Schisandra Berry Extract
Also known as: Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi, five-flavor berry, schisandrins, omija
An extract of the berries of a woody vine native to northern China and Korea, prized in traditional practice as a five-flavor tonic and used in modern adaptogen, liver, and endurance formulas. Pharmacological reviews summarize decades of research on stress tolerance and liver protection, and a twelve-week randomized trial in adult women using 1,000 mg per day of extract reported improved quadriceps strength and reduced fatigue markers. It is usually standardized to schisandrin lignans.
Research summary
Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans such as schisandrin and gomisins are proposed to upregulate antioxidant enzymes, support hepatic detoxification pathways, and moderate stress-hormone responses.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 500–1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | — |
500 to 1,000 mg per day of extract, split with meals; the strength and fatigue trial used 1,000 mg per day for twelve weeks. Mild stimulation is possible, so morning or midday dosing is preferred.
Standardization: 2% schisandrins
Source material: berry extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Sour, salty, slightly bitter; workable in powders and liquids with flavoring.
Formulation notes
Commonly combined with rhodiola and eleuthero in adaptogen blends. May affect CYP3A4 activity; note for interaction review.
- Not for pregnancy
Sources
- Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (Park 2020)PubMed
- Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail.: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. (Panossian 2008)PubMed
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