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Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry)

Plant adaptogen, supplement. In EU – EMA HMPC assessment 2024; OTC tincture in Russia

ATC code: A11JA-SCHISANDRA

Brand names – supplements: Now Schizandra, Solgar Schizandra Berry, Gaia Herbs Schisandra Berry, Nature's Way SchisandraSupplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Athletic endurance

Not recommended

Schisandra chinensis is a plant whose extract is added to supplements as an adaptogen and marketed for improving athletic endurance. Convincing benefit for this use has not been shown – there is no solid evidence that it increases endurance in athletes. What actually improves endurance is regular training, adequate recovery and balanced nutrition.

Sources

  1. J Int Soc Sports Nutr: Effect of HX108-CS supplementation on exercise capacity and lactate accumulation after high-intensity exercise. (2013)
  2. J Med Food: Omija fruit extract improves endurance and energy metabolism by upregulating PGC-1α expression in the skeletal muscle of exercised rats. (2014)
  3. Curr Clin Pharmacol: Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. (2009)
D

Chronic fatigue

Not recommended

Schisandra is traditionally used in Russia as a tonic for mental and physical fatigue. Evidence base in chronic fatigue: small RCTs with small samples and heterogeneous results. HMPC 2024 recognises «traditional use for symptoms of weakness» without requiring evidence. ME/CFS 2021 (NG206) recommends pacing for chronic fatigue; schisandra is not mentioned. If schisandra was recommended for persistent fatigue without workup, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

  1. Curr Clin Pharmacol: Adaptogens: a review of their history, biological activity and clinical benefits (2010)

ICD-10: R53 · ICD-11: MG22

D

Memory and concentration enhancement

Not recommended

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a herbal adaptogen; extracts of its berries and seeds are sold in supplements as an aid for memory, focus and mental performance. No convincing benefit has been shown for this use: there is no solid human research on its effect on memory or concentration. The plant itself is generally well tolerated at usual doses, but its value as a cognitive enhancer is unproven. Memory and attention respond most reliably to regular sleep, physical activity and treating the conditions that get in the way of focus, such as iron deficiency, anxiety or depression.

Sources

  1. NICE: Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97) (2018)
D

Stress and anxiety

Not recommended

Schisandra is sold as a «natural anti-stress» promising tonic effect without drowsiness. No evidence base: no significant RCTs with anxiety and stress scale endpoints. HMPC 2024 does not include «stress reduction» in approved traditional indications. 2022 and SEP 2014 list SSRIs and CBT for anxiety disorders; schisandra is not mentioned. If schisandra was recommended for clinically significant anxiety, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

  1. NICE: Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222) (2022)

ICD-10: F41.9 · ICD-11: 6B0Z

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Schisandra berries contain lignans (schisandrins A-C, gomisins A-G, gomisin N), essential oils, flavonoids and organic acids. In animal models schisandra lignans protect hepatocytes from CCl4 damage, modulate the HPA axis and exert CNS tonic effects. The human mechanism is not confirmed in RCTs with hard endpoints. HMPC 2024 assessed schisandra as a traditional herbal medicinal product for symptoms of weakness and exhaustion.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Children under 18
  • Epilepsy and other seizure disorders (theoretical seizure threshold reduction)
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (raises gastric acidity)
  • Warfarin therapy (potential CYP3A4 induction and reduced warfarin concentration)

Serious adverse effects

  • Allergic reactions up to anaphylaxis (rare)
  • Reduced efficacy of CYP3A4 substrates (warfarin, tacrolimus, ciclosporin)

Common adverse effects

  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Insomnia

Pregnancy: can you take Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry)?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2024 lists pregnancy as contraindication. In traditional Chinese medicine schisandra was used to stimulate labour (increases uterine tone) – additional reason to avoid in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: can you take Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry)?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2024 lists lactation as contraindication.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

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Frequently asked

What is Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) used for?

Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Chronic fatigue (evidence tier D), Stress and anxiety (evidence tier D), Memory and concentration enhancement (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry)?

Common side effects of Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) (≥ 1 in 100): Heartburn, Abdominal pain, Allergic skin reactions, Insomnia. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) safe during pregnancy?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2024 lists pregnancy as contraindication. In traditional Chinese medicine schisandra was used to stimulate labour (increases uterine tone) – additional reason to avoid in pregnancy.

Is Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) compatible with breastfeeding?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2024 lists lactation as contraindication.

Who should not take Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry)?

Schisandra chinensis (magnolia berry) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and lactation; Children under 18; Epilepsy and other seizure disorders (theoretical seizure threshold reduction); Uncontrolled hypertension; Gastroesophageal reflux disease (raises gastric acidity). Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Sea buckthorn, Silicon (organic silicon, silica from horsetail or bamboo), Spermidine, Spirulina, Zeaxanthin, Cholecalciferol, Lecithin (soy or sunflower phosphatidylcholine), Panax ginseng (Korean/Chinese ginseng)