ADRENAL-SUPPORT

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

also known as Five-flavor berry, Wu wei zi, Magnolia berry

Moderate

A TCM berry called five-flavor for its complex taste, used as an adaptogen with notable liver-protective lignans.

Adaptogenic stress support
Liver-protective lignans
May support physical endurance
Used in TCM for over 2000 years
Studied in Soviet sports medicine
Supports cognitive function in some trials

Active in Schisandrins (A, B, C), Lignans, Schisandrol.

Avoid with peptic ulcer or high stomach acid

Use caution with epilepsy

Use caution with hepatic medications — alters CYP enzymes

Avoid in pregnancy

Research

Gomisin A exerts neuroprotective effects on spinal cord injury through the EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis.
Dong Y, Chang S, Liang S · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2026
Mechanism of galacturonic acid-rich Schisandra Chinensis polysaccharide in improving emulsifying properties of soy protein hydrolysate: Insights from interfacial behavior and molecular interactions.
Bai J, Gou H, Guo Y · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) · 2026
Chemical profiling and multi-dimensional pharmacokinetic analysis of shengmaiyin oral liquid for cardiac dysfunction.
Zhao L, Wu S, Yu X · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2026

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

Works with

Milk thistle Schisandra lignans (schisandrin B) and silymarin both protect hepatocytes from oxidative and toxic injury via complementary pathways. Rhodiola Schisandra and rhodiola share TCM adaptogen classification and both have clinical evidence for cortisol modulation and fatigue reduction.

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