Description

Schisandrin B is found in Schisandra; it exhibits anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-metastatic activities. In vitro, schisandrin B decreases TGF-β1-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation and Smad signaling, preventing stress fiber formation. In animal models of myocardial infarction, schisandrin B downregulates expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits myocardial apoptosis, decreasing infarct size and improving heart function and survival rates. Schisandrin B also increases expression of HSP27 and HSP70, inhibiting acetaminophen-induced liver injury and hepatic necrosis. In animal models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, this compound decreases expression of IL-1β and TNF-α and prevents degradation of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2/9), decreasing infarct volume. Additionally, schisandrin B inhibits invasion of breast cancer cells by suppressing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing survival rates in vivo.