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Schizandra Berry

Schizandra BerrySchizandra Berry (known as the five-flavour fruit), is described as a berry with five different tastes. That’s right, five different tastes. From sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour, the Schizandra Berry has it all. 

It’s not just a berry for eating though. In fact, the berries and their seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. According to Chinese Medicine, Schizandra Berry maintains life force or energy in all living beings – we think that sounds pretty wonderful, don’t you?

What are the Health Benefits of Schizandra Berry?

So, what makes the Chinese think that Schizandra Berry ‘maintains life force or energy in all living beings’? Let’s find out. 

Schizandra Berries contain various bioactive compounds – Schisantherins, which possess health-related benefits.1

Studies found that these berries have multiple health benefits and may be used to prevent or even treat the following medical conditions:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects

    Schizandra Berries can help decrease inflammation and prevent the development of diseases caused by inflammatory processes.1
  • Alzheimer’s Prevention

    Whilst there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, a study found that Schizandra Berries are effective against Alzheimer’s Disease. How? By blocking the formation of excess amyloid beta peptides in the brain.2 These peptides are responsible for building up plaque in the brain, which contribute to the decline in memory and loss of cognitive skills.2

    What’s more, Schizandra Berries combined with rhodiola (a perennial flowering plant) and ginseng may even improve concentration, attention and speed of thinking.2
  • Exercise Performance

    Schizandra Berries can help improve coordination and endurance. One study found that Schizandra Berries are a potent adaptogen and can help prevent cellular damage due to physical activity, and also accelerate recovery, and boost endurance.3

    These properties help increase performance in situations of mental and physical stress, particularly in sports performance.3
  • Liver Health

    Schizandra Berries may help against liver disease caused by inflammation such as fatty liver disease.4

    Studies show that the fruit does this, by reducing levels of an enzyme called glutamic-pyruvic transaminase in people with hepatitis. The lower the level of these enzymes in the blood, the less damage to the liver.1 Along with this, Schisandrin C was found to be effective against liver damage in people suffering from both acute and chronic hepatitis. Schisandrin B was found to help reduce fatty acids and acts as an anti-inflammatory component.4
  • Antioxidative and Detoxification Effects

    Schizandra Berries contain numerous lignans (potent antioxidants and free-radical scavengers), which can help prevent cellular damage. Some studies have shown that this may protect the liver, heart and brain tissues from the damaging effect of free-radicals.1
  • Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms

    If you’ve been experiencing hot flushes, Schizandra Berries may help. Studies have shown that symptoms of menopause like hot flushes, sweating and heart palpitations may be improved with regular usage.5
  • Weight Loss

    Looking for natural weight loss assistance? Some studies found that Schizandra Berry extract possesses anti-obesity properties that can lead to decreased weight and fat tissue mass.6

Do Schizandra Berries Have Any Side Effects?

Like any medicine or herbal remedy, there are possible side effects, and it’s essential to know what these are before deciding to take something.

Very high doses of Schizandra Berry can lead to gastric distress symptoms1, so it may not be appropriate for individuals with ulcers or high stomach acid syndrome.1

Schizandra Berries are not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding and should be used with caution in young adults and children.

In some cases, the herb may cause allergic reactions like itching or a skin rash.

Want to consider adding Schizandra Berries to your range of health supplements? Speak with a health professional to see if it could be right for you.

Properties

  • Adaptogen1,3
  • Anti-Inflammatory1
  • Anti-Stress2,3
  • Antioxidant1
  • Antiviral1
  • Brain Function / Neuroprotective2
  • Concentration2
  • Energiser3
  • Enhances Endurance3
  • Heart Support / Health1
  • Libido & Sexual Performance5
  • Liver Health4
  • Memory Retention2
  • Menopause6
  • Physical Endurance3
  • Weight Loss / Management6

References:

  1. Szopa A, Ekiert R, Ekiert H. Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components, pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies. Phytochem Rev. 2017;16(2):195-218. doi:10.1007/s11101-016-9470-4
  2. Zhang M, Zheng H-X, Gao Y-Y, et al. The influence of Schisandrin B on a model of Alzheimer’s disease using β-amyloid protein Aβ1-42-mediated damage in SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line and underlying mechanisms. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2017;80(22):1199-1205. doi:10.1080/15287394.2017.1367133
  3. Domene AM. Effects of adaptogen supplementation on sport performance: A recent review of published studies. J Hum Sport Exerc. 2013;8(4):1054-1066. doi:10.4100/jhse.2013.84.15
  4. Cheng N, Ren N, Gao H, Lei X, Zheng J, Cao W. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis pollen extract on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice. Food Chem Toxicol Int J Publ Br Ind Biol Res Assoc. 2013;55:234-240. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2012.11.022
  5. Park JY, Kim KH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms. Climacteric J Int Menopause Soc. 2016;19(6):574-580. doi:10.1080/13697137.2016.1238453
  6. Park H, Cho J-Y, Kyeong Kim M, et al. Anti-obesity effect of Schisandra chinensis in 3T3-L1 cells and high fat diet-induced obese rats. Food Chem. 2012;134:227–234. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.02.101