Evidence supporting the use of: Schisandra chinensis
For the body system: Hepatic System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Schisandra chinensis, also known as "five-flavor berry," has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for liver and overall vitality support. In recent decades, its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects have been investigated scientifically. Multiple preclinical and some clinical studies suggest that extracts and lignans from Schisandra chinensis can protect the liver from toxic damage, promote regeneration of liver tissue, and improve liver function markers. For example, studies have shown that schisandrin and other lignans can help reduce liver enzyme levels (such as ALT and AST) in animal models of liver injury, and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to hepatic protection. Limited small human trials also indicate benefits in conditions such as hepatitis, though high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking. The mechanisms proposed include inhibition of lipid peroxidation, enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulation of inflammatory pathways.
Despite gaps in rigorous human research, the convergence of traditional use and modern scientific findings provides moderate to strong support for Schisandra chinensis as a liver-supportive herb. Most safety data suggest it is well-tolerated at typical dosages, though interactions with certain medications are possible. Overall, its use for hepatic system support is justified by a combination of traditional use and a growing body of scientific evidence, warranting a rating of 4 out of 5 for evidence strength.
Other ingredients that support Hepatic System
amino acidsartichoke
barberry
berberine
black garlic
bovine
bovine liver
broccoli
bupleurum falcatum
turmeric
curcumin
d-glucarate
dandelion
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fructose
garlic bulb
gentian root
gooseberry
green tea
hesperetin
kale
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-ornithine
lecithin
liquid liver fractions
matcha
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
olive
ox bile
pantethine
parsley
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
silymarin
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tocotrienols
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
vitamin B
water
watercress
zinc
jiaogulan
punarnava
picrorhiza kurroa
lingzhi
bile salt
ferulic acid
ganoderma
polyphenols
trace minerals
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Arginine carglumate
AHCC
Andrographolide
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
Animal protein
Black Seed
Borotutu
Brassica
Beef liver
Baicalein
Basidiomycota
boldo
Betanin
berry
Bitter principals
bile acid
Bupleurum
Boerhavia diffusa
cholic acid
Carqueja
Catalpol
Coenzyme A
Capillary Artemisia
chlorogenic acid
Curcuminoid
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Curcuma
Chinese Thoroughwax
Corilagin
Cynaropicrin
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Dehydrocholic acid
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Dithiolthiones
Eriocitrin
Egg
Eclipta
Emblicanin
Fringetree
Flavonolignan
Ginsenosides
Gamma-Glutamylcysteine
Gallate
glucose
Glycocholic acid
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Guggulsterones
Glycyrrhizin
Gentiana manshurica
Glycochenodeoxycholic acid
Other body systems supported by schisandra chinensis
BloodBrain
Cortisol
Epinephrine
Estrogen
Glandular System
Hepatic System
Hypothalamus
Immune System
Liver
Mitochondria
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