Schisandrins are lignans found in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, schisandra berries are classified as adaptogens, believed to support the body's resistance to stress and improve vitality, which is sometimes interpreted in modern alternative health as "adrenal support." The adrenal medulla is responsible for producing catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which play a critical role in the body's stress response.

The traditional use of schisandra is primarily aimed at increasing resilience to physical and mental stress, supporting liver function, and enhancing overall energy. Some historical texts and herbal compendia mention schisandra's ability to "calm the spirit," "benefit qi," and "replenish kidney and heart function," which may be loosely related to the Western concept of adrenal function. However, these descriptions are not specific to the adrenal medulla.

Scientifically, some animal and in vitro studies suggest that schisandrins may have antioxidant properties and modulate stress-induced physiological changes, but direct evidence supporting their effect specifically on the adrenal medulla in humans is lacking. There are no high-quality clinical trials demonstrating schisandrins' efficacy for adrenal medulla support. Thus, the use is best characterized as based on tradition, with limited scientific validation for this specific application.