Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Russian herbal medicine as a tonic to support stamina, endurance, and recovery from fatigue, which are qualities relevant to athletic performance. Historical texts and herbal pharmacopeias describe Schisandra as an “adaptogen” believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress. In Russia, during the mid-20th century, Schisandra was studied and used by athletes, military personnel, and cosmonauts to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue, though the majority of these studies were not published in peer-reviewed Western journals and often lack methodological rigor by today’s standards. Current scientific evidence is limited. Some small, preliminary studies suggest that Schisandra may have beneficial effects on physical endurance and fatigue, possibly through antioxidant activity, modulation of stress hormones, and improved oxygen utilization. However, these studies are generally of low quality, with small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies. Systematic reviews and authoritative sources note that while traditional and anecdotal use is strong, robust clinical evidence in athletes is lacking. Therefore, while Schisandra is widely used in traditional practices for supporting physical performance, scientific validation remains limited and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for athletic and exercise support.

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