How does Schisandra work in the body?

Schisandra contains active lignans, such as schisandrin and gomisin A, which function as adaptogens. These compounds are believed to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping the body resist stress. Additionally, Schisandra lignans induce liver detoxification enzymes and provide antioxidant protection to hepatocytes, supporting liver health. This mechanism supports its traditional use for enhancing endurance and mental clarity (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

Does Schisandra interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Schisandra has significant potential for drug interactions. It affects the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (specifically CYP3A4 and CYP2C19), which metabolizes many pharmaceuticals. This interaction can alter the breakdown of drugs, potentially increasing side effects or reducing efficacy. Patients taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or drugs metabolized by the liver should consult a physician before use to avoid adverse interactions.

What is the recommended daily dosage for Schisandra?

For general health support, the typical adult dosage is 500 to 2000mg of dried Schisandra berries daily. For standardized extracts, a dosage of 250 to 500mg daily is common. It is often taken to support liver function or improve physical endurance. Because Schisandra can increase stomach acid, it is best taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort (Evidence Level C).

Is Schisandra safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Schisandra is considered unsafe during pregnancy. It is a uterine stimulant and may cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Consequently, pregnant women should strictly avoid Schisandra supplements. Breastfeeding women should also avoid it due to a lack of safety data. This herb is contraindicated for individuals with epilepsy or high intracranial pressure as well.

What are the common side effects of taking Schisandra?

While generally safe for healthy adults, Schisandra can cause side effects in some individuals. Common complaints include gastrointestinal upset, heartburn, and decreased appetite. Because it stimulates gastric acid secretion, it is contraindicated for people with GERD or peptic ulcers. Other potential side effects include skin rash and allergic reactions. Discontinue use if you experience itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Une interaction plante-médicament se produit lorsqu'une plante ou un complément modifie l'action d'un médicament dans votre organisme — en le rendant plus puissant, moins efficace, ou plus susceptible de provoquer des effets nocifs. Les plantes contiennent des composés actifs qui peuvent accélérer ou ralentir les enzymes et transporteurs utilisés pour métaboliser les médicaments.

Pourquoi c'est important

Millepertuis peut rendre la contraception, les antidépresseurs et les anticoagulants moins efficaces.

Ail peut augmenter le risque de saignement avec la warfarine et autres anticoagulants (aussi ginkgo, gingembre et curcuma).

Kava peut amplifier la sédation avec les médicaments contre l'anxiété ou le sommeil (aussi la valériane).

Le risque est plus élevé chez les personnes âgées, ceux qui prennent plusieurs médicaments et les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.

Indiquez toujours à votre médecin et à votre pharmacien toutes les plantes et compléments que vous prenez — et vérifiez ci-dessous avant toute association.

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

2 Modéré

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
Warfarin (Coumadin)	Modéré	Le Schisandra pourrait affecter le métabolisme de la warfarine et son efficacité anticoagulante.
Tacrolimus	Modéré	La schisandra pourrait augmenter les niveaux de tacrolimus par inhibition enzymatique.

Cette liste reflète un sous-ensemble sélectionné d'interactions documentées et n'est pas exhaustive. L'absence d'un médicament ici ne prouve pas qu'il est sans danger à combiner. Confirmez toujours auprès d'un pharmacien ou d'un professionnel de santé.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Schisandra chinensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb recognized as a plant adaptogen used to enhance the body's resistance to stress and stability against physical loads [PMID:34445021, PMID:38398618].

Contexte

Schisandra chinensis (also known as Wu Wei Zi or Bei-Wuweizi) is a member of the Magnoliaceae family [PMID:39454375, PMID:18849034]. It is used as both a medicine and a food ingredient in China, Korea, Russia, and Japan [PMID:35359848, PMID:34678416, PMID:29352909].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat coughs, insomnia, dreaminess, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and disorders of the liver and kidney [PMID:34678416, PMID:37001770]. It is also used to tonify Qi, nourish the kidney, calm the heart, and produce fluid to relieve mental stress [PMID:37001770, PMID:38336330].

Composés actifs

The primary bioactive compounds are dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (such as schisandrin, schisandrin B, schisantherin A, schisantherin B, schisanhenol, deoxyschisandrin, and gomisin A) [PMID:36771299, PMID:31431019]. Other active components include polysaccharides (composed of glucose, mannose, rhamnose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and arabinose), flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, triterpenes, and norsesquiterpenoids [PMID:38788881, PMID:37560060, PMID:35347956].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the reduction of CYP2E1-dependent oxidative stress [PMID:29902864], activation of the cGAS-STING pathway to inhibit HBV replication [PMID:37001770], and regulation of hepatic ceramide homeostasis via ASAH1 [PMID:41207267]. It also acts by fortifying mitochondrial antioxidant status [PMID:16552829], suppressing neuroinflammation through TRPV1 expression in microglia [PMID:39454375], and activating the pregnane X receptor (PXR) to induce drug-metabolizing enzymes [PMID:16267138].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve ALiver Injury

Bioactive compounds significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and exhibit hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects [PMID:40832608].

Preuve DMetabolic Steatohepatitis (MASH)

Lignan extracts (SLE) and polysaccharides (SCP) effectively reversed steatosis and reduced serum transaminase levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse models [PMID:41207267].

Preuve DParkinson's Disease

Lignan-enriched extracts (LSC) addressed neuroinflammation and behavioral changes in MPTP-treated mice [PMID:39454375].

Preuve DColitis-induced Depression

Vinegar-processed Schisandra Chinensis (VSC) enhanced therapeutic effects on depressive behavior in chronic UC mice [PMID:39357281].

Preuve DDiabetic Skin Wound Healing

The active component Gomisin A demonstrated effectiveness in treating diabetic skin wounds in obese mice models [PMID:39303965].

Preuve D

Interactions médicamenteuses

Schisandra lignans may induce metabolic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) by inhibiting cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein activities [PMID:35359848]. It has been shown to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), increasing the clearance of warfarin in rats [PMID:16267138].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on preclinical animal models (D) and literature reviews (C), with one systematic review and meta-analysis (A) supporting its hepatoprotective effects.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34445021 (2021) — Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. · Nutrients
2.PMID: 38398618 (2024) — Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Adaptogens: A Mini-Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 39357281 (2024) — Vinegar-processed Schisandra Chinensis enhanced therapeutic effects on colitis-induced depression through tryptophan metabolism. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 29902864 (2018) — Protective effect of acidic polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis on acute ethanol-induced liver injury through reducing CYP2E1-dependent oxidative stress. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
5.PMID: 39885030 (2025)

Schisandra

Sources et citations

Reishi

American Ginseng

Eleuthero

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Schisandra

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Reishi

American Ginseng

Eleuthero

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales