Compound Monograph
Schisandrin
Schisandrin is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan and one of the principal active constituents of schisandra berries.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Schisandrin is a naturally occurring lignan (dibenzocyclooctadiene), found in Schisandra / five-flavor berry. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Schisandrin (schizandrin) is a lignan and one of the main bioactive compounds of Schisandra chinensis, a berry used in traditional Chinese medicine and regarded as an adaptogen. Despite a source tag labelling it a “tannin,” it is structurally a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan, not a tannin. Research on schisandra lignans has focused on liver protection, antioxidant activity and effects on stress and cognition, mostly in laboratory and animal models with some human study of schisandra extracts.
Toxicity & Safety
Schisandra berry has a long history of food and medicinal use and schisandrin is generally regarded as low in toxicity at customary intakes. Because schisandra lignans can influence drug-metabolising liver enzymes, there is a theoretical potential for interactions with medications processed by those pathways.