Eleuthero

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) Clinical Report Summary

 

Human clinical studies show that eleuthero is effective at boosting the immune system during illness, like respiratory infections, and regulating stress induced physiological reactions like high blood pressure (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). This evidence is supported by several double-blind placebo controlled studies: the highest standard in clinical research. Eleuthero root is a common herbal supplement used to increase energy and enhance overall health.

 

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) Overview

 

Eleuthero is a popular herb in Russia and Asia known by many names like Ciwujia, Acanthopanax senticosus and Siberian Ginseng (1). The botanical name of this treasured herb is Eleutherococcus senticosus and it is a distant relative of the ginseng family with different active compounds (1). Researchers have classified eleuthero root as an adaptogen, like ginseng, which means it benefits both sick and healthy people by correcting dysfunctions in the body (2). Eleuthero root contains many active chemicals like phytonutrients and eleutherosides, the coumpounds responsible for the herbs adaptogenic properties (1). In Eastern Europe, eleuthero is traditionally used to promote energy, stamina and sexual potency. Chinese healers use eleuthero to promote yang or heat in the spleen and kidneys (2). Today, eleuthero is commonly found in supplements that promote energy when the body is under stress from illness or physical endurance.   

 

Safe Use of Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

 

Dosages vary according to preparation and treatment goals but supplements should contain one or more of the active chemicals called eleutherosides (1). Eleuthero is considered to be generally safe but pregnant women and people taking prescription medications should consult a doctor before taking this herb (1, 2). More research needs to be done to determine long-term safety and efficacy.

 

Clinical Reports for Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

 

Several studies have examined eleuthero as a treatment in humans. The strongest evidence from this research supports the use of eleuthero to boost the immune system and reduce the physiological response to stress (3, 4). In a double-blind study of 45 healthy men and women, patients were given a stressful cognitive test while their heart rate and blood pressure were measured. All patients had elevated measurements especially the women. Then half the group was given either eleuthero or placebo for 30 days and tested again. Heart rate and blood pressure went down after treatment in the eleuthero group while no changes were found in those given placebo (3). Another double blind, placebo-controlled study found that eleuthero can relieve symptoms and increase the healing time for acute respiratory infections and sinusitis (4, 5). The study involved 185 patients; half were given an herbal remedy containing eleuthero and the rest were given placebo for 5 days. At the end of treatment those taking the eleuthero remedy found significant improvement in headache, throat and nasal symptoms as compared to the placebo group (4, 5).   

 

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) References

 

  1. Hawkins E et al. Complementary medicine review: Siberian ginseng. University of Maryland Medical Center website. 2007: http: //www.umm.edu/atlmed/articles/Siberian-ginseng-000250.htm.
  2. Monograph: Eleutherococcus senticosus. Alt Med Rev. 2006; 11(2): 151-154.
  3. Facchinetti F et al. Eleutherococcus senticosus reduces cardiovascular stress response in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Stress Health. 2002; 18: 11-17.
  4. Gabrielian ES et al. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Phytomedicine. 2002; 9(7): 589-597.
  5. Colds and Influenza. Alt Med Rev. 2007; 12(1); 39-48.
image
image