-schisandrin), Schisandrin C, Schisandrol A, Schisandrol B, Gomisin A, Gomisin N, and Deoxyschisandrin — collectively referred to as Schisandra lignans, often present at combined levels of 5–19 mg/g in standardized extracts. • **Macronutrients (of whole Schisandra berry, per 100 g dried):** Carbohydrates ~60–70 g, Protein ~3–5 g, Fat ~2–4 g, Dietary fiber ~10–15 g; these are not attributable to schisandrin itself. • **Micronutrients in whole berry matrix:** Vitamin C (~50–90 mg/100 g fresh fruit), Vitamin E, organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric — contributing to its characteristic sour/five-flavor profile), essential minerals including potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium in trace amounts. • **Other bioactive compounds in the berry matrix:** Polysaccharides ([immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), ~3–8% of dried weight), essential oils (sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes ~1–3%), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. • **Bioavailability notes:** Schisandrin is lipophilic (LogP ~3.8–4.2) and demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in animal models (estimated ~20–35% in rats). It is absorbed primarily in the small intestine and undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via CYP3A4 and CYP2C enzymes. Co-administration with lipid-based carriers or phospholipid complexes (phytosomes) significantly enhances absorption (up to 2–3 fold). Peak plasma concentration (Tmax) is typically reached within 1–2 hours post-oral dosing. Schisandrin is a known inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which may influence the bioavailability of co-administered drugs. It distributes preferentially to the liver and kidneys. Metabolites include demethylated and hydroxylated forms, with biliary and renal excretion pathways. • **Typical supplemental dosing (as part of Schisandra extract):** 200–1000 mg standardized extract/day (delivering approximately 5–40 mg schisandrin), or 1.5–6 g dried fruit equivalent per day in traditional use. Pure schisandrin in research studies: 5–80 mg/kg in animal models; human-equivalent doses are considerably lower (~1–10 mg/kg).

## Dosage & Preparation

Preclinical studies report oral doses of 20-80 mg/kg/day in mice for conditions like ulcerative colitis. No human dosage guidelines are established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for isolated schisandrin is limited, with most information derived from whole Schisandra chinensis berry studies. Potential drug interactions may occur due to effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes, though specific interactions with schisandrin alone are not well documented. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation effects.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or meta-analyses specifically on Schisandrin were identified. The available evidence is limited to preclinical animal and cell studies, such as those on ulcerative colitis (PMC10481484) and COPD (PMID: 37400851).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Schisandrin has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic for the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. It is traditionally employed to treat [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), cough, and fatigue.[7][8]

## Synergistic Combinations

Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between schisandrin and Schisandra chinensis?

Schisandrin is a specific lignan compound isolated from Schisandra chinensis berries. While Schisandra chinensis contains multiple bioactive compounds including schisandrins A, B, and C, schisandrin refers to the purified lignan compounds responsible for many of the berry's therapeutic effects.

### How does schisandrin help with inflammation?

Schisandrin reduces inflammation by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and modulating gut microbiota composition. Preclinical studies show it decreases inflammatory cytokines in ulcerative colitis models and provides anti-inflammatory effects comparable to dexamethasone in COPD models.

### What dosage of schisandrin is effective?

Specific dosage recommendations for isolated schisandrin are not established due to limited human studies. Most research uses Schisandra chinensis extracts standardized to contain varying percentages of schisandrins, typically ranging from 2-9% schisandrin content in supplement formulations.

### Can schisandrin improve gut health?

Animal studies suggest schisandrin can improve gut health by modulating intestinal microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism. These changes contribute to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved gut barrier function, though human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

### Is schisandrin safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety data for isolated schisandrin is not available from human studies. While Schisandra chinensis has a traditional use history, purified schisandrin compounds require additional safety research to establish long-term use protocols and potential adverse effects.

### Does schisandrin work better for COPD or ulcerative colitis?

Preclinical research shows schisandrin is effective for both conditions through different mechanisms: in COPD models, it upregulates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and reduces inflammation comparable to dexamethasone, while in ulcerative colitis models, it reduces disease activity by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. The evidence is currently limited to animal studies for both conditions, so human clinical trials are needed to determine which condition may respond better or whether benefits translate to patients. Both pathways involve reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting schisandrin may have broader applicability across inflammatory diseases.

### Can schisandrin be taken with corticosteroids or respiratory medications?

Since schisandrin demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects comparable to dexamethasone in COPD models, concurrent use with corticosteroids or other respiratory medications warrants caution and professional guidance to avoid redundancy or unintended interactions. No direct interaction studies between schisandrin and common respiratory drugs (like beta-agonists or inhaled corticosteroids) are currently available in published literature. Anyone taking prescription medications for COPD, asthma, or gastrointestinal conditions should consult their healthcare provider before adding schisandrin supplementation.

### What is the evidence quality for schisandrin's benefits compared to other traditional remedies for inflammation?

Current evidence for schisandrin is limited to preclinical animal models (mouse studies) showing effects on ulcerative colitis, COPD, and gut health; human clinical trials are lacking, which limits the strength of evidence compared to ingredients with established human data. While the mechanistic findings—Nrf2 pathway activation and microbiota modulation—are scientifically plausible, they have not yet been validated in controlled human studies. Other traditional ingredients like curcumin or resveratrol have more robust human clinical trial data, making schisandrin currently a promising but less-proven option for inflammatory conditions.

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