Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting liver health, including the treatment of hepatitis. In recent decades, scientific studies have investigated its effects, particularly focusing on its lignan compounds such as schisandrin, schisandrol, and gomisin. Preclinical studies in animals and cell cultures have shown that these lignans exhibit hepatoprotective effects, including antioxidant activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, improvement of liver enzyme profiles, and anti-inflammatory actions. Some clinical trials, primarily from China, report that Schisandra extracts may help improve liver function markers (such as ALT and AST) in patients with chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis B. For instance, certain studies have observed reduced liver enzyme levels and improved symptoms when Schisandra was used as an adjunct to standard antiviral therapy.

However, while the preclinical and limited clinical evidence is promising, most human studies are small, may lack rigorous controls, and are often published in Chinese-language journals, making comprehensive assessment challenging. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have called for larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm benefit and establish safety. Thus, the use of Schisandra for hepatitis is supported by both tradition and a moderate but not definitive body of scientific evidence, justifying a mid-range evidence rating.