Evidence supporting the use of: Schisandra
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a traditional herb widely used in Chinese and Russian herbal medicine. Its use for supporting menopause is primarily based on traditional practices, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is believed to tonify the kidneys, calm the spirit, and address symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue, and irritability—all commonly associated with menopause. Schisandra is considered an adaptogen, purported to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors.
Scientific evidence for Schisandra’s efficacy in treating menopause symptoms is limited but emerging. A small number of clinical studies suggest that Schisandra extract may help reduce some menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes, sweating, and insomnia. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study published in Climacteric (2016) found some improvement in menopausal symptoms with Schisandra supplementation. However, these studies tend to be small, with methodological limitations, and are not sufficient to draw firm conclusions. Systematic reviews highlight the need for larger, well-designed clinical trials.
In summary, Schisandra’s use for menopause is rooted in traditional herbal medicine, with modest and preliminary scientific support. While it is commonly employed in TCM for menopausal symptom management, robust clinical evidence confirming its efficacy and safety for this purpose is still lacking.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Schisandra
Adrenal FatigueAlcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Free Radical Damage
Hangover
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Nervous Exhaustion
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Ulcers
Worry
Wounds and Sores