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Ingredients

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis · Schizandra · Wu wei zi

Snapshot

IndicationsContraindications
  • Menopausal symptoms1
  • Mild hyperglycemia2
  • Long COVID fatigue (combination)3
  • Liver function support4
  • Muscle strength in older adults4
  • Pregnancy5
  • Breastfeeding5

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis, wu wei zi) is the fruit of a vine used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen, with antioxidant and liver-protective activity in laboratory work4. People take it for liver support4, menopausal symptoms, and blood glucose control, with muscle strength in older adults a further use4.

A placebo-controlled trial in menopausal women found lower symptom scores, particularly for hot flushes and sweating1. Human liver data remain small and inconclusive4. A 2022 trial of a Rhodiola, Eleutherococcus, and Schisandra combination in long COVID found shorter fatigue and pain duration3. In mice, a 2024 study of a Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide fraction found antidepressant-like behavior; no human trial has tested it. Products listing Schisandra number 1,593, mostly liquid extracts, with capsules, tablets, and powders; see Form comparison.

The most consequential caution is pharmacokinetic: Schisandra lignans alter drug-metabolizing enzymes and P-glycoprotein, and a Schisandra sphenanthera extract raised tacrolimus levels in liver transplant recipients6. Per MSKCC, patients are asked to talk with their doctors about interactions, and Health Canada labels ask for a practitioner's advice before use with prescription medications4, 5.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

62 sources, 45 studies

  • When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
  • SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
  • InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
  • Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
  • How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
  • Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
  • Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
  • Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.
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Sources

  1. 1A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPark, Kim · Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society · 2016 · Pubmed
  2. 2Efficacy and Safety of Omija (Schisandra chinensis) Extract Mixture on the Improvement of Hyperglycemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govKim, Baek, Ha et al. · Nutrients · 2022 · Pubmed
  3. 3Efficacy of Adaptogens in Patients with Long COVID-19: A Randomized, Quadruple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govKarosanidze, Kiladze, Kirtadze et al. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022 · Pubmed
  4. 4MSKCCmskcc.orgMemorial Sloan Kettering — About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  5. 5Health Canadahealth-products.canada.caLabel statements and adult daily amounts Health Canada authorized on licensed natural health products with this ingredient alone, from the Licensed Natural Health Products Database. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
  6. 6A Comprehensive Review of the Main Lignan Components of Schisandra chinensis (North Wu Wei Zi) and Schisandra sphenanthera (South Wu Wei Zi) and the Lignan-Induced Drug-Drug Interactions Based on the Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 and P-Glycoprotein Activities.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govZhang, Zhai, Weng et al. · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2022 · Pubmed