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Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has been used in China, Korea, Japan and Russia for over 2100 years. It is an adaptogen, an antioxidant and a diuretic.
It also demonstrates anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.
Although referred to as ginseng, E. senticosus is not related to Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) or Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). It is from a different plant family altogether, but has come to be known as Siberian ginseng because of its versatility as a normalizing health agent.
Siberian ginseng benefits are believed to generally promote wellness, increase energy levels, alleviate fatigue, and enhance athletic and sexual performance. It is also said to have nootropic benefits and may positively influence concentration and cognitive function.
Its primary traditional use was to increase adaptability to physical, societal, environmental and other stressors. In fact, the term “adaptogen” was first invented to describe the purported health-boosting properties of Siberian ginseng.
Energy & Stamina
Immune Function
Mood- Promotes physical performance & endurance
- Supports cognitive abilities & mood
- Boosts immune function & vitality
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Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract contains a number of bioactive compounds that are said to enhance the body’s ability to regulate homeostasis.
By stimulating the immune system and increasing levels of stress-activated hormones, this herb may improve the body’s ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
Among Chinese herbalists, it was called the “The King of the Adaptogens.” In the Soviet Union, Dr. Ben Tabachnik attributed Eleuthero as the reason this country’s Olympic Team was so dominant at the 1988 Olympics.
The benefits of Siberian Ginseng are believed to include the following:
- Improved response to stress
- Improved cognitive function, memory and concentration
- Improved athletic stamina and energy
- Improved sexual performance and reduction of ED symptoms
- Improved mood regulation
- Improved immunity and protection from the Common Cold
Some of these benefits are substantiated by research, while others are not. Some research studies have shown inconclusive results with regards to benefits for athletic performance, energy and stamina levels.
Many of the benefits have been attributed to a placebo effect. However, other studies have been able to demonstrate mechanisms of action that do validate some of the claims of benefits linked to Eleutherococcus senticosus.
Siberian Ginseng for Bipolar Disorder
Clinical experiments have shown that taking three daily 750 mg doses of E. senticosus by mouth improves symptoms of bipolar disorder. Supplementation at this level for 6 weeks has shown better results than certain mainstream bipolar therapy approaches, including the combination of fluoxetine and lithium.
American ginseng is also used by doctors to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and also to treat various cognitive disorders.
In other preliminary studies, this herb was found to significant improve social functioning and self-reported mental well-being in participants aged 65 years and older. Results were observed following 4 weeks of treatment, but were not maintained 8 weeks after treatment.
Benefits for Immunity & Colds
Research shows that supplementation with a mixture of Siberian ginseng root extract and andrographis combats the onset and worsening of common cold symptoms. Oral administration is particularly effective when treatment begins within 3 days of noticing the first symptoms. Maximal relief is generally experienced with 4 to 5 days of usage.
Other data suggests that taking a 30 mL solution of E. senticosus, echinacea and malabar nuts for 6 days has a significant effect on cold symptoms. The frequency and severity of coughing attacks are diminished potently, and nasal congestion is also significantly reduced.
Benefits of Siberian Ginseng for Athletes:
There is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of Siberian ginseng for improving athletic performance. Many strength training athletes use it to boost energy production, mental clarity and increase stamina.
Taking 1 gram daily for 6 weeks showed no significant changes in endurance when compared to a placebo. Other trials have shown it not to improve respiration, lactate synthesis and/or fat utilization.
However, other studies show benefits from taking Siberian ginseng for athletic and/or sexual performance. In one study, taking 400 mg daily over eight weeks improved endurance ratings by 23%. The specific supplement used in this study used an extract that contained 0.11% of eleutheroside B and 0.12% of eleutheroside E.
Although commonly used for purposes of combating chronic fatigue syndrome, there are no apparent Siberian ginseng benefits reported in research studies. In published experiments to date, no improvements in CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) symptoms have been noted.
Siberian Ginseng for Brain Power:
Preliminary clinical data shows that E. senticosus may be effective at improving variables associated with cognitive performance. Siberian ginseng benefits may include improvements to memory retention, and overall increases in perceived well-being, especially in high-stressed, middle-aged persons.
270 mg daily doses have been shown to improve multitasking speed and accuracy in stressed women. Attention seems to be improved as well.
Safety of Siberian Ginseng Benefits
Supplementing with Siberian ginseng is likely safe when used for up to two months consecutively. It is possibly safe when taken orally for periods up to one year. Also, intravenous administration of E. senticosus is known to be possibly safe for up to two weeks without interruption.
It is also classified as possibly safe for use in adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age. There is not enough clinical data published to discern the safety of usage in children under 12, or in long term use in adolescents. Avoid using if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. There is insufficient evidence available to determine the safety for babies and developing fetuses.
Conclusions
Siberian ginseng, like Asian ginseng and American ginseng, is one of the most demanded health supplements today. For thousands of years, people around the world have found advantages in using it as a food and a medicine.
Today, other uses for Siberian ginseng include the reducing the risk for conditions including familial Mediterranean fever, heart disease, osteoporosis, influenza, ischemic stroke, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmias, sinusitis, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, pneumonia and more.
Siberian ginseng benefits have been shown to improve mood, quality of life and stress response in certain trials. If you have pre-existing health conditions, or of you take prescriptions medications, or other herbal substances, then please consult with a doctor or nutritionist before beginning to use Eleutherococcus senticosus.
Article last updated on: April 15th, 2018 by Nootriment