Schisandrin B
Encyclopedia
Schisandrin B is a chemical compound.
Over the past few decades, the pharmacological activities of Schisandrin B, an active ingredient isolated from Fructus Schisandra
e, have been extensively studied. Early evidence indicated that Schisandrin B could produce beneficial effects on liver function, particularly in enhancing the detoxification of xenobiotics and the regeneration of liver. Recent studies have further demonstrated the protective effect of Schisandrin B on free radical-induced damage in various vital organs, including the heart
, liver
, kidney
, brain
and skin
.
Investigations on the biochemical mechanism(s) involved in the generalized tissue protection afforded by Schisandrin B have revealed its capability of enhancing antioxidant capacity and counteracting mitochondrial decay
; both are crucial determinants in cell survival. In addition, the ability of Schisandrin B to induce the expression of heat shock protein
s, which are endogenous protein molecules for cellular protection against various stressful stimuli, represents a fundamental mechanism involved in tissue protection. Recently, a stereoisomer of Schisandrin B, (−)Schisandrin B, has been shown to be the most potent in producing antioxidant protection. Given the novel anti-stress potential, Schisandrin B/(−)Schisandrin B may be used as a universal “cell protectant” for the prevention and treatment of tissue damage caused by environmental pollutants, physical exercise and aging. The beneficial effects of Schisandrin B/(−)Schisandrin B on cardiac and liver function, as well as mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity, would make it a superb ingredient for functional food
s, herbal dietary supplements, and skincare products used for safeguarding against free radicals.
(Turcz), Baillon, or Wu-Wei-Zi, transliterally meaning “the fruit of five tastes” in Chinese, is a commonly used tonic herb in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for the treatment of liver ailments.
Schisandrin B, the most abundant active ingredient of Fructus Schisandrae, could produce a generalized tissue protective effect, which can likely be attributed to its ability to enhance mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity. Recent findings have also shown that chronic treatment with a low dose of Schisandrin B increased mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity in various tissues, including the brain, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle, in both young and old rats. Given the role of mitochondrial decay in aging, the maintenance of mitochondrial structural and functional integrity may have important implications in preventing age-related diseases and retarding the aging process.
disease remains a major health problem in industrialized countries, the exploration of possible preventive measures aimed at ameliorating the negative consequences (including debilitation and death) arising from a heart attack or cardiac arrest has been an area of intensive research. Schisandrin B is an active ingredient from Schisandra berry, which is traditionally used as a cardiotonic. Some findings demonstrated that Schisandrin B could enhance mitochondrial energy generation capacity and antioxidant defense, as well as heat shock protein production. It also suggests Schisandrin B can target mitochondria and render them more resistant to permeability transition – a process that eventually leads to necrotic and apoptotic cell death. That strengthens the belief that Schisandrin B can serve as a heart protecting agent of natural origin.
is an important organ responsible for a host of biochemical reactions, particularly those for detoxifying harmful substances. The chronic exposure of the body to toxic substances, such as alcohol, dietary contaminants, and environmental pollutants, can damage the liver tissues, eventually leading to liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Researchers have long been attempting to find a safe and effective liver protecting agent. Some findings have demonstrated the liver protective effect of Schisandrin B against various toxicant challenges. The increased resistance of mitochondria to calcium ion-induced disruption caused by Schisandrin B prevents the programmed cell death of liver cells under stressful conditions; Schisandrin B could also protect against chemical toxin-induced liver damage by enhancing the mitochondrial defense against free radicals, which represents a unique mechanism of action among other antioxidants; Schisandrin B protects against apoptotic cell death caused by immune molecules through enhancing the production of heat shock protein 70 production in the liver. The finding, which is corroborated by the long history of Schisandra as a liver tonic, supports the use of Schisandrin B as an agent for safeguarding liver health.
is highly vulnerable to oxidative damage caused by free radicals because of its high lipid and iron contents. The maintenance of a high antioxidant capacity in brain tissues is instrumental to prevent brain disorders such as post-stroke syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It is indicated that Schisandrin B decreases the death rate following an oxidative challenge to brain tissues. The protective effect is mediated by the increase in antioxidant capacity of brain tissues. This finding, together with previous reports on the liver and heart, supports the notion that Schisandrin B is able to produce generalized tissue protection against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
, but also to the liver. Free radicals are involved in the development of exercise-mediated tissue injury. Antioxidant supplementation is commonly used as a means for alleviating the exercise-induced muscle damage. It is also believed that the liver can supply glutathione (a natural antioxidant found in all cell types) to skeletal muscle in order to remove free radicals generated from the exercising muscle. The enhancement of liver glutathione status therefore represents an effective approach to counteracting the free radicals arising from exercise. It is indicated that the Schisandrin B-enriched extract, but not a-tocopherol (vitamin E), can protect against exercise-induced muscle damage through the enhancement of liver glutathione status.
