Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #animals #dietary-supplements #double-blind-method

Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Park et al., 2020 | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Rct

Citation

Park Jinkee, Han Seoungho, Park Hyuntae. Effect of Schisandra Chinensis Extract Supplementation on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020-Apr-04;17(7). doi:10.3390/ijerph17072475

Abstract

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (SC) is a well-known traditional herb used for pharmacological purposes in Asian countries (e.g., Korea, China, and Japan). In animal studies, SC extract supplementation had beneficial effects on muscle strength and lactate level. However, the effect of SC extract supplementation on skeletal muscle strength and lactate at rest in humans remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of SC extract supplementation on quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and lactate at rest in adult women. Forty five healthy post-menopausal middle-aged women (61.9 ± 8.4 years) were randomly divided into the SC (n = 24) or the placebo group (n = 21). The SC group consumed 1000 mg of SC extract per day, whereas the placebo group consumed 1000 mg of starch per day for 12 weeks. The difference in muscle mass, physical function, and biomarkers and the relative changes between baseline and 12 weeks were evaluated. We used two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine interaction (group × time) effects for variables. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. In ANOVA results, QMS (p = 0.001) and lactate level (p = 0.038) showed significant interactions. With paired t-tests, QMS was significantly increased (p < 0.001) and lactate level at rest was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after 12 weeks in the SC group. However, no interactions were found between the other variables. Supplementation of SC extract may help to improve QMS as well as decrease lactate level at rest in adult women. We believe that SC extract is a health supplement that can support healthy life in this population.

Key Findings

We believe that SC extract is a health supplement that can support healthy life in this population.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adult women
Sample Size 24
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatigue
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Plant Extracts
  • Quadriceps Muscle
  • Schisandra

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: schisandra

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10