Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adaptogen—a class of herbs believed to help the body resist the effects of physical, chemical, and biological stress. In TCM, Schisandra is said to "tonify the kidneys and calm the spirit," with the kidneys often linked conceptually to the adrenal glands in traditional frameworks. As such, Schisandra is traditionally used to support stamina, endurance, and resilience, which are functions often attributed to healthy adrenal gland activity.

While there is a growing body of preclinical research suggesting that Schisandra may influence stress response and modulate cortisol levels, direct scientific evidence specifically linking Schisandra supplementation to improved adrenal gland function in humans is currently limited. Some animal studies and limited human trials indicate that Schisandra extract can enhance physical performance, reduce fatigue, and modulate certain stress markers. However, these findings do not conclusively establish a direct mechanism or benefit for adrenal gland health as understood in modern medicine.

In summary, the use of Schisandra to support the adrenal glands is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with moderate historical evidence and emerging but inconclusive scientific support. More rigorous human studies are needed to validate these effects in the context of adrenal health.