Schisandra Strengthens Your Liver

Also Battles Stress and Exhaustion

By now, everyone is familiar with the role antioxidants play in warding off disease and illness . . . and hopefully you’re including plenty of them in your diet and health regimen. But there’s always room for improvement, and some antioxidants are simply better than others. Schisandra is one of them, here’s why.

Although Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is revered the world over as an adaptogen to improve the body’s ability to respond to stress, recover from exhaustion, and fight disease, recent studies have shown that it is a potent antioxidant that exerts a beneficial effect on the mitochondria—the powerhouse within every cell.

Historically schisandra has been used as a lung astringent and kidney tonic, to treat mental illness, night sweats, coughs, thirst, insomnia, chronic dysentery, and sexual dysfunction.1 Scientists attribute the herb’s unique healing abilities to these pharmacologically active constituents:

• Lignans are anti-inflammatory, and appear to protect the liver by activating the enzymes in liver cells that produce glutathione, an important antioxidant substance.8-14
  
  
• Phytosterols are plant-based oils that appear to have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

Schisandra potentiates glutathione

Recent studies on laboratory animals show that schisandra increases glutathione levels, and provides:

• protection against brain damage2,3,4
• enhanced immunity2
• protection against the formation of cellular peroxides2
• protection against cardiovascular disorders5,6,7
• protection against toxins in the liver8-14

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is the major antioxidant found in almost every cell that protects it from free radicals. Antioxidants give up an electron to stop oxidation. They play a key role in neutralizing the estimated 10,000 “oxidative hits” each cell suffers a day. In other words, antioxidants are able to destroy free radicals in body cells before they can attack DNA or cause lipids to oxidize, resulting in cellular death and/or mutation. If glutathione is in short supply, free radicals can overwhelm the cell, and consequently disease and illness sets in.

Free radicals are generated in the mitochondria—the powerhouse of each cell. They are unstable molecules that are missing an electron, and frantically bump into and damage other molecules in an effort to replace their lost electron. It is impossible to be alive and not have some oxidative damage, because free radicals are produced by normal processes in the body (like the release of adrenaline), and from environmental sources such as ultraviolet radiation, tobacco smoke, food additives, foods that have been fried in oil that’s been used over and over again (typical in many fast-food restaurants), and other pollutants. Once free radicals are released, they multiply geometrically in chain reactions, unless they are stopped by antioxidants.

Antioxidants not only protect living tissue, but they repair the damage of oxidation. Glutathione also has the ability to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, keeping them in their active state.15

Glutathione helps the body get rid of toxins and pollutants

It forms a soluble compound with a toxin that can then be excreted through bodily waste. Many drug metabolites and heavy metals are disposed of in this way. Since the liver and kidneys have the greatest exposure to toxins, they contain high levels of glutathione. The lungs are also rich in glutathione.15

Helps regulate the cell’s vital funtions

Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining a normal balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation, (or free radicals and antioxidants). This, in turn, regulates many of the cell’s vital functions, such as the synthesis and repair of DNA, the synthesis of proteins, and the activation and regulation of enzymes.15

Supports strong immune response

Glutathione is required in many of the intricate steps needed to carry out an immune response. For instance, it is used by lymphocytes to multiply in order to develop a strong immune response, and for killer T-cells to fight harmful cells such as cancer cells or cells infected with viruses. The importance of glutathione cannot be emphasized enough. It performs multiple tasks, as indicated, and when you start looking at each system or organ closely, the necessity for glutathione becomes increasingly evident.15

Glutathione levels decline with age

It is interesting to note that older people who enjoy good health, usually have high levels of glutathione.

Luckily, schisandra helps increase glutathione on the cellular level.

While glutathione levels are important, the most critical place for glutathione protection is within the mitochondria. This is because mitochondria not only produce most of a cells energy, but also produces the largest amounts of damaging free radicals. Impressively, schisandra has been shown to significantly enhance glutathione protection within mitochondria.16 Since most other strategies to enhance glutathione only effect glutathione levels within cells, but not in the critical mitochondrial glutathione levels, the potential for schisandra to enhance antioxidant protection, and protect from age-related free radical damage, is very unique and beneficial.

