Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) Berry Powder

What is Schisandra Berry?

Schisandra is a vine-like plant that produces purple-red berries. The berries contain lignans, the bioactive compounds behind Schisandra's growing use as a supplement. These lignans are grouped as 'schisandrins A, B and C'. They are the reason Schisandra is described as having adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens are herbs traditionally used in relation to the body's response to stress, and to physical endurance and energy.

What does the research say about Schisandra Berry?

Schisandra has been studied in laboratory research on stress-related behaviour. Researchers are interested in its relationship with the adrenal glands, which produce adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones). One study in mice looked at Schisandra under chronic mild stress, measuring behaviour and cognition, and Schisandra features in a review of plant adaptogens. In people, a placebo-controlled trial in adult women looked at Schisandra extract and quadriceps muscle strength.

Schisandra has also been studied in women going through the menopause.

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Why it's in Stay Calm®

Schisandra enhances resilience to stress, supports calmness, and improves overall vitality. Its unique phytochemicals, particularly schisandrin, schisandrol, and gomisins, act on the central nervous system, the HPA axis, and cellular pathways to optimise the stress response.

Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola Rosea combined help the body manage stress by calming the HPA axis (the system controlling stress responses) and potentially lowering stress-related brain activity. This suggests these herbs have anti-stress effects.¹

Enhancement of cellular energy and antioxidant defence: Schisandra improves mitochondrial function and ATP production, supporting energy levels, even during prolonged stress in animal models.²

Why it's in Debloat & Detox

Schisandra contains several lignans, including Schisandrin A, Schisandrin B, Schisandrin C, Schisandrol A, Schisandrol B, and Schisantherin A.³ Schisandra is an adaptogen and has beneficial effects on both liver detoxification and cellular regeneration. Phase 1 and 2 detoxification support: Schisandra enhances the detoxification enzymes involved in phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification. This supports the breakdown and elimination of toxins from the body, which is essential for reducing bloating and inflammation associated with toxic overload. Research has concluded that schisandra regulates the gene expression of phase 2 antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes independent of its hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity.⁴

Hepatoprotective effects: Schisandra helps regenerate liver cells. It supports the liver’s ability to clear metabolic waste and toxins, both of which can contribute to bloating if not adequately detoxified. Research has found schisandra to preserve glutathione and help maintain GSH levels, protecting liver cells.³