Schisandrin B: A Double‐Edged Sword in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver lesions ranging from hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The high global prevalence of NAFLD has underlined the important public health implications of this disease. The pathogenesis of NAFLD involves the abnormal accumulation of free fatty acids, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and a proinflammatory state in the liver. Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active dibenzooctadiene lignan isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (a traditional Chinese herb), was found to possess antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-ER stress, and anti-inflammatory activities in cultured hepatocytes in vitro and in rodent livers in vivo. Whereas a long-term, low dose regimen of Sch B induces an antihyperlipidemic response in obese mice fed a high fat diet, a single bolus high dose of Sch B increases serum/hepatic lipid levels in mice. This differential action of Sch B is likely related to a dose/time-dependent biphasic response on lipid metabolism in mice. The hepatoprotection afforded by Sch B against oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation has been widely reported. The ensemble of results suggests that Sch B may offer potential as a therapeutic agent for NAFLD. The optimal dose and duration of Sch B treatment need to be established in order to ensure maximal efficacy and safety when used in humans.

Schizandrin B attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in H9c2 cells by activating the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway

“…Schizandrin B is an active dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (a traditional Chinese herb), and was found to possess antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activities in vitro and in vivo ( 38 , 39 ). Studies indicated that schizandrin B could improve cardiac function and mitigate myocardial infarct size in a MIRI model via inhibiting cell apoptosis and attenuating oxidative stress ( 15 , 36 ).…”

A Comprehensive Review on Schisandrin B and Its Biological Properties

“…In the three isoforms of Sch, Sch B attracts particular attention. Previous reports revealed Sch B function in neuroprotection by reducing oxidative stress [9,10]. In this review, we describe the pivotal role of Sch B in treating cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases and explain the molecular mechanism as well as the function in several illnesses.…”

Schisandrin B suppresses osteosarcoma lung metastasisin vivoby inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

“…Schisandrin B (Sch B), is an active dibenzooctadiene lignin that can be isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis (a traditional Chinese herb) ( 5 ). In previously published studies, Sch B was demonstrated to play a crucial role in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.…”