Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian ginseng is a plant. People use the root of the plant to make medicine.

Siberian ginseng is often called an "adaptogen." This is a non-medical term used to describe substances that can supposedly strengthen the body and increase general resistance to daily stress.

In addition to being used as an adaptogen, Siberian ginseng is used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure, low blood pressure, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and rheumatic heart disease.

It is also used for kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, high cholesterol, improving loss of sensation in extremities (peripheral neuropathy), fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the effects of a hangover, flu, colds, chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis. It is also used for treating the side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Some people use Siberian ginseng to improve athletic performance and the ability to do work. They also use it to treat sleep problems (insomnia) and the symptoms of infections caused by herpes simplex type 2.

It is also used to boost the immune system, prevent colds, and increase appetite.

In manufacturing, Siberian ginseng is added to skin care products.

Don't confuse Siberian ginseng with other types of ginseng. Siberian ginseng is not the same herb as American or Panax ginseng. Be careful about which product you choose. American and Panax ginseng can be a lot more expensive. It is said that years ago, the Soviet Union wanted to provide its athletes with the advantages offered by ginseng but wanted a less expensive version. So, Siberian ginseng became popular, and this is why most studies on Siberian ginseng have been done in Russia.

You should know that the quality of Siberian ginseng products varies a lot. Siberian ginseng is often misidentified or contains "adulterants," which are other ingredients that do not contribute to the benefit of the product, but take up space in the product. Silk vine is a common adulterant of Siberian ginseng.

Before taking Siberian ginseng, talk with your healthcare provider if you take any medications. This herb interacts with many prescription drugs.

How does it work?

Siberian ginseng contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones. It might also contain chemicals that have activity against some bacteria and viruses.

Bipolar disorder.
Relieving symptoms of the common cold, when used in combination with an herb called andrographis.
Diabetes.
A viral infection called herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2).
Improving athletic performance.
Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Mental performance.
An inherited disorder that causes swelling and fevers (Familial Mediterranean fever).
Hangover.
Heart disease.
High Cholesterol.
Flu.
Stroke.
Osteoarthritis.
Osteoporosis.
Pneumonia.
Alzheimer's disease.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bronchitis.
Chemotherapy side effects.
Fatigue.
Fibromyalgia.
Kidney problems.
Low oxygen levels.
Motion sickness.
Tuberculosis.
High cholesterol.

For herpes simplex type 2 infections: Siberian ginseng extract standardized to contain eleutheroside E 0.3% in doses of 400 mg per day.

For the common cold: 400 mg of a combination of Siberian ginseng plus a specific andrographis extract, standardized to contain 4-5.6 mg andrographolide (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute) three times daily.

Siberian Ginseng is SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth, short-term. While side effects are rare, some people can have drowsiness, changes in heart rhythm, sadness, anxiety, muscle spasms, and other side effects. In high doses, increased blood pressure might occur.

Siberian Ginseng is SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth, long-term, or when injected intravenously (by IV), short term. Siberian Ginseng has been taken by mouth in combination with rehmannia, calcium, and vitamin D for up to one year. Siberian Ginseng has been injected by IV for up to 2 weeks.

Children: Siberian ginseng is SAFE in teenagers (ages 12-17 years) when taken by mouth for up to 6 weeks. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of Siberian ginseng when taken by teenagers long-term.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Siberian ginseng if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Siberian ginseng contains chemicals that might slow blood clotting. In theory, Siberian ginseng might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Heart conditions: Siberian ginseng can cause a pounding heart, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. People who have heart disorders (e.g., "hardening of the arteries," rheumatic heart disease, or history of heart attack) should use Siberian ginseng only under a healthcare provider's supervision.

Diabetes: Siberian ginseng might increase or decrease blood sugar. In theory, Siberian ginseng might affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you take Siberian ginseng and have diabetes.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Siberian ginseng might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use Siberian ginseng.

High blood pressure: Siberian ginseng should not be used by people with blood pressure over 180/90. Siberian ginseng might make high blood pressure worse.

Mental conditions such as mania or schizophrenia: Siberian ginseng might make these conditions worse. Use with caution.