Schisandra (schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi, schizandra, schisandra sphenanthera): Dosing and Uses

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