SCHISANDRA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a plant native to northern China. The fruit is eaten as food and also used to make medicine.

Schisandra is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. The chemicals in schisandra also improve liver function and might increase energy, which can improve endurance and coordination.

People use schisandra for menopause, exercise performance, pneumonia, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for SCHISANDRA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Schisandra is possibly safe when taken appropriately. It's been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It can cause heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and itching.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Schisandra is possibly safe when taken appropriately. It's been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It can cause heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and itching.

Pregnancy: Schisandra is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause the uterus to contract, which might lead to miscarriage. Do not use schisandra during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if schisandra is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down tacrolimus. Taking schisandra with tacrolimus might increase the amount of tacrolimus in your body and the effects and side effects of tacrolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this combination.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Schisandra might increase the breakdown and decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Midazolam interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down midazolam. Taking schisandra along with midazolam might increase the effects and side effects of midazolam.
Talinolol interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might increase the amount of talinolol in the body. Taking schisandra while taking talinolol might increase the effects and side effects of talinolol.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Schisandra might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Voriconazole (Vfend) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down voriconazole. Taking schisandra with voriconazole might increase the effects and side effects of voriconazole.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Sirolimus (Rapamune) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down sirolimus. Taking schisandra along with sirolimus might increase the effects and side effects of sirolimus. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking sirolimus.
Cyclophosphamide interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclophosphamide. Taking schisandra with cyclophosphamide might increase the effects and side effects of cyclophosphamide.
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cyclosporine. Taking schisandra with cyclosporine might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of schisandra might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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Cheng F, Li Q, Wang J, Zeng F, Zhang Y. Effects and safety evaluation of Wuzhi capsules combined with tacrolimus for the treatment of kidney transplantation recipients. J Clin Pharm Ther 2021;46(6):1636-49. View abstract.

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Xin HW, Wu XC, Li Q, Yu AR, Xiong L. Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 May;67(5):541-6. View abstract.

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Yuan F, Liang X, Chen X, Qin X, Tan C, Wang L. CYP2C19 is involved in the effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) and its constituents on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous voriconazole. Pharmazie. 2020;75(11):559-564. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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SCHISANDRA - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Midazolam interacts with SCHISANDRA

Talinolol interacts with SCHISANDRA

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Voriconazole (Vfend) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Sirolimus (Rapamune) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Cyclophosphamide interacts with SCHISANDRA

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with SCHISANDRA

Dosing

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