Aliases: Schisandra chinensis, Wu Wei Zi (Five-Flavor Berry)
Pharmacological Mechanism
Schisandrins (A, B, C) are dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. Hepatoprotective via CYP450 modulation + glutathione induction — clinically used in hepatitis-support protocols in TCM. HPA-axis adaptogen profile. Schisandrin B potently induces CYP3A4 in rodents — drug-interaction potential at pharmacologic doses.
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 833 mg (Range: 500–1500 mg)
Target Organ Systems
digestive
Interactions
Tacrolimus (major): Schisandrin A + B inhibit CYP3A in rat liver microsomes (Li 2010: Ki 5.83 + 4.24 µM respectively; solver uses average ≈ 5 µM). Species caveat: human Ki not yet published in abstract. Schisandra raises tacrolimus AUC 2–3× clinically — paradoxical "natural drug-interaction enhancer" pattern.