Schisandra
Schisandra (or Schizandra) is an interesting berry. Grown in Asia (primarily in China), it is known as the “Five Flavor Fruit” because it encompasses the five different flavors—sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and bitter.
Schisandra has a high concentration of antioxidants and is known for improving skin and liver health (its a natural detox agent); increasing sexual function (including fertility and hormone function); and helping with immunity. Like other adaptogens, the antioxidants help lower inflammatory response in the body that stress causes.
Unlike Ginseng, Schisandra is not GRAS approved by the FDA. GRAS is “Generally Regarded As Safe” and is a designate officially put out by the FDA to determine if an ingredient is safe to consume. “Safe to Consume” means that there are many studies about the benefits of the ingredient and the effects on the body. GRAS ingredients are on any food or beverage product that has a Nutrition Facts Panel. In contrast, any food or beverage product that has a Supplement Facts Panel contains ingredients that may or may not be GRAS approved. On a side note, ingredient suppliers will usually issue a “self-affirmed GRAS” on their ingredients so that they could expand there use in food products. This does not mean that the FDA has approved the ingredient (the FDA is slow), but that the ingredient supplier has competed the studies and trials necessary to show that the ingredient is safe to use. For example, this Sparkling Beverage is either not labeled properly or is using a self-affirmed GRAS source of Schisandra.
All of this to say, that Schisandra does not have a lot of published robust, human-based studies. A lot of products out there like this tonic herb supplement or this beauty supplement promote the benefits of beauty and youthfulness. As mentioned before, Schisandra is high in antioxidants. Any ingredient that is high in antioxidants will help your body remove and protect against free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are caused by pollution, sun, environment, etc. and are responsible for aging the skin. When free radicals are removed by an antioxidant, then your body is able to boost collagen production which results in a more youthful appearance. This is not specific to Schisandra, this is a function of any antioxidant ingredient.
Be cautious about consuming this ingredient. Look for this ingredient as part of a blend with other antioxidant ingredients that have proven benefits. Do not take this ingredient on its own as over-consumption can result in allergic reactions and/or heartburn.
What types of products have you seen Schisandra in?
Any suggested products are purely the writer’s own opinion and does not imply affiliation with the brand.