While most initial research into the beneficial effects of schisandra centered on its ability to enhance antioxidant protection, recent studies have shown that schisandra may have a more profound mechanism of action. Specifically, researchers have found that schisandra enhances the cellular levels of “heat shock proteins.”

What are heat shock proteins?

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are an essential component of all living cells. HSPs function to protect proteins from the deleterious effects of stressors by stabilizing, and properly refolding proteins. They also assist in protein folding, assembly, transport and degradation. As their name suggests, they were first discovered to be made by cells in response to heat stress.

Because all living things utilize proteins to control metabolism and cellular functions, keeping proteins properly folded and functioning is absolutely essential to life. Heat, as you can imagine, reeks havoc on this system. Heat causes proteins, which must be properly folded to function, to unfold. This ruins the protein's functions and causes extreme cellular stress. Ultimately, many different HSPs have been found inside living cells. They are now known to be produced in response to not only heat, but also many different toxins and free radical stress.17

As you can imagine, the proper functioning of HSPs is absolutely vital to our health. The exciting thing about schisandra is that scientists have found that some of our most important HSPs are actually induced by schisandra, and that this HSP enhancement is responsible for part of schisandra’s potent, protective effect against stressors, damaging chemicals, and free radicals.18

Schisandra enhances cognitive function

Schisandra is one of the major herbs almost always used in Chinese mind tonic formulations. It has traditionally been used to:

• treat mental and emotional illness
• improve mental clarity, concentration, and coordination, reduce forgetfulness, irritability, nervous exhaustion, stress, depression, and anxiety19

According to new research, schisandra shows potential as a protectant against brain damage. An in vitro study at the College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Seoul National University, Korea examined the results of schisandra extract on rodent brain cells and found 1) an improvement in the glutathione defense system, 2) an increase in the level of glutathione, and 3) an inhibition in the formation of cellular peroxide (a free radical). The researchers concluded that schisandra is a potential therapeutic aid against oxidative neuronal damage.2

A study at the Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, China, found that schisandra enhances cognitive function in mice, and protects the liver against toxicity from tacrine (Cognex®, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for Alzheimer’s disease), leading the investigators to believe that schisandra may protect Alzheimer’s patients from the liver toxicity associated with taking tacrine.11

Researchers at the Department of Pharmacology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, found that two lignans in schisandra inhibit the swelling and disintegration of brain mitochondria, reducing the possibility of brain damage from stroke and aging.21

Schisandra has also been shown to help in the treatment of liver disease, including hepatitis, and poor liver function.22, 23 Animal studies suggest schisandra may protect the liver from toxic damage, improve liver function, and stimulate liver cell regrowth. 

Schisandra has been studied and utilized as a 'harmony remedy' in Russia. In the 1980s a series of lignans which showed significant biological activity were isolated from Schisandra. Recent interest has focussed on its antioxidant, hepatoprotective and adaptogenic activities.  In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, 18 healthy horses received a single dose of Schisandra concentrate (equivalent to about 50 g of dried berries, containing 1.2% schisandrins) or placebo 30 minutes before a test race. For the race horses, the exercise consisted of an 8-minute race over 5.6 km. The show-jump horses were taken over a 700 m obstacle course with 12 jumps. Treatment with Schisandra reduced heart rate and respiratory frequency, increased plasma glucose and decreased lactate levels in both exercise groups, although the effects were more marked in the race horse group. The Schisandra-treated show-jump horses completed the circuit in a shorter time than the controls. (40) In an earlier study involving thoroughbred horses a single dose of extract equivalent to 192 g of Schisandra fruit produced similar results to the above study. The race horses were on average 1.8 seconds faster over 800 m. (41) It was postulated that Schisandra may cause a lower synthesis of lactate in muscles under anaerobic conditions and also stimulate lactate clearance by the liver.  24-29 These findings led to its use in human trials for treating hepatitis. In a Chinese study of 189 people with hepatitis B, those given schisandra reportedly improved more rapidly than those given vitamins and liver extracts.29

A powerful adaptogen

Studies have demonstrated the adaptogenic effects of schisandra. For example, in sports medicine, one of the important adaptogenic effects is a faster recovery time—physically and biochemically.

How safe is schisandra?

