Is Schisandra chinensis fruit Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Schisandra chinensis fruit? Is Schisandra chinensis fruit safe for nursing mother and child? Does Schisandra chinensis fruit extracts into breast milk? Does Schisandra chinensis fruit has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Schisandra chinensis fruit influence milk supply or can Schisandra chinensis fruit decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Schisandra chinensis fruit lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Schisandra chinensis fruit is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Schisandra chinensis fruit may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research indicates that Schisandra chinensis fruit may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Schisandra chinensis fruit low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
- While using Schisandra chinensis fruit We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
- Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.
Answer by Dr. Ru: About Schisandra chinensis fruit usage in lactation
The fruits and seeds are used from this shrub, which grows in Russia, China, Japan and Korea. Used in traditional Chinese medicine attributing to it astringent, invigorating, detoxifying and liver protection properties, none of which have been scientifically proven (WHO 2007: p.296-313). Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Free of toxicity, moderate use during breastfeeding would have little or no risk. Precautions when taking plant preparations: 1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. 2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.