# Schizandrin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/schizandrin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Schizandrol A, Gomisin A, Wu Wei Zi lignan, Schisandrin A, Five-flavor berry compound, Northern schisandra extract, Magnolia vine lignan ## Overview Schizandrin is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan found primarily in Schisandra chinensis berries. It demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects by modulating [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzyme systems and reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production. ## Health Benefits • May support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) by reducing inflammation and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (preliminary animal evidence, PMID: 33588680) • May help protect against kidney fibrosis through TGF-β pathway regulation (preliminary zebrafish evidence, PMID: 40500382) • Shows potential anti-cancer properties in colon cancer models (preliminary mouse evidence, PMID: 38481680) • May improve [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) function in neurodegenerative conditions (preliminary mouse evidence, PMID: 22829961) • Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through multiple cellular pathways (preliminary cell culture evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Schizandrin activates the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, enhancing expression of [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzymes including [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. It inhibits NF-κB pathway activation, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α and IL-6. The compound also modulates TGF-β signaling to prevent fibrotic tissue formation in organs. ## Clinical Summary Current research on schizandrin is primarily limited to animal and in vitro studies. In rodent hepatotoxicity models, schizandrin administration reduced liver enzyme markers and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines. Zebrafish studies showed protection against kidney fibrosis through TGF-β pathway regulation. Human clinical trials investigating schizandrin's therapeutic effects are lacking, making efficacy claims preliminary. ## Nutritional Profile Schizandrin (also known as Schisandrin A) is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, not a food or nutrient per se, so it lacks a conventional macronutrient profile (no significant calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, or fiber). It is one of the principal bioactive lignans found in Schisandra chinensis (five-flavor berry) fruit, typically present at approximately 0.1–0.5% w/w of dried fruit depending on cultivar and extraction method. Key details: • Molecular formula: C₂₄H₃₂O₇; molecular weight: ~432.5 g/mol. • It belongs to a family of related lignans including schisandrin B (γ-schisandrin), schisandrin C, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, gomisin A, gomisin N, and deoxyschisandrin, all sharing the dibenzocyclooctadiene skeleton. • Typical concentrations in standardized Schisandra chinensis extracts range from 2–9% total schisandrins, with schizandrin (schisandrin A) constituting roughly 15–30% of total lignan content. • Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability in rodent models is moderate (estimated ~20–35%), with relatively rapid absorption (Tmax ~1–2 hours in rats). It is lipophilic (LogP ~3.5–4.0), meaning co-administration with dietary fats or lipid-based delivery systems can enhance absorption. It undergoes significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via CYP3A4 and CYP2C enzymes, yielding various hydroxylated and demethylated metabolites. • The compound is not a source of vitamins or minerals. Its pharmacological relevance stems entirely from its lignan structure, which confers [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (radical scavenging, estimated ORAC contribution in crude extract), [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties (modulation of phase I/II detoxification enzymes, upregulation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity (NF-κB and MAPK pathway modulation), and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) potential. • In whole Schisandra chinensis dried fruit, co-occurring nutrients include: vitamin C (~3–5 mg/100 g dried fruit), vitamin E (~1–2 mg/100 g), organic acids (citric, malic, tartaric; ~5–10% w/w), trace minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc in small amounts), essential oils (~1–3% w/w containing sesquiterpenes such as ylangene and chamigrene), and polysaccharides (~2–5% w/w with reported [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity). • Schizandrin itself is commonly encountered in supplement form at doses of 5–30 mg per capsule (as isolated compound) or 250–1000 mg of standardized Schisandra extract providing roughly 15–50 mg total lignans per serving. • Protein binding is high (~85–90% bound to plasma albumin), and the compound distributes preferentially to liver, kidney, and brain tissues, which aligns with its observed organ-specific protective effects. • No established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) or Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) exists; dosing is guided by traditional use and preliminary clinical data, typically 5–15 mg/day of pure schizandrin or 500–1500 mg/day of standardized extract. ## Dosage & Preparation Animal studies have used 30 mg/kg administered intragastrically in mice. No human dosing data, standardized extract percentages, or clinical formulations are available. Significant hepatic and intestinal first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) limits bioavailability. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for isolated schizandrin supplementation in humans is limited. Traditional use of Schisandra chinensis suggests general tolerability, though individual sensitivity may occur. Potential interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes could affect drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses of schizandrin were found in the research. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies using animal models (mice and zebrafish) and cell culture systems (PMIDs: 33588680, 40500382, 38481680, 22829961). ## Historical & Cultural Context Schisandra chinensis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries and is classified as a functional food. Modern research has validated its traditional use for liver diseases, with schizandrin exhibiting sedative, hypnotic, [anti-aging](/ingredients/condition/longevity), [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. ## Synergistic Combinations Milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine, Alpha-lipoic acid, Curcumin, [Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain schizandrin naturally? Schizandrin is found primarily in Schisandra chinensis berries, also known as five-flavor berries or wu wei zi. These dark red berries contain the highest concentrations of this lignan compound. ### How much schizandrin is used in studies? Animal studies typically use schizandrin doses ranging from 10-50 mg/kg body weight. However, optimal human dosing has not been established through clinical trials. ### Does schizandrin help with fatty liver disease? Preliminary animal studies suggest schizandrin may reduce hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation markers. However, human clinical evidence for fatty liver disease treatment is currently unavailable. ### Can schizandrin interact with medications? Schizandrin may influence cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, potentially affecting medication metabolism. Consult healthcare providers before combining with prescription drugs, especially those metabolized by the liver. ### Is schizandrin the same as schisandrin B? No, schizandrin and schisandrin B are distinct lignan compounds found in Schisandra chinensis. While both show bioactivity, they have different molecular structures and potentially different therapeutic effects. ### What does current research show about schizandrin's effectiveness for liver health? Current evidence for schizandrin's liver benefits comes primarily from animal studies, which suggest it may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in liver tissue. While these preliminary findings are promising, human clinical trials are limited, so schizandrin should not be considered a proven treatment for liver disease without further research. Most health authorities recommend consulting a healthcare provider before using schizandrin as a therapeutic agent for liver conditions. ### Is schizandrin safe for elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions? Safety data for schizandrin in elderly populations or those with chronic diseases remains limited, as most research has been conducted in animal models rather than humans. Because schizandrin may interact with certain medications and metabolic pathways, elderly individuals and those with kidney or liver disease should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing. Individual tolerance and contraindications should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. ### How is schizandrin absorbed in the body, and does the supplement form matter? Schizandrin's bioavailability and absorption mechanisms in humans have not been extensively characterized in published research, though it appears to be a lipophilic compound that may benefit from fat-based delivery systems. The form of schizandrin (extract, isolated compound, whole plant material) could theoretically affect absorption, but comparative bioavailability studies in humans are lacking. Standardized schisandra extracts are more commonly studied than isolated schizandrin, making them a more evidence-based choice if supplementing. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*