Schisandra
OTHER NAME(S): Chinese magnolia vine, five flavor fruit, gomishi, omija, schisandra, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra sphenanthera, wu wei zi, wuzhi
Overview
Schisandra is a type of vine that is also known as wu wei zi, gomishi, and omija. Dietary supplements that contain schisandra are made from the sun-dried berry that grows on the vine. These supplements are used for many reasons, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects may include heartburn or an upset stomach. Schisandra can also interact with many medicines. Before taking schisandra, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is schisandra used for?
Schisandra is used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use schisandra include the following.
- Diabetes
- Liver problems
- To improve immune function
- To increase energy levels
- To reduce the side effects of certain medicines
Note: The FDA has not reviewed schisandra for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does schisandra work (mechanism of action)?
Schisandra products may come from two different plants - Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera. These plants are woody vines that grow small red berries. Dietary supplements that contain schisandra are usually made from the sun-dried berries.
Schisandra has a long history of use in the traditional medicine systems in China, Japan, and Korea, where it is known as wu wei zi, gomishi, and omija. The berries are thought to act as adaptogens, which are substances that help the body respond to stressful changes in its environment.
Some of the chemicals in schisandra, called lignans, are thought to be responsible for its effects in the body. These chemicals may act as antioxidants and may also help reduce swelling (inflammation). But the benefits of schisandra supplements are unclear. Research on their use for any purpose is limited.
The lignans in schisandra can also change the way your body breaks down many prescription medicines. This has led to interest in using schisandra to help reduce the side effects of some medicines, such as medicines used to suppress the immune system after a transplant. But taking schisandra can increase your risk of side effects from many medicines. If you take prescription medicines, speak to your health care provider before starting schisandra.
Herbal products, like schisandra, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific schisandra product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store schisandra?
You should store schisandra according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of schisandra?
The most common side effects of schisandra are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of schisandra that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of schisandra?
While less common, the most serious side effects of schisandra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Schisandra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking schisandra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use schisandra?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take schisandra.
- Five-flavor fruit
- Gomishi
- Schisandra
- Schisandra chinensis
- Schisandra sphenanthera
- Wu wei zi
- Wuzhi
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific schisandra products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Schisandra should not be taken while you are using certain medicines. Before taking schisandra, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about schisandra before using it?
Schisandra is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep schisandra out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as schisandra, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific schisandra product can change for many reasons, including the area where the vine was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the berry was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Schisandra is available in many different forms, including whole berries, teas, dried ground powder, and capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in schisandra.
The FDA has not tested schisandra products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using schisandra?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if schisandra is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney or liver problems
- Organ transplant
- Upcoming surgery or medical procedure
Pregnancy. There is some concern that schisandra could cause early labor. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if schisandra passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does schisandra interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between schisandra and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect schisandra.
Does schisandra interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine that suppresses the immune system, such as sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf).
Schisandra may alter the blood levels of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
The interactions between schisandra and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with schisandra is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking schisandra with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much schisandra?
If you or someone else has used too much schisandra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Schisandra is available in many different doses and forms. These products can interact with many medicines. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take schisandra safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Khan, I; Abourashed, E. Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients (Third Edition), Wiley, 2010.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Schisandra.”
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: “Effect of Schisandra chinensis extract supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue in adult women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”
- Nutrients: “Efficacy and safety of Omija (Schisandra chinensis) extract mixture on the improvement of hyperglycemia: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.”
- Nutrients: “Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in human health and nutrition: a review of current knowledge and therapeutic perspectives.”
- Planta Medica: “Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (part 2): drug interactions involving popular botanical dietary supplements and their clinical relevance.”