ELEUTHERO

Common Names
Siberian ginseng, ci wu jia

Botany
Eleuthero belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant relative of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also known commonly as touch-me-not and devil’s shrub, eleuthero has been most frequently nicknamed Siberian ginseng in this country. Eleuthero is native to the Taiga region of the Far East (southeastern part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and the rhizomes (underground stem) are used.

Historical or Traditional Use
Although not as popular as Asian ginseng, eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci wu jia in Chinese medicine, it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections as well as colds and flu. It was also believed to provide energy and vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was originally used by people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase performance and quality of life and to decrease infections.

In more modern times, eleuthero’s ability to increase stamina and endurance led Soviet Olympic athletes to use it to enhance their training. Explorers, divers, sailors, and miners used eleuthero to prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian and Ukrainian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.

Active Constituents and Proposed Mechanism of Action
The constituents in eleuthero that have received the most attention are the eleutherosides.¹ Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E.² Eleuthero also contains complex polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules).³ These constituents play a critical role in eleuthero’s ability to support immune function.

As an adaptogen, eleuthero helps the body adapt to stress by supporting healthy adrenal gland function; it allows the glands to function optimally when challenged by stress.⁴

Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products.⁵ Research has shown that eleuthero improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle.⁶ This means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and recover from workouts more quickly.

Eleuthero also supports the body by helping the liver detoxify harmful toxins. It has shown a protective action in animal studies against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents.⁷ Eleuthero also helps protect the body during radiation exposure.⁸ Preliminary studies in Russia have confirmed the use of eleuthero for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer to help alleviate side effects and help the bone marrow recover more quickly.⁹

Eleuthero enhances and supports the immune response. Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. Preliminary evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV infection and chronic fatigue syndrome.¹⁰ Healthy people taking 10 ml (2 U.S. teaspoons) of tincture TID have been shown to have increased numbers of immune cells (T lymphocytes).

Recommended Dosage
Dried, powdered root and rhizomes of 2–3 grams per day can be used.¹¹ Concentrated solid extract standardized on eleutherosides B and E, 300–400 mg per day, can also be used, as can alcohol-based extracts, 8–10 ml in two to three divided dosages. Historically, eleuthero is taken continuously for six to eight weeks, followed by a one- to two-week break before resuming.

Contraindications
Reported side effects have been minimal with use of eleuthero.¹² Mild, transient diarrhea has been reported in a very small number of users. Eleuthero may cause insomnia in some people if taken too close to bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It can be used during pregnancy or lactation. However, pregnant or lactating women using eleuthero should avoid products that have been adulterated with Panax ginseng or other related species that are contraindicated.

References:

1. Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991;2:61–71 [review].
2. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155–215 [review].
3. Hikino H, Takahashi M, et al. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F and G: glycans of Eleutheroecoccus senticosus roots. J Natural Prod 1986;49:293–7.
4. Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76 [review].
5. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. H Wagner, HZ Hikino, NR Farnsworth. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155–215 [review].
6. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;37:175–7.
7. Collisson RJ. Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroecoccus senticosus). Brit J Phytother 1991;2:61–71 [review].
8. Ben-Hur E, Fulder S. Effect of P. ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus S. on survival of cultured mammalian cells after ionizing radiation. Am J Chin Med 1981;9:48–56.
9. Kupin VI, Polevaia EB. Stimulation of the immunological reactivity of cancer patients by eleutherococcus extract. Vopr Onkol 1986;32:21–6 [in Russian].
10. Bohn B, Nebe CT, Birr C. Flow cytometric studies with Eleutherococcus senticosus extract as an immunomodulating agent. Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res 1987;37:1193–6.
11. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 69–77.
12. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 45.

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