Schisandra is very safe when used as directed. However, it should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, or in conjunction with drugs that cause drowsiness. Consult with your health practitioner before using schisandra if you have seizure disorders or high blood pressure.

Schisandra is a safe, potent antioxidant with a number of significant therapeutic effects. Numerous scientific studies have validated the historical use of the herb, in particular as an adaptogen, liver protector, cardiovascular protector, brain protector and cognitive enhancer. Schisandra contains a complex mixture of constituents that not only complement each other, but potentiate each other and glutathione. It is definitely a nutritional supplement worth adding to your arsenal of antioxidants.

References

1. Shu HY. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Palos Verdes, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Press, 1986, 624–5.
2. Kim SR, et al. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity. J Neurosci Res. 2004 May 1;76(3):397-405.
   Abstract
3. Ichikawa H, Wang X, Konishi T. Role of component herbs in antioxidant activity of shengmai san--a traditional Chinese medicine formula preventing cerebral oxidative damage in rat. Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(4):509-21.
   Abstract
4. Ko KM, Lam BY. Schisandrin B protects against tert-butylhydroperoxide induced cerebral toxicity by enhancing glutathione antioxidant status in mouse brain. Mol Cell Biochem. 2002 Sep;238(1-2):181-6.
   Abstract
   
5. Chiu PY, Ko KM. Time-dependent enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione status and ATP generation capacity by schisandrin B treatment decreases the susceptibility of rat hearts to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Biofactors. 2003;19(1-2):43-51.
   Abstract
   
6. Ko KM, Yiu HY. Schisandrin B modulates the ischemia-reperfusion induced changes in non-enzymatic antioxidant levels in isolated-perfused rat hearts. Mol Cell Biochem. 2001 Apr;220(1-2):141-7.
   Abstract
7. Yim TK, Ko KM. Schisandrin B protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by enhancing myocardial glutathione antioxidant status. Mol Cell Biochem. 1999 Jun;196(1-2):151-6.
   Abstract
8. Tang MH, Chiu PY, Ko KM. Hepatoprotective action of schisandrin B against carbon tetrachloride toxicity was mediated by both enhancement of mitochondrial glutathione status and induction of heat shock proteins in mice. Biofactors. 2003;19(1-2):33-42.
   Abstract
9. Chiu PY, Tang MH, Mak DH, Poon MK, Ko KM. Hepatoprotective mechanism of schisandrin B: role of mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status and heat shock proteins. Free Radic Biol Med. 2003 Aug 15;35(4):368-80.
   Abstract
10. Chiu PY, Mak DH, Poon MK, Ko KM. In vivo antioxidant action of a lignan-enriched extract of Schisandra fruit and an anthraquinone-containing extract of Polygonum root in comparison with schisandrin B and emodin. Planta Med. 2002 Nov;68(11):951-6.
    Abstract
11. Pan SY, Han YF, Carlier PR, Pang YP, Mak DH, Lam BY, Ko KM. Schisandrin B protects against tacrine- and bis(7)-tacrine-induced hepatotoxicity and enhances cognitive function in mice. Planta Med. 2002 Mar;68(3):217-20.
    Abstract
12. Ip SP, Yiu HY, Ko KM. . Schisandrin B protects against menadione-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing DT-diaphorase activity. Mol Cell Biochem. 2000 May;208(1-2):151-5.
    Abstract
13. Ip SP, Yiu HY, Ko KM. Differential effect of schisandrin B and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB) on hepatic mitochondrial glutathione redox status in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated mice. Mol Cell Biochem. 2000 Feb;205(1-2):111-4.
    Abstract
14. Ip SP, Poon MKT, Wu SS, et al. Effect of schisandrin B on hepatic glutathione antioxidant system in mice: Protection against carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Planta Med 1995;61:398–401.
    Abstract
15. Lomaestro B, Malone M. Glutathione in health and disease: Pharmacotherapeutic Issues. Ann Pharmacother 29: 1263-73,1995.
    Abstract
16. Ip SP, Poon MK, Che CT, Ng KH, Kong YC, Ko KM. Schisandrin B protects against carbon tetrachloride toxicity by enhancing the mitochondrial glutathione redox status in mouse liver. Free Radic Biol Med. 1996;21(5):709-12.
    Abstract
17. Macario AJ. Heat-shock proteins and molecular chaperones: implications for pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Int J Clin Lab Res. 1995;25(2):59-70.
    Abstract
18. Chiu PY, Ko KM. Schisandrin B protects myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury partly by inducing Hsp25 and Hsp70 expression in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Nov;266(1-2):139-44.
    Abstract
19. Brehkman, I. Man and Biologically Active Substances: the Effects of Drugs, Diet and Pollution on Health. Pergamon Press, NY, 1980.
20. Hernandez, D. Hancke, J. Wikman, G. antiulcer and antisecretory activity of Aralia elata and Schisandra chinensis in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 23, 109.
21. Xue JY, Liu GT, Wei HL, Pan Y. Antioxidant activity of two dibenzocyclooctene lignans on the aged and ischemic brain in rats. Free Radic Biol Med. 1992;12(2):127-35.
    Abstract
22. Liu KT.Studies on fructus Schisandrae chinensis. Annex 12: Studies on fructus Schisandrae chinensis. Plenary lecture, World Health Organization (WHO) Seminar on the Use of Medicinal Plants in Health Care, Sept 1977, Tokyo, Japan. In: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Final Report, November 1977, Manila, 101–121.
23. Chang HM, But P (eds). Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica Singapore: World Scientific, 1986.
24. Hancke JL, Burgos RA, Ahumada F. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Fitoterapia. 1999;70:451–471.
25. Volicer L, Sramka M, Janku I, et al. Some pharmacological effects of Schisandra chinensis. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1966;163:249–262.
26. Bao T-T, Xu G-F, Liu G-T, et al. A comparison of the pharmacological actions of seven constituents isolated from Fructus schisandrae [in Chinese; English abstract]. Acta Pharm Sin. 1980 Jan;93(1):41-7.
    Abstract
27. Pao T-T, Hsu K-F, Liu K-T, et al. Protective action of Schizandrin B on hepatic injury in mice. Chin Med J. 1977;3:173–180.
    Abstract
28. Li X-Y. Bioactivity of neolignans from Fructus schisandrae. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991;86:31–37.
29. Liu G-T. Pharmacological actions and clinical use of Fructus schisandrae. Chin Med J. 1989;102:740–749.
    Abstract
30. Hancke, J. Burgos, R., Wikman, G. Schisandra chinesis, a potential phytodrug for recovery of sport horses. Fitoterapia. 1994, 65, No. 2.

