Nootropic profile
Schizandrol-A (Schisandra Berry)
Schizandrol-A is the primary active lignan compound found in Schisandra chinensis (five-flavour berry), a traditional Chinese adaptogen herb. It has demonstrated anti-stress, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties in research, supporting mental performance under stress while protecting the brain from oxidative damage.
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Schizandrol-A (Schisandra Berry)?
Schizandrol-A is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan and the principal bioactive compound in Schisandra chinensis, a woody vine native to northern China, Russia, and Korea.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Dried Schisandra berries: 1.5-6 g per day, typically as tea or decoction
- Standardised extract: 250-500 mg per day, standardised to schizandrin or total lignans content
- Schizandrol-A isolate: Rarely available as an isolated compound; typically consumed as part of whole Schisandra extract
- Tincture: 2-4 ml of Schisandra tincture, 2-3 times daily
- Timing: Can be taken any time of day. Traditionally consumed in the morning or before periods of mental or physical exertion.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated with a long history of traditional use. Possible side effects include heartburn, stomach upset, decreased appetite,...
- Liver effects: While Schisandra is traditionally used as a liver protectant, rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Those with existing liver...
- Drug metabolism: Schisandra lignans can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4), potentially altering the metabolism of many medications....
- Pregnancy: Traditionally used with caution during pregnancy. May stimulate uterine contractions. Avoid unless recommended by a qualified practitioner.
- Gastric acidity: The sour flavour reflects high organic acid content, which may aggravate acid reflux or gastritis in sensitive individuals.
The science, if you're curious.
- Schizandrol-A modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to normalise cortisol levels during stress and prevent stress-induced...
- It activates endogenous antioxidant systems including glutathione synthesis and the Nrf2 pathway, protecting neurons from oxidative damage caused by chronic...
- Animal studies show schizandrol-A may inhibit acetylcholinesterase and increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, supporting memory and learning.
- Schisandra lignans inhibit NF-kB signalling and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production, countering neuroinflammation that impairs cognitive function.
Where to find it
- Dried Schisandra berries: Available from Chinese herbal medicine suppliers and health food stores
- Standardised extracts: Capsules standardised to schizandrin or total lignan content
- Tinctures: Alcohol-based extracts of Schisandra berries
- Powdered berry: Dried and ground Schisandra berry for tea, smoothies, or encapsulation
- Traditional preparations: Used in numerous Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas, often in combination with other adaptogenic herbs
Frequently asked
Schizandrol-A is the primary active lignan compound found in Schisandra chinensis (five-flavour berry), a traditional Chinese adaptogen herb. It has demonstrated anti-stress, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties in research, supporting mental performance under stress while protecting the brain from oxidative damage.
The main benefits people report from Schizandrol-A (Schisandra Berry) are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Longevity, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Dried Schisandra berries: 1.5-6 g per day, typically as tea or decoctionStandardised extract: 250-500 mg per day, standardised to schizandrin or total lignans contentSchizandrol-A isolate: Rarely available as an isolated compound; typically consumed as part of whole Schisandra extractTincture: 2-4 m...
Side effects: Generally well tolerated with a long history of traditional use. Possible side effects include heartburn, stomach upset, decreased appetite,...Liver effects: While Schisandra is traditionally used as a liver protectant, rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Those with existing...
Schizandrol-A modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to normalise cortisol levels during stress and prevent stress-induced...It activates endogenous antioxidant systems including glutathione synthesis and the Nrf2 pathway, protecting neurons from oxidative damage caused by...
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