Schisandra

Schisandra — supports mental wellbeing and has antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. 

What is schisandra? 

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a climbing plant native to East Asia, best known for its bright red berries. The fruit has a long history of use in Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian botanical traditions, where it has been used as a tonic and adaptogenic plant. [1]  

Its berries contain a distinctive family of compounds called lignans — naturally occurring plant molecules found in fruits, seeds and woody tissues. Schisandrin, schisandrol and schisantherin are among the lignans most often studied. 

How does schisandra work? 

Schisandra is interesting because its scientific story is broader than one single pathway. 

It is commonly described as an adaptogenic botanical — a plant studied for the way it may help organisms adjust to periods of increased physical or mental demand. Modern research has investigated schisandra and its lignans in relation to fatigue, cognition, neuroprotection and the biological systems involved in adaptation. [1] 

There is also substantial research into its antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress — damage caused when highly reactive molecules build up faster than the body can control them. Reviews of Schisandra chinensis fruit identify lignans, flavonoids and phenolic compounds as important contributors to its antioxidant effects. [2]  

Some schisandra lignans have also attracted interest in cognition. In animal research, compounds including schisantherin A have been associated with improved learning and memory alongside changes in antioxidant signalling in the brain. [3] This is preclinical research, but it helps explain why schisandra has become an interesting botanical in the wider nootropic field.  

A nootropic is simply a substance studied for its relationship with cognitive functions such as memory, learning or attention. 

Why does SENTIA use schisandra? 

A good social moment is not just about relaxing. It is also about being present, engaged and able to stay with the conversation. 

Schisandra brings a different layer to the SENTIA botanical blend: a long adaptogenic tradition, antioxidant chemistry and an emerging body of research around cognition and neuroprotection. 

It is the kind of plant we find interesting for a simple reason: traditional use asked the question; modern science is beginning to explain the chemistry. 

Which SENTIA products contain schisandra? 

• GABA Gold GABA Gold
• GABA Black GABA Black

Schisandra FAQs 

- Which part of schisandra does SENTIA use? 
SENTIA uses the berry of Schisandra chinensis. 

- What is an adaptogen? 
Adaptogen is a term used for botanicals studied in relation to how the body adjusts to periods of increased physical or mental demand.

-What are schisandra lignans? 
They are naturally occurring plant compounds characteristic of schisandra berries. Schisandrin, schisandrol and schisantherin are among the best studied. 

- Is schisandra an antioxidant? 
Research on Schisandra chinensis fruit and its constituent compounds has demonstrated antioxidant activity in experimental studies. Lignans and polyphenolic compounds appear to contribute to these effects. [2] 

- Is schisandra a nootropic? 
Schisandra is frequently discussed in nootropic and cognitive research because several of its compounds have been investigated for effects on learning, memory and neuroprotection. Much of this mechanistic evidence remains preclinical. [3] 

Sources 

[1] Yang et al. A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis and Schisandra sphenanthera, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022.  

[2] Kopustinskiene & Bernatoniene. Antioxidant Effects of Schisandra chinensis Fruits and Their Active Constituents, Antioxidants, 2021.  

[3] Lin et al. Schisantherin A improves learning and memory abilities partly through regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway in chronic fatigue mice, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2021.