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ELEUTHERO (SIBERLKN GINSENG) ROOTEleutherococcus senticosus Description and Constituents of HerbEleuthero (Siberian ginseng) root consists of the dried roots and/or rhizome of Eleutherococcus senticosus Rupr. et Maxim. (syn. Acanthopanax senticosus Harms) [Fam. Araliaceae]. The root contains glucosides (eleutherosides A-G), lignans and coumarin derivatives (e.g., eleutheroside B1) Active Constituents:eleutherosides and polysaccharides. Introduction:Siberian ginseng is one of the top selling herbal products in the United States. It is a member of the ginseng family, but it is of a different genus than other popular ginsengs such as the Panax or Asian varieties. The use of Siberian ginseng root dates back 2,000 years in the records of Chinese medicine. It was used for respiratory tract infections, as well as colds and influenza. The Chinese also believed that Siberian ginseng provided energy and vitality. In Russia, it was originally used by the Siberian people to increase physical performance and to increase the quality of life and decrease infections. Siberian ginseng has been studied extensively since the 1940s. The root has been found to have many adaptogenic benefits. Siberian ginseng has been reported to increase stamina and endurance and protect the body systems against stress-induced illness. It is rumored that Soviet Olympic athletes have used Siberian ginseng successfully to enhance sports performance and concentration. Siberian ginseng root is frequently prescribed in Europe and Russia as an herbal "tonic," improving immune function and general well-being. It has been classified as an " adaptogen," meaning a substance that increases nonspecific resistance of the body to a Wide range of chemical, physical, psychological and biological factors (stressors). Adaptogens have the unique ability to switch from stimulating to sedating effects based on the body's needs. According to tradition and the literature, Siberian ginseng possesses this kind of balancing, tonic, antistress action on the body. The chief component in Siberian ginseng that has the adaptogenic ability has been found to be the eleutheroside content, and high quality preparations are standardized or guaranteed to have a certain amount of this compound. Also, polysaccharides in Siberian ginseng play a role in its support of immune function. Modern Uses:Commission E has approved eleuthero ginseng as a tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility or declining capacity for work and concentration, also during convalescence. Chronic inflammatory conditions. Prevention of colds and flu, supportive use during radiation or chemotherapy, chronic fatigue syndrome. Dosage Range:200mg (standardized extract), 2 to 3 times daily. A regimen of 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off is recommended for maximum benefits. Most Common Dosage: 200mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. Standardized to: 0.8% eleutherosides per dose. Toxicities, Cautions and Contraindications:Has been used in thousands of clinical studies with only minor side effects, but there are reports of hypertension, insomnia, irritabfflty, anxiety and tachycardia.
Pharmacology:The adaptogenic properties of Siberian ginseng have been extensively investigated in Russia. Both animal and human studies have reported the benefits of Siberian ginseng in different conditions. Siberian ginseng extract has been administered in Russia to more than 4300 human subjects in studies involving either healthy or unhealthy individuals. Some of the benefits claimed for Siberian ginseng are listed below.
Actions:Human studies: Immunostimulant; with healthy volunteers, the lymphocyte count, especially that of T-lymphocytes, increased following intake of fluidextracts. Adaptogenic and immunomodulatory. Tranquilizing effect on the CNS, CNS stimulant, lowers blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Animal studies: In various stress models, e.g., immobilization test and coldness test, the endurance of rodents was enhanced. Hypo/hyperglycemic activity, sedative actions, CNS stimulant effects, immunostimulant, antitoxic, adaptogenic, steroidal activity, antiedema, anti-inflammatory, improved reproductive capacity. Side EffectsNone known. No side effects reported from Russian studies on more than 2100 healthy persons; some side effects noted on patients with various ailments. Interactions with Conventional DrugsOne source suggests that eleuthero should not be taken with stimulants, including coffee, antipsychotic drugs or. during treatment with hormones. Regulatory Status
Comments:This herb is often confused with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) to which it is related botanically and pharmaco- logically (and often used as a substitute). Its chemistry is different from the ginsenosides in Asian ginseng. It became popular in the U.S. in the 1970s due to its official use in the former USSR by cosmonauts and Olympic team members. Most of the research on this herb has been conducted in Russia or China. ReferencesAvailable upon request Last modified: August 27, 2000 |
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Herbal
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