| SCHISANDRA BENEFITS, SIDE EFFECTS zhion@zhion.com April 10, 2007 |
Schisandra
Schisandra is a plant that has been used (through extracts from its fruit)
in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. There are several species, including
Schisandra chinensis, native to northeastern China and Korea, and
Schisandra sphenanthera, native to China.
WHAT ARE SCHISANDRA BENEFITS? Schisandra is a famous tonic. It is
one of the few herbs that contain the three treasures known as Jing, Qi
and Shen. Traditionally, herbalists believe schisandra benefits include
enhancing the energy of the kidney and liver and supporting sexual
endurance and memory. Schisandra chinensis L. fruits or seed extracts
may also benefit people suffered from cardiovascular diseases, liver
diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. [A1]
Schisandra extracts are often used in soft drinks, supplement formulas
and health foods. And, most schisandra supplements, e.g. Paradise Herbs
Schisandra, contain schisandra extract of the ratio 10:1, or 250 mg (i.e.
9% Schisandrins).
Supplement manufacturers like to combine Scisandra with other herbs to
obtain a wide range of synergistic benefits. For example, Mind Power Rx
include Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Mucuna
pruriens, and Reishi. Mind Power Rx also include Acetyl-l-carnitine,
Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin,
Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.
WHAT DID SCIENTISTS FIND ABOUT SCHISANDRA? Research has
primarily focused on the various lignans (a class of plant nutrients) and
essential oils in the dried fruit of schisandra. [3] Major constituents include
the lignans gomisin A, schizandrins and schizandrol, vitamins C and E, and
others.
Studies of the effects of schisandra in the liver have mostly been in animal
models. These studies have suggested that extracts of the fruit have a
liver-protective effect, a helpful effect on some liver enzymes, and an
antioxidant effect. [1,3,4]
Schisandra is also used in herbal formulas. For example, an herbal
medicine called TJ-108 (Ninjin-yomei-to is one of its Japanese names) used
in Kampo has schisandra fruit among its herbal components. In one very
small study, TJ-108 was compared with two other Kampo herbal formulas
for effects in 37 patients who had chronic hepatitis C and had been
treated before with interferon. [5] The findings were that TJ-108 may have
antiviral properties, which the authors attributed to schisandra fruit and
its lignan gomisin A. [2,5] These findings need to be interpreted with
caution because of the study's small size and because use of an herbal
formula, not schisandra alone, was evaluated; herbal formulas contain
many ingredients that could cause a variety of effects.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SCHISANDRA
SUGGESTED BY RESEARCH STUDIES? The findings need to be
interpreted with caution because of the limited studies and their small
size. Dose formula and experimental design can affect the results
seriously.
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES Manufacturer combined Schisandra chinensis
with four other herbs (Panax ginseng, Fructus crataegi, Ziziphus jujube
and Glycine Max) and named this formula as CKBM. Studies have shown
that CKBM is capable to trigger the release of IL-6 and TNFalpha from
human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and its anti-tumorigenic activity
in nude mice with gastric cancer. [A2] The lignans, gomisin G isolated from
the stems of Schisandra henryi showed moderate DNA strand scission
activity and significant cytotoxic effect on leukemia and Hela cells in vitro.
[A4]
INFECTIONS Two new highly oxygenated nortriterpenoids with a unique
norcycloartane skeleton, micrandilactones B and C, were isolated from
Schisandra micrantha; micrandilactone C exhibited an EC50 value of 7.71
microg/mL (SI > 25.94) against HIV-1 replication with minimal cytotoxicity,
and the potent anti-HIV-1 activity. {A3]
LIVER DESEASES TJN-101 was demonstrated to stimulate liver
regeneration after partial hepatectomy by enhancing Ornithine
decarboxylase activity, which is an important biochemical event in the
early stages of liver regeneration.TJN-101 was given orally to male Wistar
rats 30 min before partial hepatectomy. The mitotic index and the level of
DNA synthesis increased after partial hepatectomy and their increase was
significantly enhanced by TJN-101. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity
increased in the early stages of liver regeneration and it was also
significantly enhanced by TJN-101. Besides, TJN-101 enhanced the
increase in hepatic putrescine. [A5]
The molecular mechanism of liver protection benefited from Schisandra
chinensis fruit extracts pretreatment may involve the facilitation of hepatic
glutathione regeneration via the GRD-catalyzed and NADPH-mediated
reaction. Schisandra chinensis fruit extracts treatment caused a
dose-dependent enhancement in hepatic hepatic glutathione status, as
evidenced by significant increases in hepatic GSH level and activities of
hepatic glucose-6-phosphate and glutathione reductase (GRD). The
beneficial effect of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract treatment on hepatic
glutathione status became more evident after CCl4 challenge. Pretreating
rats with Schisandra chinensis fruit extract treatment at increasing daily
doses ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 g/kg for 3 days caused a dose-dependent
protection against the CCl4-induced impairment in hepatic hepatic
glutathione status. The enhancement in hepatic hepatic glutathione status
was associated with corresponding decreases in tissue malondialdehyde
levels and plasma alanine aminotransferases activities, indicating a
significant reduction in the extent of oxidative hepatocellular damage. [A6]
Side effects and other risks
Schisandra is considered generally safe. Schisandra side effects are
uncommon but may include abdominal upset, decreased appetite, and skin
rash.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHT RESERVED
2005 ZHION.INC.
REFERENCE
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Chronic
Hepatitis C: Disease Management. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases Web site. September 3, 2003. 2. Seeff LB, Lindsay KL, Bacon BR,
et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease. Hepatology.