, which is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of severe bacterial infections, can cause kidney
toxicity. A recent finding indicates that long-term Schisandrin B treatment can enhance the resistance of kidney mitochondria to free radicals arising from gentamicin metabolism, thereby protecting against gentamicin-induced kidney toxicity.
aging to “Depleted Cellular Constituents (such as Collagen, Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid)”, “Oxidative Damages”, and “Inflammation” as the major causes. While this is true, scientists are now discovering a fundamental factor – mitochondrial decay – in skin aging. Skin aging can be ameliorated by various sophisticated skincare treatments, most of which are intended to “resurface” the epidermis by renewing skin cells. However, recent scientific studies have demonstrated that the enhancement of mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and functional ability by Schisandrin B is instrumental in revitalizing aging skin. Experimental results also showed that it can suppress the solar light-induced collagen-digesting enzyme production in human skin cells.
Over the past few decades, the pharmacological activities of Schisandrin B, an active ingredient isolated from Fructus Schisandra
Schisandra
Schisandra is a genus of shrub commonly grown in gardens. It is a hardy deciduous climber which thrives in virtually any soil; its preferred position is on a sheltered shady wall. It may be propagated by taking cuttings of half-matured shoots in August. Species include S. chinensis, S....
e, have been extensively studied. Early evidence indicated that Schisandrin B could produce beneficial effects on liver function, particularly in enhancing the detoxification of xenobiotics and the regeneration of liver. Recent studies have further demonstrated the protective effect of Schisandrin B on free radical-induced damage in various vital organs, including the heart
Heart
The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
, liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
, kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
, brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
and skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
.
Investigations on the biochemical mechanism(s) involved in the generalized tissue protection afforded by Schisandrin B have revealed its capability of enhancing antioxidant capacity and counteracting mitochondrial decay
Mitochondrial decay
Mitochondrial decay is one major cause of aging, leading to the subsequent death in humans. The mitochondria are the power producing organelles found in every cell of every organ. Their primary function is to generate ATP through various energy cycles that involve nutrients and vitamins. ATP is...
; both are crucial determinants in cell survival. In addition, the ability of Schisandrin B to induce the expression of heat shock protein
Heat shock protein
Heat shock proteins are a class of functionally related proteins involved in the folding and unfolding of other proteins. Their expression is increased when cells are exposed to elevated temperatures or other stress. This increase in expression is transcriptionally regulated...
s, which are endogenous protein molecules for cellular protection against various stressful stimuli, represents a fundamental mechanism involved in tissue protection. Recently, a stereoisomer of Schisandrin B, (−)Schisandrin B, has been shown to be the most potent in producing antioxidant protection. Given the novel anti-stress potential, Schisandrin B/(−)Schisandrin B may be used as a universal “cell protectant” for the prevention and treatment of tissue damage caused by environmental pollutants, physical exercise and aging. The beneficial effects of Schisandrin B/(−)Schisandrin B on cardiac and liver function, as well as mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity, would make it a superb ingredient for functional food
Functional food
Functional food is a food where a new ingredient has been added to a food and the new product has a new function ....
s, herbal dietary supplements, and skincare products used for safeguarding against free radicals.
Usages
Fructus Schisandrae, the fruit of Schisandra chinensisSchisandra chinensis
Schisandra chinensis is a deciduous woody vine native to forests of Northern China and the Russian Far East. It is hardy in USDA Zone 4. The plant likes some shade with moist, well-drained soil...
(Turcz), Baillon, or Wu-Wei-Zi, transliterally meaning “the fruit of five tastes” in Chinese, is a commonly used tonic herb in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for the treatment of liver ailments.
