6 Benefits of schisandra and side effects

Discover the 6 Shocking health benefits of Schisandra berry and side effects.

Schisandra is said to be a natural adaptogen that helps balance body functions. Is there evidence? In this space we detail it.

The Schisandra, scientific name Schisandra Chinensis, is a plant whose fruits are often used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

The latter is deep red berries, also known as “five-flavored fruits,” as they have salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter notes. Why is it recommended?

According to a disclosure in the journal Nutrients, this plant has important active compounds, such as lignans, triterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, and polysaccharides.

In particular, lignans have been associated with several positive health effects. Do you want to know more about it? Below we address its main properties and contraindications.

Benefits of Schisandra berry

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Schisandra has been listed as a “natural adaptogen”.

This, as an article shared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology explains, indicates that it provides a protective effect against stress caused by a wide variety of factors.

Thus, it is attributed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, protective, and detoxifying properties.

What is it for? In eastern cultures, it is a well-known remedy to prevent and treat some diseases. Still, the evidence is considered limited. Let’s see in detail.

1. Benefits of schisandra for asthma

For many centuries, Schisandra extracts have been used as a supplement to calm the symptoms of various respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

In this regard, an investigation shared in Pharmacognosy Magazine determined that the berries of this plant inhibit immunoglobulins that cause allergies and attenuate the sensitivity that leads to the contraction of the respiratory tract.

Consequently, the intake of this supplement helps to reduce symptoms of cough and lung inflammation.

Asthma lung inflammation and airway contraction could be addressed with this extract.

2. Alzheimer disease

Due to their adaptogenic properties, Schisandra derivatives have been postulated as natural supplements to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Research in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A found that esquisandrina B, an active ingredient of the plant, inhibits the formation of excess beta-amyloid peptides in the brain.

These effects are decisive in reducing cognitive deterioration since the peptides form an amyloid plaque that is related to Alzheimer’s.

In another study, this substance was also associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, due to its neuroprotective properties.

3. Arterial hypertension

Schisandra-  based supplements are a popular remedy for relieving cardiovascular symptoms that often occur during menopause.

In an animal study shared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, oral extracts of this plant caused a vasodilator effect that favored blood pressure control.

4. Menopause

Related to the previous benefit, this herbal supplement also contributes to the reduction of other clinical manifestations of menopause.

Through the magazine Climacteric, it was reported that Schisandra extract helps to calm hot flashes, sweating, and palpitations.

5. Benefits of schisandra for liver

The flavonoids contained in Schisandra, such as quercetin and hesperetin, exert an antioxidant effect that contributes to the care of liver health.

An investigation in Food and Chemical Toxicology determined that pollen extracted from Schisandra Chinensis reduces the toxic damage induced in the liver of mice.

6. Depression

Due to its ability to enhance the body’s response to stress, Schisandra is also believed to have a positive effect on mood, especially in patients with depression.

On this, an animal study shared by Food & Function determined that the extracts of these berries have an antidepressant effect.

However, these qualities have not been studied enough in humans.

Side effects of Schisandra

For most healthy adults, Schisandra berries are safe to eat. Even the seeds are also ingested to improve digestion.

However, its intake in excess is not recommended, since it can cause the following side effects:

Acidity.

Upset stomach and abdominal pain.

Decreased appetite.

Itching and rashes (rare).

Given these effects, its intake is contraindicated in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers. It is also not recommended in pregnant, lactating, or children. Safety in these cases is unknown.

On the other hand, it is noted that it may have interactions with the following medications:

Antibiotics

Medications for diabetes.

Diuretics

Estrogen-based contraceptives.

Immunosuppressive drugs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Statins

In case of being in treatment with these drugs, it is best to inform the doctor. It will be necessary to adjust the dose or avoid taking the supplement.

Berries are very difficult to find on the market. Extracts are more likely to be found.

Schisandra business presentations

Fresh Schisandra berries are hard to come by on the market. Often, the plant extracts are sold as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders.

Dried berries are also available online and are often added to different recipes, such as teas and drinks.

To date, no single dose of these supplements has been established. Therefore, the amount recommended by the manufacturer on the label should not be exceeded. In general, dosages range from 500 to 2,000 milligrams daily.

What is there to remember?

Schisandra berries are used in oriental medicine to promote well-being and prevent disease.

Although some studies support their properties, for now, they are not considered a first-line treatment when it comes to combating health problems. It is best to consult your doctor before taking these supplements