Meta Information
ID:schisandra
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra and its active compounds inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is crucial for metabolizing many medications. This can lead to dangerously high levels of these drugs in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Schisandra with medications metabolized by CYP3A4, or consult a doctor for dose adjustments and close monitoring.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Immunosuppressants (e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra strongly inhibits the metabolism of tacrolimus and cyclosporine (via CYP3A4 and P-gp), which can drastically increase their blood levels and the risk of severe kidney damage and other toxicities.
Actionable advice:
Absolutely avoid taking Schisandra if you are on immunosuppressant medications like tacrolimus or cyclosporine.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets (e.g., Warfarin)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra can inhibit the metabolism of warfarin (via CYP2C9) and may have its own mild antiplatelet effects, which can significantly increase the risk of serious bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking Schisandra with warfarin or other blood thinners unless under strict medical supervision with frequent blood monitoring.
Target id:
/class/p-glycoprotein-substrates
Target name:
P-glycoprotein Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a protein pump that removes drugs from cells. This can increase the absorption and decrease the elimination of certain medications like digoxin, raising their levels and potential for side effects.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider when combining with drugs transported by P-gp, such as digoxin.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing blood levels of medications metabolized by this pathway, such as warfarin, some NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), and antidiabetic drugs (e.g., glipizide).
Actionable advice:
Exercise caution and consult a doctor, especially if taking blood thinners or diabetes medications that use the CYP2C9 pathway.
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP1A2
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may induce (speed up) the activity of the CYP1A2 enzyme, which could accelerate the breakdown of certain drugs like caffeine and theophylline, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that the effectiveness of drugs like caffeine, theophylline, or some antipsychotics may be reduced.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may have uterine-stimulant effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Its safety during pregnancy has not been established.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Schisandra completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if components of Schisandra pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant. Due to the lack of safety data, it is contraindicated.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Schisandra while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/condition/seizure-disorder
Target name:
Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There are theoretical concerns that Schisandra, which can have CNS-stimulating effects, could potentially lower the seizure threshold and interfere with anticonvulsant medications.
Actionable advice:
Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy should avoid Schisandra or use it only under strict medical supervision.
Target id:
/condition/autoimmune-disease
Target name:
Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., RA, Lupus, MS)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may stimulate the immune system. This could potentially worsen symptoms of autoimmune diseases where the immune system is already overactive.
Actionable advice:
Consult a healthcare provider before using Schisandra if you have an autoimmune condition.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Alcohol)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
As an adaptogen with calming properties, Schisandra may enhance the sedative effects of other CNS depressants, leading to excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining with sedative medications, sleep aids, or alcohol, and avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may have mild glucose-lowering effects. When combined with diabetes medications, this could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels closely if combining Schisandra with diabetes medications and consult your doctor.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Schisandra may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect. Taking it with antihypertensive drugs could lead to an additive effect, potentially causing dizziness or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Actionable advice:
Monitor your blood pressure if combining Schisandra with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
As an adaptogen that can enhance alertness and energy, taking Schisandra too close to bedtime may interfere with sleep onset or quality in sensitive individuals.
Actionable advice:
Take Schisandra in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential sleep disruption.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Meal or Snack
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Schisandra with food can help prevent potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn or upset stomach, which some individuals may experience.
Actionable advice:
Take Schisandra with a meal or snack if you experience any stomach upset.