Schisandra Berry

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis, “five-flavor berry”) shows plausible anti-fatigue activity in animal models and a handful of small human trials (exercise / muscle fatigue, cognition, menopausal symptoms), but there are no large, definitive randomized clinical trials proving it as a proven treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME).

• Adaptogen / stress-axis modulation. Schisandra lignans (schisandrins, gomisins) are classed as adaptogens in traditional use and modern studies suggest they can modulate the HPA/stress response and increase resistance to physical/mental stress. This is one proposed reason it would help fatigue. MDPI
• Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory effects. Lignans and polysaccharides from S. chinensis have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that protect tissues (including muscle and liver) from oxidative stress — a mechanism relevant to fatigue and exercise intolerance. MDPI
• Mitochondrial / energy metabolism support. Animal and preclinical studies report effects on ATPase activity, mitochondrial protection and markers related to endurance and reduced lactate production — relevant to physical fatigue and energy generation. Wisdom Library
• Immunomodulation. Some Schisandra components affect immune markers and cytokines in preclinical work; since immune dysregulation is implicated in some CFS models, this is another plausible link (mostly preclinical). BioMed Central

Summary: plausible multi-modal mechanisms (antioxidant, immunomodulatory, mitochondrial/energy and adaptogenic effects) support anti-fatigue activity, but most mechanistic data are preclinical or small human studies — not definitive proof for CFS/ME. MDPI

• Human trial dosing most cited: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adult women used 1,000 mg of Schisandra chinensis extract daily for 12 weeks and found increased quadriceps muscle strength and decreased resting lactate. That gives a practical example of an extract dose and duration used in a controlled setting. Wisdom Library
• Other human uses / commonly reported ranges: commercial and review sources list extract ranges ~100–1,500 mg/day (common practical ranges: 200–1,000 mg/day of extract), or 1.5–6 g/day of dried fruit in traditional preparations. Some single-dose cognitive studies used combinations where each dose was ~270 mg (combination product). Typical controlled trials have used up to 1 g/day for up to 12 weeks. Drugs.com
• Form & administration: typically oral — standardized extracts (lignan-standardized) in capsule/tablet/powder form, or whole dried berries as tea/tincture. In trials the extract was taken with food once daily. Wisdom Library

Practical guidance (if someone is considering trialing it; NOT medical advice):

1. Prefer a standardized extract from a reputable manufacturer (look for labeled schisandrin/gomisin content). MDPI
2. Start at a low dose (e.g., 200–500 mg/day extract) to check tolerance; many studies then go to about 500–1,000 mg/day. Typical trial durations: 8–12 weeks to assess effect. Drugs.com
3. Take with food (reduces GI side effects). Monitor symptoms and any interactions with other meds. If improvement is sought for CFS, document baseline symptom scores (fatigue scales, activity tolerance) and re-assess after ~8–12 weeks. Wisdom Library

Important overall point: There are some animal and in-vitro studies specifically modelling CFS or fatigue and showing benefit; there are a few human randomized trials for fatigue-related outcomes (muscle fatigue, exercise recovery, cognition), but there are no large, high-quality RCTs that establish Schisandra as a proven treatment for CFS/ME. Below are representative, relatively strong sources:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial (muscle strength & resting lactate): Park et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 — 1000 mg/day extract for 12 weeks → increased quadriceps strength and decreased resting lactate in post-menopausal women. (human RCT relevant to fatigue/exercise physiology). Wisdom Library
• Preclinical / animal models and mechanistic studies: several animal experiments and biochemical studies show anti-fatigue effects of Schisandra polysaccharides and lignans (reduced fatigue markers, improved endurance, mitochondrial effects). Example: papers evaluating a Schisandra polysaccharide in experimental CFS models and reporting anti-fatigue outcomes. (preclinical evidence). ScienceDirect
• Systematic/review papers on Schisandra pharmacology and lignans: recent comprehensive reviews summarize the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic and potential anti-fatigue properties of the lignans and polysaccharides, and discuss pharmacokinetics/ADME — useful for mechanism and safety background. MDPI
• Other small human trials: studies have examined Schisandra in combination products and for cognitive or menopausal symptoms; results are mixed and often small samples — supportive but not conclusive for CFS. Wisdom Library