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Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract

Also known as: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Siberian ginseng, Rupr. & Maxim., Maxim.

Overview

Eleutherococcus senticosus, commonly known as Siberian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb native to Northeast Asia. Despite its name, it is not related to true ginseng. It has been used traditionally to enhance endurance, improve memory, and boost immunity. The root extract contains various bioactive compounds, including eleutherosides, acanthosides, phytosterols, triterpene saponins, and lignans. It is primarily used to mitigate chronic fatigue, enhance physical performance, and as an antimicrobial and chemoprotectant agent. Research on Eleutherococcus senticosus dates back to the 1960s, but the quality and consistency of the evidence vary. While numerous studies have reported positive effects, systematic reviews often highlight the need for better-designed trials to substantiate efficacy claims. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, typically derived from the root.

Benefits

Eleutherococcus senticosus is associated with several potential health benefits, although the strength of evidence varies. Some studies suggest it may improve physical performance and reduce chronic fatigue, but these findings are not consistently strong. A systematic review noted that while numerous studies reported positive effects, the evidence was not sufficient to clearly substantiate efficacy. Polysaccharides from E. senticosus have shown immunoenhancement effects in various studies, including increased resistance to splenic lymphocyte proliferation. The extract has also been found to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to its overall health benefits. Some studies indicate potential protective effects on the central nervous system, though more robust evidence is needed. Benefits are generally reported for individuals experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, and reduced working capacity. There is some evidence suggesting improved physical performance in athletes and individuals with high physical demands, but this is not universally supported. Improvements in mental fatigue and restlessness have been noted after several weeks of consistent use.

How it works

Eleutherococcus senticosus primarily influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and mediators of stress response, such as molecular chaperones. The polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds may enhance immune function and exhibit anti-tumor, anti-viral, and antioxidative activities. The extract interacts with the immune system, central nervous system, and possibly the cardiovascular system, though the mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The bioactive compounds, including eleutherosides and polysaccharides, target various molecular pathways involved in stress response, immune function, and cellular protection. The bioavailability of the extract's components can vary based on the extraction method and formulation, with ethanol extraction being a common practice.

Side effects

Eleutherococcus senticosus is generally well-tolerated, but comprehensive safety data, especially in specific populations like nursing mothers, is lacking. Common side effects are not consistently reported across studies, but potential side effects may include increased blood pressure, increased bleeding, and increased blood sugar levels. Breast tenderness has been reported in some cases. There are isolated reports of adverse effects, but these are not well-documented or verified. Potential interactions with medications affecting blood pressure, blood sugar, and bleeding exist, though specific interactions are not well-studied. Use during breastfeeding is generally not recommended due to a lack of safety data. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or bleeding disorders. It is important to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels when taking this supplement, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Dosage

Typical doses of Eleutherococcus senticosus range from 100 to 400 mg per day of the dry extract, with a drug:extract ratio of 16–25:1. The optimal dose is not well-established, but common dosages are in the range of 300-400 mg per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 400 mg per day are less commonly studied. No specific timing recommendations are available, but consistent daily use is typical. Ethanol extracts are commonly used, and the bioavailability may vary based on the extraction method. Absorption can be influenced by the extraction solvent and method, with ethanol extraction being a common practice. There are no known required cofactors for the effective use of E. senticosus.

FAQs

Is Eleutherococcus senticosus safe?

While generally well-tolerated, caution is advised in specific populations due to the lack of comprehensive safety data, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

When should I take Eleutherococcus senticosus?

No specific timing is recommended, but daily use is typical. It can be taken with or without food, depending on individual preference and tolerance.

What results can I expect from taking Eleutherococcus senticosus?

Improvements in physical performance, fatigue, and stress response may be expected, but the evidence is not consistently strong. Individual results may vary.

Is Eleutherococcus senticosus the same as true ginseng?

No, it is often mistaken for true ginseng, but it has different constituents and effects. Eleutherococcus senticosus is not botanically related to true ginseng.

Research Sources

https://www.cog.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/cog/mam/paper/2013/schaffler_wolf_burkart_es_stress_pharmacopsychiatry_2013_.pdf – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus in individuals suffering from asthenia and reduced working capacity related to chronic stress. The study found no significant differences between the treatment groups receiving E. senticosus and those receiving stress management training alone, except for mental fatigue and restlessness, which improved more in the combined treatment group. The study was considered to be of moderate quality due to the lack of a primary endpoint and no correction for multiplicity of testing.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.865586/full – This analytical study provided a comprehensive analysis of Eleutherococcus senticosus leaves, identifying 30 compounds, including 20 phenolic compounds and 7 saponins. The study demonstrated the bioactive properties of these compounds, including α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. While the study was of high quality due to its comprehensive analytical methods, it focused on leaf extracts rather than root extracts.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK501806/ – This is a general reference to herbs and dietary supplements, providing background information on Eleutherococcus senticosus. It covers basic information such as common names, uses, and safety considerations. This source serves as a general overview and does not provide specific research findings.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.753007/full – This review examined the biological activities of Eleutherococcus senticosus polysaccharides, including immunoenhancement, anti-tumor, anti-viral, and antioxidative effects. The review provided a comprehensive overview of existing literature on the topic. The review focused on polysaccharides rather than the whole extract, but was considered to be of high quality due to its comprehensive review of existing literature.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/No-Benefit-Adding-Eleutherococcus-senticosus-to-in-Schaffler-Wolf/4b2c92f0c75856c5766e5af94835da457ec0dbe5 – This paper, similar to the first study, reports on a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of adding Eleutherococcus senticosus to stress management training. The key finding was that there was no significant benefit from adding the supplement to stress management training alone. This reinforces the findings of the first study, suggesting that the benefits of Eleutherococcus senticosus may be limited in this context.