Eleutherosides vs Ginsenosides Benefits, Doses & Side Effects

Eleutherosides are a class of chemical compounds that include saponins, sterol glycosides and phenylpropanoid glycosides.

Along with certain polysaccharides, eleutherosides are believed to be the bioactive constituents responsible for the health benefits associated with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus).

Many people call Siberian ginseng “eleuthero”; referring to its eleutheroside content. Eleutherosides are believed to stimulate the immune system and improve capacities for handling mental and physical stress.

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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Eleutherosides vs Ginsenosides

Siberian ginseng is often grouped together with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

However, Eleutherococcus and Panax are completely different botanical genuses. P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius are related to one another, but not to Siberian ginseng.

Siberian ginseng contains eleutherosides. Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius contain bioactive molecules called ginsenosides.

Although these compound exhibit different physiological effects in humans, there is some degree of overlap. Siberian, Asian and American ginseng are all considered to be adaptogens in traditional Chinese medicine.

Eleutherosides in Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng is indigenous to southeastern Russia, China, Japan, Korea and certain other Asian countries.

Its traditional use as food and medicine dates back over 2000 years. It is believed widely to reduce the effects of stress and impede the effects of aging.

Siberian ginseng eleutherosides have been widely researched for their general health-boosting properties and for athletic and cognitive performance.

To date, eleutheroside extract formulations have been researched for normalizing blood pressure, balancing serum lipids, combating cancer and reducing inflammation.

Eleutherosides may also help to detoxify the liver, strengthen the immune system, support bone health and increase libido. This supplement has also been researched for its effects on atherosclerosis, fibromyalgia, RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and chronic bronchitis.

Research Results for Eleutherosides

In one double-blind human trials, 93 people with type 2 HSV (herpes simplex virus) were studied. HSV2 is a known cause of genital herpes.

Eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng extracts were found to reduce the frequency of HSV2 outbreaks in treatment subjects. When outbreaks did occur in treatment subjects, they were less severe and did not last as long as outbreaks in placebo controls.

Many people use eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng to help them improve their cognitive capacities. Preliminary research suggests that certain eleutherosides may improve memory, especially in healthy middle-aged men.

However, more research is required to validate any cognitive effects of eleutherosides.

Although many athletes and others use Siberian ginseng to encourage muscular development, reduce weight, and enhance athletic performance, research has not validated these uses. Some research suggests improvements in these areas , but other studies have come up with contradictory findings.

Eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng seem safe for proper usage for as long as three months consecutively. If you are considering using Siberian ginseng for any chronic condition (like stress or fatigue), then cycle off usage every 90 days. Take one month off before resuming usage.

Siberian Ginseng Quality Warning

High international demand for Siberian ginseng extracts has created certain opportunities for inferior products to reach markets. NMCD states that more than 2000 Siberian ginseng-based products are available commercially.

Recent analysis of various Siberian ginseng extract products concluded that many of them were substandard. As many as 25% of products tested contained no E. senticosus at all.

Other products were contaminated by ingredients which were not listed on product labels. Do your research when selecting between available eleutheroside supplements. Look for customer reviews and companies with a long track record in business.

Eleutheroside Side Effects

Certain adverse side effects are associated with eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng. The most common of these are insomnia, irritability, anxiety and uterine bleeding.

Other adverse effects may include heart palpitations, hypertension (high blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and mastalgia (breast tenderness). Chronic use of Siberian ginseng may cause inflammation of nerves and/or muscle spasms.

Those with heart disease, narcolepsy, hypertension, sleep apnea, mental illness or autoimmune diseases should use eleutheroside cautiously.

Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use Siberian ginseng supplements. Eleutherosides are rated as possibly safe for children who are at least 12 years old.

Eleutheroside Interactions

Do not mix Siberian ginseng supplements and the following types of medications:

• Sedatives, especially barbiturates like phenobarbital and amphetamine;
• Anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications like aspirin and Plavix;
• Immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine;
• Antidiabetic medications, including insulin;
• A heart medication called digoxin;
• Corticosteroids like prednisone;
• P450 cytochrome substrates;
• Lithium;

If you are considering using a Siberian ginseng extract product, then it is best to talk to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are using.

Conclusions

In the past, most research on Siberian ginseng and eleutherosides was conducted by Russian researchers. The data developed in Soviet research was not made readily available to western researchers.

As a result, there is little reliable evidence currently available about the effects of eleutherosides. Most of its traditional uses were based on anecdotal evidence and folklore.

However, more and more research studies are examining the health benefits of eleutherosides in Ginseng plants. It demonstrates some adaptogenic properties and may generally support immunity and energy levels.

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