Schisandra chinensis, commonly known as schisandra or "five-flavor berry," is a traditional medicinal plant in East Asia, historically used for a variety of health benefits, including improving stamina and endurance. In recent years, scientific research has begun to investigate its effects on mitochondrial function, which is crucial for cellular energy production and overall vitality.

Preclinical studies, primarily in animals and cell cultures, suggest that schisandra extracts and lignans (notably schisandrin B) can enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, protect against oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial energy metabolism. For example, several studies have shown that schisandrin B increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD and glutathione peroxidase), reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and helps maintain mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects are thought to be mediated by upregulation of pathways like Nrf2 and PGC-1α, which are key regulators of mitochondrial health and antioxidant defense.

However, the majority of this evidence comes from non-human models, with limited clinical data in humans. While the mechanistic data are promising and support the rationale for using schisandra to support mitochondrial function, robust human trials are lacking. Therefore, its use for mitochondrial health is justified by emerging scientific evidence, but the overall strength of evidence is moderate, earning a rating of 3 on the 0-5 scale.