Liver Support – Schisandra Supreme
Used to improve liver function, mental and physical acuity, may be immune boosting and antimicrobial as well.
Schisandra has been shown to increase liver function by increasing enzymatic activity, which in turnincreases glutathione production. Clinical trials in China by Liu KT inStudies on fructusSchizandrecinensishas shown that schisandra berries can help those with chronic viral hepatitis. One mechanism of hepatitis alleviation is lowering levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker of hepatitis and many other liver disorders. It also may lower SGOT. Schisandra is thought to help re-grow hepatic cells damaged by alcohol ingestion. The active parts of Schisandra currently identified as helping liver function are: schizandrin, deoxyschizandrin, gomisins, and pregomisin.
Animal studies have shown that Schisandra canincrease physical stamina and energy levels. It can also quicken reflexes and increase focus; in addition to protecting against things such as heat shock, frostbite, heavy metal intoxication, radiation, high altitude problems and certain types of inflammation. Schisandra may also be a useful adjunct to chemotherapy due to both its liver protective properties (especially phase 1 detoxification) as well as its immune modulating properties. It can potentially help people handle the toxicity of certain pharmaceuticals they take. Heart contractility has also been shown to increase, without a change in blood pressure. In addition to increasing physical stamina, schisandra is thought toincrease mental stamina and focusas well as visual and hearing acuity. Schisandra is also known to have phytoadaptagen properties (similar to ginseng) and assist the endocrine, immune, and sympathetic nervous systems. It may help with cardiovascular and GI problems, increase bile secretion, and even in the prevention of arthrosclerosis. It is also reported thatSchisandra has an aphrodisiac effect on both men and women (by increasing men's staying power and stimulating sensitivity in the females' genitals).
Schisandra is known to having some antimicrobial functions. It is thought to be especially effective against Staph aureus, Bacillus dysentarie, Bacillus typhi and Bacillus subtilis.
Chinese medicine typically prescribes Schisandra to treat mental illnesses such as depression, and to help against insomnia.
Contraindications: pregnancy, as it can increase uterine contractions (though it has been used to induce labor).
Our typical dose is one cap 3x/day. We test it on every patient. In some ways it is an adaptogen like Endo, Reishi, and LuRong, but with more focus on the liver and physical stamina (though LuRong greatly helps physical stamina as well). Since different people respond differently to various natural products, it is beneficial to test them singularly and perhaps in various combinations to see which yield the optimal response.