Eleuthero Side Effects – Is Siberian Ginseng Safe to Take?

Eleuthero may cause some side effects, but is generally well tolerated when taken appropriately and in moderation.

Eleuthero is commonly used to increase energy, enhance athletic ability, improve tolerance for stress and support mental clarity.

Eleuthero is a supplement derived from the shrub Eletherococcus senticosus, which is indigenous to Siberia and other regions of Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and has most commonly been used by the people of Siberia. This is why it is often called Siberian ginseng.

Eleuthero is not related to either American or Asian ginseng, which are both in the Panax genus. The plant was referred to as Siberian ginseng because it was thought to possess many of the same characteristics as Asian and American ginseng.

However, eleuthero does not contain ginsenosides – the plant chemicals common to ginseng – and instead contains eleutherosides, which cause Siberian ginseng to have different medicinal properties than plants from the Panax genus.

Eleuthero is often used to increase mental and physical abilities and may be used to improve mental clarity at work and maximize athletic ability. Most studies on eleuthero and its side effects have been conducted in Russia, where the plant grows naturally. Eleuthero is primarily used in Eurasia as a health supplement.

Siberian Ginseng

Herbal Supplement

Energy & Stamina

Immune Function

Mood

How It Works:

• Promotes physical performance & endurance
• Supports cognitive abilities & mood
• Boosts immune function & vitality

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Eleuthero Supplements

Eleuthero comes in many forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures and tea.

Dosages of powdered eleuthero between 1,000 and 4,000 mg per day have been used. Extracts of E. senticosus are likely more potent and dosages under 1,000 mg per day have been used.

Few clinical trials have involved older patients and children. Be sure to seek the advice of a trained herbalist or doctor to establish a safe dosage and to avoid adverse effects.

Eleuthero Side Effects

Natural Medicines indicates eleuthero extract is likely safe when taken orally and appropriately. Severe side effects in healthy adults are seemingly uncommon. However, eleuthero may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Be sure to speak with your doctor to make sure the supplement is right for you. Below is only a sample of possible drug interactions and side effects.

Digoxin toxicity: If you take digoxin for heart rhythm, eleuthero may lead to digoxin toxicity. Speak with your doctor before starting eleuthero so digoxin levels can be monitored.

Diabetic medication: Eleuthero has been observed to decrease blood sugar. When combined with diabetic medication, eleuthero supplementation may lead to hypoglycemia or excessively low blood sugar levels. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking eleuthero in combination with diabetes medication and be sure to closely monitor your blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar and diabetic effects: Eleuthero may have an unpredictable affect on the blood sugar of patients with diabetes: it can either lower or raise the blood sugar in unpredictable ways. Therefore, it may be necessary to check your blood pressure up to four times a day (while fasting, before meals and at bedtime).

Blood clotting: Eleuthero contains substances that have been observed to slow blood clotting. If you already have a bleeding disorder, eleuthero may not be the supplement for you due to risk of side effects. Individuals scheduled for upcoming surgery should not take eleuthero.

Effects on the heart: Eleuthero has been observed to cause irregular heartbeat in some individuals. People with atherosclerosis (arterial blockage) of the heart or those with a history of heart attack or rheumatic heart disease should only use this supplement with the express approval of their doctor.

Estrogenic Drugs: Components of eleuthero can mimic estrogen. Individuals suffering from hormone-sensitive disorders, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and fibroids, may not be good candidates for eleuthero supplementation due to risk of estrogenic side effects. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking eleuthero if you suffer from a hormone-sensitive condition.

Eleuthero Contraindications

Siberian Ginseng is contraindicated for individuals with certain medical condition. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

High Blood pressure: Eleuthero may increase blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Talk to your doctor before taking eleuthero if you have high blood pressure. Be sure to consistently monitor your blood pressure.

Mental health conditions: Individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may experience heightened symptoms when taking eleuthero. It is important to speak to your doctor or specialist before taking eleuthero if you suffer from either of these conditions.

Pregnancy: There is not enough evidence to establish the safety of eleuthero for pregnant women. Do not use eleuthero if you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Eleuthero can likely pass through the mother’s milk and be ingested by the breastfeeding infant. The side effect of eleuthero on babies are unknown. Women who are breastfeeding should not take eleuthero supplements.

Conclusions

Natural Medicines identifies eleuthero as likely safe for adults when taken for a short time, and possibly safe when taken long term. Eleuthero has potential benefits for overall energy, weight loss and mental acuity; however, caution should always be exercised, and side effects monitored, when trying new herbal medicines.

While there have been few eleuthero side effects reported in research studies and user reviews, this does not mean that you might not experience an idiosyncratic adverse effect that is not predicted by currently available information. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Siberian Ginseng to help reduce the risk of negative side effects.

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