Schisandrin B, the most abundant active ingredient of Fructus Schisandrae, could produce a generalized tissue protective effect, which can likely be attributed to its ability to enhance mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity. Recent findings have also shown that chronic treatment with a low dose of Schisandrin B increased mitochondrial functional ability and antioxidant capacity in various tissues, including the brain, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle, in both young and old rats. Given the role of mitochondrial decay in aging, the maintenance of mitochondrial structural and functional integrity may have important implications in preventing age-related diseases and retarding the aging process.
Heart
While coronary heartHeart
The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
disease remains a major health problem in industrialized countries, the exploration of possible preventive measures aimed at ameliorating the negative consequences (including debilitation and death) arising from a heart attack or cardiac arrest has been an area of intensive research. Schisandrin B is an active ingredient from Schisandra berry, which is traditionally used as a cardiotonic. Some findings demonstrated that Schisandrin B could enhance mitochondrial energy generation capacity and antioxidant defense, as well as heat shock protein production. It also suggests Schisandrin B can target mitochondria and render them more resistant to permeability transition – a process that eventually leads to necrotic and apoptotic cell death. That strengthens the belief that Schisandrin B can serve as a heart protecting agent of natural origin.
Liver
The liverLiver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
is an important organ responsible for a host of biochemical reactions, particularly those for detoxifying harmful substances. The chronic exposure of the body to toxic substances, such as alcohol, dietary contaminants, and environmental pollutants, can damage the liver tissues, eventually leading to liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Researchers have long been attempting to find a safe and effective liver protecting agent. Some findings have demonstrated the liver protective effect of Schisandrin B against various toxicant challenges. The increased resistance of mitochondria to calcium ion-induced disruption caused by Schisandrin B prevents the programmed cell death of liver cells under stressful conditions; Schisandrin B could also protect against chemical toxin-induced liver damage by enhancing the mitochondrial defense against free radicals, which represents a unique mechanism of action among other antioxidants; Schisandrin B protects against apoptotic cell death caused by immune molecules through enhancing the production of heat shock protein 70 production in the liver. The finding, which is corroborated by the long history of Schisandra as a liver tonic, supports the use of Schisandrin B as an agent for safeguarding liver health.
Brain
The brainBrain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
is highly vulnerable to oxidative damage caused by free radicals because of its high lipid and iron contents. The maintenance of a high antioxidant capacity in brain tissues is instrumental to prevent brain disorders such as post-stroke syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It is indicated that Schisandrin B decreases the death rate following an oxidative challenge to brain tissues. The protective effect is mediated by the increase in antioxidant capacity of brain tissues. This finding, together with previous reports on the liver and heart, supports the notion that Schisandrin B is able to produce generalized tissue protection against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Muscle
Unfamiliar or strenuous physical exercise can cause injury not only to skeletal muscleMuscle
Muscle is a contractile tissue of animals and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to...
, but also to the liver. Free radicals are involved in the development of exercise-mediated tissue injury. Antioxidant supplementation is commonly used as a means for alleviating the exercise-induced muscle damage. It is also believed that the liver can supply glutathione (a natural antioxidant found in all cell types) to skeletal muscle in order to remove free radicals generated from the exercising muscle. The enhancement of liver glutathione status therefore represents an effective approach to counteracting the free radicals arising from exercise. It is indicated that the Schisandrin B-enriched extract, but not a-tocopherol (vitamin E), can protect against exercise-induced muscle damage through the enhancement of liver glutathione status.
Kidney
GentamicinGentamicin
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, used to treat many types of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative organisms. However, gentamicin is not used for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis or Legionella pneumophila...
, which is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of severe bacterial infections, can cause kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
toxicity. A recent finding indicates that long-term Schisandrin B treatment can enhance the resistance of kidney mitochondria to free radicals arising from gentamicin metabolism, thereby protecting against gentamicin-induced kidney toxicity.
Skin
Scientific studies have attributed skinSkin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
aging to “Depleted Cellular Constituents (such as Collagen, Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid)”, “Oxidative Damages”, and “Inflammation” as the major causes. While this is true, scientists are now discovering a fundamental factor – mitochondrial decay – in skin aging. Skin aging can be ameliorated by various sophisticated skincare treatments, most of which are intended to “resurface” the epidermis by renewing skin cells. However, recent scientific studies have demonstrated that the enhancement of mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and functional ability by Schisandrin B is instrumental in revitalizing aging skin. Experimental results also showed that it can suppress the solar light-induced collagen-digesting enzyme production in human skin cells.