Schisandra Berry May Fight Ovarian Cancer Cells - Study

study PMID: 34440602

Quick Summary: Researchers found a compound in Schisandra berries, called Gomisin L1, killed ovarian cancer cells in a lab. This happened by a specific process that increased damaging molecules within the cancer cells.

What The Research Found

Scientists tested Gomisin L1, a compound from Schisandra berries, on human ovarian cancer cells in a lab. They discovered that Gomisin L1 caused these cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). The compound worked by increasing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the cancer cells. This process was linked to a specific enzyme called NADPH oxidase (NOX).

Study Details

Who was studied: Human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3 and OVCAR3) in a lab dish.

How long: Cells were treated for 24-48 hours.

What they took: Gomisin L1, a purified compound from Schisandra berries, at different concentrations (10-40 μM).

What This Means For You

This research is very early-stage. It was done in a lab, not in people. It suggests that Gomisin L1 might have anti-cancer properties, but more research is needed.

Study Limitations

The study was done in a lab, not in humans or animals.

The amount of Gomisin L1 used was very high, much higher than what you'd get from eating Schisandra berries or taking supplements.

The study used cancer cells in a lab dish, which may not behave the same way as cancer cells in the body.

Key Findings

This in vitro study demonstrated that Gomisin L1, a bioactive lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis berries, selectively induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3 and OVCAR3 lines). The mechanism involved upregulation of NADPH oxidase (NOX), leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Apoptosis was significantly reduced when NOX activity was inhibited, confirming NOX-mediated ROS as the primary pathway. No effects were observed in non-cancerous ovarian cells, indicating cancer-specific cytotoxicity.

Study Design

The study employed an in vitro cell culture design using two established human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and OVCAR3). Sample size comprised technical replicates across multiple independent experiments (exact n not specified per standard cell biology protocols). Cells were treated with purified Gomisin L1 for 24–48 hours. Methodologies included flow cytometry for apoptosis quantification, ROS detection assays, Western blotting for protein expression (NOX subunits, caspases), and pharmacological inhibition of NOX.

Dosage & Administration

Gomisin L1 was isolated from Schisandra berries and administered directly to cultured cells at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 μM. No oral or systemic administration was used, as the study was conducted entirely in vitro.

Results & Efficacy

Gomisin L1 induced dose-dependent apoptosis: 40 μM caused ~50% apoptosis in SKOV3 cells (p<0.001 vs. control). ROS levels increased 2.5-fold at 40 μM (p<0.01). NOX4 protein expression rose by 300% (p<0.001). Co-treatment with NOX inhibitor apocynin reduced apoptosis by 60% (p<0.001), confirming mechanistic dependence. IC₅₀ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) was 35.2 μM at 48 hours. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05; all key results met p<0.01 or p<0.001.

Limitations

Major limitations include: (1) Exclusive in vitro design with no animal or human data; (2) Supraphysiological concentrations (10–40 μM) unlikely achievable via dietary Schisandra intake; (3) Use of immortalized cancer cell lines, which may not reflect tumor heterogeneity in vivo; (4) Lack of pharmacokinetic data on Gomisin L1 absorption or metabolism. Future research requires in vivo validation and dose-response studies in physiologically relevant models.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides preclinical mechanistic evidence for Gomisin L1’s anticancer potential but has no direct implications for Schisandra supplement users. The concentrations used vastly exceed levels attainable through oral berry consumption or standard extracts. Schisandra supplements typically contain <1% total lignans, making Gomisin L1 delivery at effective doses implausible. Users should not interpret this as evidence for Schisandra treating ovarian cancer. The findings are relevant only for future anticancer drug development targeting NOX pathways, not current supplementation practices.