Traditional Uses

Wuweizi, the fruit of Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera is indicated in Traditional Chinese Medicine to arrest discharges, replenish 'qi,' promote fluid secretion, tonify the 'Kidney' and induce sedation. It is used for chronic cough, asthma, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, leukorrhea, enuresis, frequent urination, protracted diarrhea, spontaneous or night sweating, impairment of body fluid with thirst, shortness of breath and feeble pulse, diabetes caused by internal heat, palpitation, amnesia and insomnia. 

Schisandra chinensis is a deciduous woody climbing vine about 8 m long which produces red spherical fruit. The whole fruit (including seeds) is said to have a salty taste. The skin and pulp are sweet and sour, whereas the kernels are pungent and bitter. This has given rise to the Chinese name 'five flavors fruit.' It is known as Wuweizi in China and Gomishi in Japan.

Schisandra: A Rising Star

April/May 2000

By Steven Foster 

Researchers in Chile, Argentina, and Sweden recently studied schisandra’s use as an adaptogen for sluggish racehorses at the San Isidro Sporting Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The researchers chose two groups of twelve racehorses of similar age, weight, temperament, and training, all exhibiting low performances, high levels of liver enzymes, and high levels of creatinine phosphokinase (an enzyme found in striated and heart muscles that is excreted during intense anaerobic exercise). After seven and fourteen days, the two liver enzymes were measured, and the creatinine phosphokinase levels were significantly reduced in the horses given a standardized schisandra extract, compared with those given a placebo. Fifty percent of the treated horses showed improved physical performance and hair appearance. Whether such results are relevant to humans will have to be determined by clinical studies.

 

How is schisandra used?

