Introduction
Schisandra is a vine that grows in Asia and parts of Europe. The berries have been used to improve liver function and overall well-being. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. Schisandra can also be made into tea or juice.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for schisandra.
What Research Shows
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe for most adults to take schisandra in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is not known whether it is safe to take by women who are breastfeeding. Schisandra may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
- People taking medicine to suppress the immune system should talk to their doctors before taking schisandra. It may interact with their medicine. B1, B2
References
REFA Menopause
REFA1 Park JY, Kim KH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric. 2016 Dec;19(6):574-580. Epub 2016 Oct 20.
REFB Safety
REFB1 Xin HW, Li Q, et al. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the blood concentration of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;67(12):1309-1311.
REFB2 Gurley BJ, Fifer EK, et al. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (part 2): drug interactions involving popular botanical dietary supplements and their clinical relevance. Planta Med. 2012 Sep;78(13):1490-1514.