Schisandra chinensis is an adaptogenic berry with a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Russian herbal medicine, often called the "five-flavor berry" for its unique taste profile. Research suggests that its bioactive lignans, particularly schisandrin compounds, may support the body's stress response, help protect liver cells from oxidative damage, and contribute to improved cognitive performance under fatigue. Studies indicate potential benefits for skin health and signs of aging, likely linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while some preliminary research has explored its role in enhancing exercise endurance and recovery. Though findings are promising across several areas, much of the evidence comes from animal or small human studies, and further clinical research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that Schisandra may offer modest benefits relevant to exercise performance, including improvements ...
View studies →Research suggests that Schisandra and its active compounds — particularly the lignan Schisandrin B and other polyphen...
View studies →Research suggests that Schisandra and its bioactive compounds — particularly lignans such as gomisin A, schisandrin, ...
View studies →Research suggests that Schisandra and its bioactive compounds — including lignans, schisandrol A, schizandrin A, schi...
View studies →The studies provided in this set do not contain research on Schisandra or its effects on stress relief — they cover u...
View studies →Research on Schisandra and liver health is limited in the available evidence, with only a single laboratory study ide...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extract | 100–200 mg | Daily | cognitive function, mental performance, stress-induced fatigue | Common in trials using concentrated schisandrin-standardized extracts |
| Extract | 650–1,300 mg | Daily | exercise performance, endurance, fatigue reduction | Based on clinical studies evaluating physical performance and recovery |
| Extract | 500–2,000 mg | Daily | general health, stress relief, adaptogenic support | Common in clinical trials using standardized schisandra berry extract |
| Extract | 500–1,000 mg | Daily | liver health, hepatoprotective effects | Based on RCTs examining liver enzyme normalization and hepatoprotection |
| Powder | 1–3 g | Daily | traditional use, general tonic, anti-aging | Traditional Chinese Medicine dosing using dried schisandra berry powder |