Schisandronic acid is a triterpenoid antioxidant and anticancer agent extracted from Schisandra chinensis, which has potent cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells, especially MCF-7. Schisandronic acid induces apoptosis and reduces cell viability in a time-dependent manner (MCF-7, IC50=8.06 μM). Schisandronic acid can upregulate active caspase-3 expression and cleave PARP , reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species and exhibit antioxidant effects.