Schisandra (schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi, schizandra, schisandra sphenanthera)
Classes: Antimicrobials, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi (schisandra)
Concentration, Coordination, & Endurance
1.5-6 g/day fruit PO, Or
500-2000 mg/day standardized extract PO
Hepatitis
20 mg lignan content/day (equivalent to 1.5 g crude schisandra)
Other Information
Standardized to minimum 1.3% lignan content
Suggested uses of Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi (schisandra)
Adaptogen; immunostimulant; viral- or drug-induced hepatitis treatment
Efficacy
Thought to lower LFTs in hepatitis, and improving concentration, coordination, & endurance
Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi (schisandra) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Minor GI disturbances
Urticaria
CNS depression
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi (schisandra)
Mechanism of action
Increase hepatic glutathione, glucose-6-phosphate
Inhibits CYP3A and P-gp metabolic enzymatic pathways
Antioxidant