What is Schisandra chinensis and what is it used for?

Schisandra chinensis extract (20:1) 500mg from EssentialSeries is a food supplement based on Schisandra chinensis.

Schisandra chinensis is a plant native to northeast Asia, known for its traditional use in regions like China, where it has been valued for centuries for its multiple applications. Nowadays, its extract is mainly used for its adaptogenic capacity, since Schisandra has adaptogenic properties. This makes it a popular choice among those looking to keep balance amid daily demands.

Discover the best Schisandra extract, brought to you by HSN.

Ancient traditional use as an oriental natural tonic

Schisandra chinensis has been used for over 2 000 years in Asian countries like China, where it is known as “Wu Wei Zi” or “fruit of five flavors,” because it combines sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy notes. This unique trait made it a signature ingredient in oriental herbal formulas. Its traditional use focuses on boosting a person’s ability to adapt to stress. Over time, its reputation has crossed borders thanks to its adaptogenic profile: Schisandra has adaptogenic properties, which supports its current use as a supplement during times of high physical or emotional demand.

Extract with unmatched raw material

Standardized to 9% schisandrins

We have developed our extract, a 20:1 concentrate, from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, the most valued part of the plant for its richness in characteristic constituents, and we have used an extract unmatched standardized to 9% schisandrins, the lignan compounds that are the main standout elements of Schisandra and that completely determine the quality of the product you’re buying. These compounds have been widely studied and are considered key quality indicators in extracts of this plant, a non-standardized or lower-standardized supplement is simply inferior. Standardization ensures maximum, consistent quality in every batch of the product, since the guaranteed presence of these natural elements ensures the full potential of the fruit in its most concentrated form, without variations.

Perfect for stressful times and heavy wear

Schisandra chinensis is especially valued for its role as an adaptogen, making it an ideal resource for moments of high physical or mental demand. Schisandra:

These properties make its use particularly recommended during periods of accumulated fatigue, emotional pressure, lack of concentration, or intense routines, helping the body maintain balance in the face of the most challenging situations, as it acts as a tonic that supports adaptogenic activity.

How to take it and what products to combine it with

It’s recommended to take once a day, preferably with meals. Because of its action as a tonic that supports adaptogenic activity, many people choose to take it in the morning, as part of their daily routine to face the physical and mental demands of the day.

However, Schisandra chinensis extract does not contain stimulants, so it can also be taken at any other time of day without risking interference with nighttime rest.

Regarding combinations, Schisandra is totally suitable for use alongside any other food supplement since no negative interactions are known. But it’s usually combined synergistically with:

• Other adaptogens like Rhodiola rosea or Ashwagandha, for comprehensive support against stress.
• Magnesium, for its contribution to normal psychological function and normal nervous system balance.
• Multivitamins, useful to support intake of essential micronutrients.
• Caffeine or natural energizers, if you’re looking for an extra boost, especially when taken in the morning.

Scientific studies

• Park, J., Han, S., & Park, H. (2020). Effect of schisandra chinensis extract supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength and fatigue in adult women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7).
• Rybnikář, M., Šmejkal, K., & Žemlička, M. (2019). Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications. Ceska a Slovenska Farmacie, 68(3), 95–118.
• Nowak, A., Zakłos-Szyda, M., Błasiak, J., Nowak, A., Zhang, Z., & Zhang, B. (2019). Potential of schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in human health and nutrition: A review of current knowledge and therapeutic perspectives. Nutrients, 11(2).
• Kopustinskiene, D. M., & Bernatoniene, J. (2021). Antioxidant effects of schisandra chinensis fruits and their active constituents. Antioxidants, 10(4).
• Szopa, A., Ekiert, R., & Ekiert, H. (2017). 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. Phytochemistry Reviews, 16(2), 195–218.