2001;34(3):595-603. 3. Sinclair S. Chinese herbs: a clinical review of Astragalus,
Ligusticum, and Schizandrae. Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical
Therapeutics. 1998;3(5):338-344. 4. Liu GT. Pharmacological actions and clinical
use of fructus schizandrae. Chinese Medical Journal. 1989;102(10):740-749. 5
Cyong JC, Kim SM, Iijima K, et al. Clinical and pharmacological studies on liver
diseases treated with Kampo herbal medicine. The American Journal of Chinese
Medicine. 2000;28(3-4):351-360. [A1] Opletal L et al, Phytotherapeutic aspects of
diseases of the circulatory system. 7. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.): its
composition and biological activity Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jul;50(4):173-80. [A2]
Chan AS et al, Immuno-regulatory effects of CKBM on the activities of
mitogen-activated protein kinases and the release of cytokines in THP-1 monocytic
cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Sep;28(9):1645-50. [A3] Li RT et al, Structure and
anti-HIV activity of micrandilactones B and C, new nortriterpenoids possessing a
unique skeleton from Schisandra micrantha. Chem Commun (Camb). 2005 Jun
21;(23):2936-8. Epub 2005 Jun 21. [A4] Chen YG et al, Lignans from Schisandra
hernyi with DNA cleaving activity and cytotoxic effect on leukemia and Hela cells in
vitro. Fitoterapia. 2005 Jun;76(3-4):370-3. [A5] Kubo S et al, Effect of Gomisin A
(TJN-101) on liver regeneration. Planta Med. 1992 Dec;58(6):489-92. [A6] Ko KM et
al, Effect of a lignan-enriched fructus schisandrae extract on hepatic glutathione
status in rats: protection against carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Planta Med. 1995
Apr;61(2):134-7.
Schisandra is a plant that has been used (through extracts from its fruit)
in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. There are several species, including
Schisandra chinensis, native to northeastern China and Korea, and
Schisandra sphenanthera, native to China.
WHAT ARE SCHISANDRA BENEFITS? Schisandra is a famous tonic. It is
one of the few herbs that contain the three treasures known as Jing, Qi
and Shen. Traditionally, herbalists believe schisandra benefits include
enhancing the energy of the kidney and liver and supporting sexual
endurance and memory. Schisandra chinensis L. fruits or seed extracts
may also benefit people suffered from cardiovascular diseases, liver
diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. [A1]
Schisandra extracts are often used in soft drinks, supplement formulas
and health foods. And, most schisandra supplements, e.g. Paradise Herbs
Schisandra, contain schisandra extract of the ratio 10:1, or 250 mg (i.e.
9% Schisandrins).
Supplement manufacturers like to combine Scisandra with other herbs to
obtain a wide range of synergistic benefits. For example, Mind Power Rx
include Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Mucuna
pruriens, and Reishi. Mind Power Rx also include Acetyl-l-carnitine,
Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin,
Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.
WHAT DID SCIENTISTS FIND ABOUT SCHISANDRA? Research has
primarily focused on the various lignans (a class of plant nutrients) and
essential oils in the dried fruit of schisandra. [3] Major constituents include
the lignans gomisin A, schizandrins and schizandrol, vitamins C and E, and
others.
Studies of the effects of schisandra in the liver have mostly been in animal
models. These studies have suggested that extracts of the fruit have a
liver-protective effect, a helpful effect on some liver enzymes, and an
antioxidant effect. [1,3,4]
Schisandra is also used in herbal formulas. For example, an herbal
medicine called TJ-108 (Ninjin-yomei-to is one of its Japanese names) used
in Kampo has schisandra fruit among its herbal components. In one very
small study, TJ-108 was compared with two other Kampo herbal formulas
for effects in 37 patients who had chronic hepatitis C and had been
treated before with interferon. [5] The findings were that TJ-108 may have
antiviral properties, which the authors attributed to schisandra fruit and
its lignan gomisin A. [2,5] These findings need to be interpreted with
caution because of the study's small size and because use of an herbal
formula, not schisandra alone, was evaluated; herbal formulas contain
many ingredients that could cause a variety of effects.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SCHISANDRA
SUGGESTED BY RESEARCH STUDIES? The findings need to be
interpreted with caution because of the limited studies and their small
size. Dose formula and experimental design can affect the results
seriously.