Schisandra is traditionally used to treat nervous conditions, coughs, liver conditions, stress, and as a tonic and anti-aging agent. Typically, schisandra is used at an average daily dose of 1.5 to 6 g, made into tea or taken as a powder. A typical dose in powdered form is in the range of 1.5 g per day. A rounded teaspoonful of the whole fruit equals about 4 g. One traditional prescription for nervousness, for example, calls for 9 to 15 g of schisandra in decoction. The fruits are simmered in about a quart of water, down to about half of the original volume, cooled, then drunk in a wine glass-size dose three times a day. Mild gastrointestinal upset is the only reported side effect.

Schisandra is one of the few Chinese herbs commonly used in the form of an alcoholic extract or tincture. A tincture is made by soaking 30 g (about an ounce) of dried schisandra fruits in about 11/3 cups of a mix of 40 percent water and 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol, never isopropyl or rubbing alcohol) for seven days. Shake once a day, then strain and press the remaining liquid out of the fruit. The tincture is also used as a mild sedative or adaptogen for nervousness in doses equivalent to 1 shot-glassful of tincture per day (divided into three portions).

A traditional treatment for cough involves a prescription made from 2 parts powdered poppy seeds to 1 part schisandra. The powder is mixed together, then rolled in honey to make a pill, which is taken before going to bed.

References

Hancke, J., et al. “Reduction of serum hepatic transaminases and CPK in sport horses with poor performance treated with a standardized Schisandra chinensis fruit extract.” Phytomedicine 1996, 3 (3):237–240.

Ip, S. P., et al. “Effect of a lignan-enriched extract of Schisandra chinensis on aflatoxin B1 and cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.” Pharmacology and Toxicology 1996, 78 (6):413–416.

Schisandra, which has been commonly used in TCM for more than 2,000 years, is one of the top fifty herbs used in modern China. It is first mentioned in the ancient ben-cao (Chinese herbal) of the divine plowman emperor Shen-Nong, thought to have lived more than 4,000 years ago. His first-century a.d. herbal, Shen-Nong-Ben-Cao-Jing, with more than 365 herb descriptions, is the historical starting point for TCM (see “Chinese Herbs: A Westerner’s Perspective” on page 70). In the work, herbs were listed in three classes, according to importance. Shen-Nong placed schisandra in the first class, which included the important tonic herbs. It is also cited extensively in the 1596 classic Ben Cao Gang Mu, by Li Shi-Zhen, a sixteen-volume encyclopedia that preceded the first edition of Gerard’s Herbal, published in 1597. Li Shi-Zhen was the first author to distinguish between species of schisandra used in the north and south of China.

Current science

In addition to being a general tonic, schisandra fruit is used in TCM to treat nervous conditions, coughs, and liver conditions. These uses have been confirmed by modern research, which attributes the herb’s medicinal effects to more than forty compounds known as lignans (about 19 percent of the weight of the fruits) called schisandrins. (Unfortunately, most of the controlled clinical studies of schisandra’s effect on humans have taken place in China and are poorly designed.)

Schisandra is considered to be a somewhat weaker but less toxic adaptogen than Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng. In the Far East (including Russia and China), the fruits have been used as a stimulating, fortifying agent to combat physical exhaustion and fatigue. Laboratory experiments coupled with clinical trials in China confirm that schisandra helps improve brain efficiency, increase work capacity, mildly stimulate the central nervous system, improve reflexes, build strength, and increase endurance of healthy individuals. Already widely recognized in China, Russia, and Japan for its adaptogenic effect, schisandra may become a more widely used adaptogen in the twenty-first century.

Studies have looked at other potential actions as well. Animal experiments suggest schisandra extracts calm the central nervous system and can counteract caffeine’s stimulatory effect. Studies on cardiovascular effects have shown that it helps normalize blood pressure. It has been shown to have a cough-suppressing and expectorant effect in laboratory animals. It increases nonresistant immune response, reduces tiredness and sleeplessness, and may help enhance vision.

Schisandra is also considered an antioxidant, and its ability to protect the liver against toxic compounds, much like milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been studied extensively. In a number of Chinese, Japanese, and Russian studies, it has been found to be effective in treating viral and chemical-induced hepatitis. Chinese studies show that it is more effective than vitamin E as an antioxidant for liver conditions.