Schisandrol A or schisandrin assay

Schisandrol A, also known as schisandrin, is a bioactive lignan Schisandra chinensis plant , which has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for its adaptogenic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties . This molecule is considered a reference chemical marker for standardizing schisandra extracts intended for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Schisandrol A is measured by HPLC or LC-MS , two techniques that allow for precise identification and quantification of the compound in plant extracts, powders, capsules, or liquid formulations. This analysis guarantees the conformity, stability, and traceability of the finished products.

Schisandrol A: a quality marker of schisandra extracts

Schisandrol A belongs to the lignan family, a group of phenolic compounds widely studied for their health effects. It is found in the fruits and seeds of Schisandra chinensis , a plant native to East Asia, often referred to as the "five-flavor fruit" due to its complex sensory profile.

Its most studied biological properties include:

• an adaptogenic , contributing to the body's resistance to physical and mental stress;
• high antioxidant activity , linked to its phenolic structure;
• liver protection , promoting liver cell regeneration;
• a neuroprotective role , thanks to the modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.

These benefits make schisandrol A an indicator of quality and potency for standardized schisandra extracts used in food supplements and natural wellness products.

Objectives and purpose of schisandrol A assay

The measurement of schisandrol A is an essential step in the quality control of botanical extracts. It allows us to:

• to precisely quantify the content of schisandrin , the main active lignan of Schisandra chinensis ;
• standardize plant extracts to ensure consistent effectiveness of nutraceutical products;
• validate the regulatory compliance of schisandra-based food supplements;
• detect any alterations or variations in composition related to cultivation or extraction conditions;
• optimize formulations during the development of new functional ingredients.

The matrices analyzed include:

• extracts of Schisandra chinensis ,
• standardized dry powders and extracts,
• Dietary supplements in the form of capsules, tablets or solutions,
• formulations combining several adaptogenic plants.

Analytical methods used

Schisandrol A is analyzed by liquid chromatography, using two complementary approaches:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : the reference method for quantifying lignans in plant extracts. Detection is performed using UV-Vis, generally around 250 nm, for reliable concentration measurements.
• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : a more specific method, allowing the exact identification of schisandrol A and the differentiation of other lignans present in schisandra (schisandrin B, C, gomisin A, etc.).

These methods can be combined with complementary analyses for a complete lignan profile, such as ginsenoside assay for adaptogenic ginseng extracts, or pterostilbene assay for associated antioxidant compounds.

Industrial applications

The dosage of schisandrol A is essential for:

• food supplement manufacturers , wishing to guarantee the actual content of adaptogenic active ingredients;
• suppliers of botanical extracts , within the framework of purity certification and batch standardization;
• research laboratories , studying the antioxidant or hepatoprotective properties of lignans;
• the cosmetics industry , which uses schisandrin for its revitalizing and anti-stress effects on the skin.

This analysis is part of a comprehensive approach to quality control and traceability of natural products, meeting the requirements of safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance.

Analysis performed at YesWeLab

YesWeLab works with laboratories specializing in chromatography and plant metabolomics, accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard. The methods used are validated and adapted to each type of matrix to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of the results.

Each analysis report provides:

• the exact content of schisandrol A (mg/g or mg/kg),
• the analytical method used (HPLC or LC-MS),
• detection and quantification thresholds,

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting companies in the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic sectors in the development, validation, and quality control of their botanical extracts. Its digital platform allows you to centralize your analysis requests, track your samples, and receive your results with complete transparency.