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Eleutherococcus senticosus is more commonly called Siberian ginseng.
It isn’t actually a ginseng plant, like Asian or American ginsengs (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius respectively). Rather, it is a shrub that grows about five feet tall and is indigenous to parts of Korea, China, Russia and Japan.
It has been employed as a medicine and as a food in these and other countries for many centuries; more than 2100 years. It is commonly taken to alleviate stress, boost mental performance, increase energy levels, support weight loss and as an anti-aging and anti0inflammatory herb.
Although from an entirely different plant genus than P. ginseng and P. quinquefolium, Eleutherococcus senticosus is known to contain several of the same bioactive constituents and provides some similar effects. Siberian ginseng is implicated for reducing the risk of numerous health maladies.
It is being researched currently for its effects on heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, hypertension, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances and much more.
Energy & Stamina
Immune Function
Mood- Promotes physical performance & endurance
- Supports cognitive abilities & mood
- Boosts immune function & vitality
Eleutherococcus Senticosus
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Taking Eleutherococcus senticosus has been associated with a number of health benefits, both in traditional natural medicine and in recent research studies.
Widespread use of Siberian ginseng continues today by millions of people across various cultures. While some of the traditional uses of the herb are lacking in evidence, there is clinical demonstration of other claims.
Eleutherococcus senticosus may boost cognitive function and has been observed to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters. This herb also seems to enhance the communication of signals within certain areas of the brain.
Siberian ginseng is catecholaminergic, meaning it raises the available quantities of the three main catecholamines: dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It is similar in its neurotransmission actions to the nerve tonic Muira puama.
In-vitro experiments on Eleutherococcus senticosus demonstrates certain neuroprotective effects. In animal tests involving subjects with some form of cognitive damage, rehabilitative effects were noted.
At daily oral doses equivalent to 48 mg/kg in humans, rats showed strong improvements in cognition, and in variables associated with neuronal protection.
These effects are believed to be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Siberian ginseng.
Eleutherococcus Senticosus Effects
Many people use Eleutherococcus senticosus as an adaptogenic agent, helping to combat the effects of daily stress.
Adaptogens are believed to restore the body to homeostasis following exposure to external stressors. They are said to enhance the “state of non-specific resistance” of the body to environmental factors by increasing the ability of the body to adapt to new surroundings and circumstances.
Research on the stress-relieving capacities of Siberian ginseng is inconclusive. In one study, the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus on neuropeptide Y (NPY) concentrations in the brain were examined. NPY is a stress hormone that forms part of the body’s innate defense to stress. When levels of NPY are high, it increases our tolerance and ability to adapt to stress.
An extract of Eleutherococcus senticosus root was found to stimulate the expression of this hormone, which may improve the body’s ability to handle stress.
However, this study used a proprietary extract known as ADAPT-232 which combined E. senticosus with Schisandra chinensis berry extract and Rhodiola rosea root extract SHR-5. For this reason, it is not possible to determine which of these compounds caused the resulting increase in NPY expression or whether it was a result of the synergistic pairing of these three extracts together.
Eleutherococcus Senticosus for Energy and Aging
E. senticosus may also be helpful with regulating the synthesis and utilization of glucose in the body. This could be helpful both for weight loss purposes and to increase energy levels among athletes.
Acetylcholine stimulation via Siberian ginseng supplementation may induce increased insulin secretion from the pancreas. This means that more insulin is in the bloodstream, glucose is more readily transported into the cells and blood glucose levels are better controlled.
Other beneficial antidiabetic effects may include decreased insulin sensitivity and improved capacities for managing the long-term symptoms of diabetes type 2 mellitus, metabolic syndrome and other related conditions and diseases.
In further animal tests, Eleutherococcus senticosus has been shown to combat weight gain. In diabetic and non-diabetic rats, supplementation at the human equivalent dose of 500 mg/kg of bodyweight caused weight gain reductions of 13.4% and 25.3% respectively. The food efficiency ratio of treatment group rats was superior to those of placebo group subjects.
Clinical studies on Eleutherococcus senticosus are underway to determine its anti-aging capacities. Because of its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Siberian ginseng is thought to slow the onset and progression of general aging symptoms. It may help promote increased vitality, and increased longevity.
Clinical studies involving human subjects have shown improvements in overall lipid profiles when taking Siberian Ginseng Root supplements. LDL cholesterol, triglycerides decreased while HDL cholesterol increased due to 1500 mg doses taken daily by mouth for six months.
This implicates Siberian ginseng as a possible agent for combating hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, arterial plaque formations, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and numerous other conditions and diseases.
Safety of Eleutherococcus Senticosus
Eleutherococcus senticosus has been used as a safe medicinal agent since ancient times. Clinical evidence validates these claims of safety. Siberian ginseng is classified as likely safe for consecutive daily use up to two months. Further, usage up to one year is considered possibly safe, especially if stacked with low doses of vitamin D and calcium.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 appear to be safe for E. senticosus supplementation, however not enough is known about it to recommend it for use in children under twelve years of age.
Use Eleutherococcus senticosus when pregnant or nursing only with direct permission from your OB/GYN or pediatrician as your case dictates. The effects of Siberian ginseng on developing and new babies are not understood.
Eleutherococcus Senticosus Conclusions
Siberian Ginseng may be beneficial for health on various levels. As an adaptogenic agent, it is being researched for its ability to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function. It is also being tested for its ability to reduce risk factors related to heart disease, cancer and diabetes mellitus.
Eleutherococcus senticosus affects various body systems simultaneously. Therefore, caution is recommended for anyone using other medicines, including other herbals, alongside this natural supplement. Speak with a doctor before starting to use Siberian ginseng.
Article last updated on: April 15th, 2018 by Nootriment