Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in Human Health and Nutrition:

Violeta

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This seems to be helping.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6412213/


Schisandra chinensis is a plant whose fruits have a long-standing use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have been used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, respiratory failure, cardiovascular diseases, body fatigue and weakness, excessive sweating, and insomnia [3].

They were also reported to reduce hunger, delay aging, increase vitality, and improve mental health [4].

They demonstrate neuro and hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, detoxification, immunostimulant, antiviral, and anti-cancer activities, as well as cardiovascular and skin-protective properties [5,6,7,8].

Reviews of the pro-health effects of SCE focus primarily on their influence on the central nervous, sympathetic, cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory systems, as well as its adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, antioxidant, ergogenic, and anti-stress activities [3,4,9,10,11].

This review provides updated information on the phytochemical composition of SCE and the mechanisms underlying its beneficial activity in humans, including its anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-aging actions.
 

Violeta

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Effect of Schisandra chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial​


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7177795/

Supplementation of SC extract may help to improve quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) as well as decrease lactate level at rest in adult women.

In the Schisandra group, the lactate level at rest was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but had no change in the placebo group after 12 weeks.
 

Violeta

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Effect of Saengmaeksan on Fatigue, Liver Function, and Immunity Combined with High-Intensity Training​


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10328733/

What do you think? Can we apply this information to ME/CFS?

In this study, they found the herbal combination of Lirio platyphlla, Panax ginseng, and Schisandra chinensis improves fatigue, liver function, and immunity in long-term high-intensity training. They used high-intensity training because long-term high-intensity training has a negative effect on these aspects.

We can't do high-intensity training, but elevated lactate and ammonia are common in ME/CFS.

The study:
We hypothesized that SMS intake will improve fatigue (ammonia, lactic acid), liver function (aspartate transaminidase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and immunity (IgA, IgG, IgM) with high-intensity training.

These findings demonstrate that SMS intake can reduce ammonia, AST, ALT, and IgM levels, while causing an increase in IgA, which has a positive effect on fatigue reduction, liver function, and immunoglobulins in a high-intensity training or related environment.

PS: Lactate levels were not affected.
 

andyguitar

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What do you think? Can we apply this information to ME/CFS?
Perhaps. Quick heads up here-rat study which shows that herb does have measurable effect. Screenshot 2025-07-29 at 21-58-56 Metabolic mechanism of a polysaccharide from Schisandra chin...png
 

Violeta

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Schisandra Extract and Ascorbic Acid Synergistically Enhance Cognition in Mice Through Modulation of Mitochondrial Respiration​


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32218327/

Here, we demonstrate that a mixture of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) and ascorbic acid (AA) improved cognitive function and induced synaptic plasticity-regulating proteins by enhancing mitochondrial respiration.

You know what to do.
 

Violeta

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Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity​


https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jnr.20089

Schisandra, particularly its lignan compounds, has shown neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Specifically, studies have found that certain dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis, like deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, and wuweizisu C, can protect against glutamate-induced damage in neuronal cells. This protection involves reducing calcium influx, improving the glutathione defense system, and reducing cellular peroxide formation. Additionally, Schisandra extracts have been shown to impact the glutamatergic system in the context of depression models, suggesting potential for treating neurological disorders.

Among the five lignans, deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, and wuweizisu C significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity as measured by 1) an inhibition in the increase of intracellular [Ca2+]; 2) an improvement in the glutathione defense system, the level of glutathione, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase; and 3) an inhibition in the formation of cellular peroxide.


From a different study:
Shingles and the role of glutamate in pain
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to chronic nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Glutamate, a crucial excitatory neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems, plays a significant role in pain transmission and the development of neuropathic pain conditions like PHN.

And w/r/t postherpetic neuralgia:

  • Contribution to PHN: The persistent nerve damage and inflammation caused by shingles, combined with the dysregulation of the glutamate system, contributes to the chronic pain experienced in PHN.
 

Violeta

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I am trying to figure out if schisandra will help with mast cell degranulation.

The PI3K-AKT pathway plays a significant role in mast cell activation, maturation, and function. It's involved in processes like degranulation, adhesion, and communication with other immune cells. The pathway is activated by various stimuli, including growth factors, cytokines, and G protein-coupled receptors.

Schisandra, particularly its lignans like schisandrin, can influence the PI3K-Akt pathway, a crucial signaling network involved in cellular metabolism and inflammation. This pathway, including PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and Akt (protein kinase B), plays a role in regulating glucose metabolism, inflammatory responses, and even autophagy.

Schisandra, particularly its lignan gomisin M2, has shown potential in inhibiting mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Studies indicate that gomisin M2 can suppress mast cell degranulation, a key process in allergic reactions, by impacting intracellular calcium levels according to a study published in Frontiers. Additionally, another component of Schisandra, α-cubebenoate, has demonstrated anti-allergy effects by inhibiting degranulation and cytokine secretion in mast cells according to ScienceDirect.com.
 
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