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES Manufacturer combined Schisandra chinensis
with four other herbs (Panax ginseng, Fructus crataegi, Ziziphus jujube
and Glycine Max) and named this formula as CKBM. Studies have shown
that CKBM is capable to trigger the release of IL-6 and TNFalpha from
human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and its anti-tumorigenic activity
in nude mice with gastric cancer. [A2] The lignans, gomisin G isolated from
the stems of Schisandra henryi showed moderate DNA strand scission
activity and significant cytotoxic effect on leukemia and Hela cells in vitro.
[A4]
INFECTIONS Two new highly oxygenated nortriterpenoids with a unique
norcycloartane skeleton, micrandilactones B and C, were isolated from
Schisandra micrantha; micrandilactone C exhibited an EC50 value of 7.71
microg/mL (SI > 25.94) against HIV-1 replication with minimal cytotoxicity,
and the potent anti-HIV-1 activity. {A3]
LIVER DESEASES TJN-101 was demonstrated to stimulate liver
regeneration after partial hepatectomy by enhancing Ornithine
decarboxylase activity, which is an important biochemical event in the
early stages of liver regeneration.TJN-101 was given orally to male Wistar
rats 30 min before partial hepatectomy. The mitotic index and the level of
DNA synthesis increased after partial hepatectomy and their increase was
significantly enhanced by TJN-101. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity
increased in the early stages of liver regeneration and it was also
significantly enhanced by TJN-101. Besides, TJN-101 enhanced the
increase in hepatic putrescine. [A5]
The molecular mechanism of liver protection benefited from Schisandra
chinensis fruit extracts pretreatment may involve the facilitation of hepatic
glutathione regeneration via the GRD-catalyzed and NADPH-mediated
reaction. Schisandra chinensis fruit extracts treatment caused a
dose-dependent enhancement in hepatic hepatic glutathione status, as
evidenced by significant increases in hepatic GSH level and activities of
hepatic glucose-6-phosphate and glutathione reductase (GRD). The
beneficial effect of Schisandra chinensis fruit extract treatment on hepatic
glutathione status became more evident after CCl4 challenge. Pretreating
rats with Schisandra chinensis fruit extract treatment at increasing daily
doses ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 g/kg for 3 days caused a dose-dependent
protection against the CCl4-induced impairment in hepatic hepatic
glutathione status. The enhancement in hepatic hepatic glutathione status
was associated with corresponding decreases in tissue malondialdehyde
levels and plasma alanine aminotransferases activities, indicating a
significant reduction in the extent of oxidative hepatocellular damage. [A6]
Side effects and other risks
Schisandra is considered generally safe. Schisandra side effects are
uncommon but may include abdominal upset, decreased appetite, and skin
rash.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHT RESERVED
2005 ZHION.INC.
REFERENCE
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Chronic
Hepatitis C: Disease Management. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases Web site. September 3, 2003. 2. Seeff LB, Lindsay KL, Bacon BR,
et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease. Hepatology.
2001;34(3):595-603. 3. Sinclair S. Chinese herbs: a clinical review of Astragalus,
Ligusticum, and Schizandrae. Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical
Therapeutics. 1998;3(5):338-344. 4. Liu GT. Pharmacological actions and clinical
use of fructus schizandrae. Chinese Medical Journal. 1989;102(10):740-749. 5
Cyong JC, Kim SM, Iijima K, et al. Clinical and pharmacological studies on liver
diseases treated with Kampo herbal medicine. The American Journal of Chinese
Medicine. 2000;28(3-4):351-360. [A1] Opletal L et al, Phytotherapeutic aspects of
diseases of the circulatory system. 7. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.): its
composition and biological activity Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jul;50(4):173-80. [A2]
Chan AS et al, Immuno-regulatory effects of CKBM on the activities of
mitogen-activated protein kinases and the release of cytokines in THP-1 monocytic
cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Sep;28(9):1645-50. [A3] Li RT et al, Structure and
anti-HIV activity of micrandilactones B and C, new nortriterpenoids possessing a
unique skeleton from Schisandra micrantha. Chem Commun (Camb). 2005 Jun
21;(23):2936-8. Epub 2005 Jun 21. [A4] Chen YG et al, Lignans from Schisandra
hernyi with DNA cleaving activity and cytotoxic effect on leukemia and Hela cells in
vitro. Fitoterapia. 2005 Jun;76(3-4):370-3. [A5] Kubo S et al, Effect of Gomisin A
(TJN-101) on liver regeneration. Planta Med. 1992 Dec;58(6):489-92. [A6] Ko KM et
al, Effect of a lignan-enriched fructus schisandrae extract on hepatic glutathione
status in rats: protection against carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Planta Med. 1995
Apr;61(2):134-7.
