Herbs & Supplements

Should I take it?

Among its provisions, the U.S. Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 made illegal the use of the name "ginseng" for any product not derived from a plant of the Panax genus (family). Eleuthero is related to American ginseng and Panax ginseng, but it is not a member of the Panax genus. In the United States, products formerly labeled as "Siberian ginseng" must now use the common name, "eleuthero" or the scientific name "Eleutherococcus senticosus".

Although it was formerly known as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero is not actually a member of the plant family considered to contain the "true" ginsengs. It is, instead, a related shrub about 6 feet to 8 feet tall. Its branches are covered in sharp thorn-like barbs. The leaves of eleuthero may be dried and used as tea. Eleuthero blooms in late summer and then bears very dark red or black fruits the size of marbles. The fruits may be eaten fresh or cooked. While the roots of Panax species resemble carrots or parsnips in texture, the roots of eleuthero are hard and woody. Native to eastern Asia, eleuthero is now grown extensively on farms in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia.

Eleuthero did not come into wide use until the mid-1900s when the world supply of Panax species was extremely low. Russian and Chinese scientists discovered that other species--particularly Eleutherococcus--had medicinal effects that are similar to ginseng's, but could be grown faster. Nearly all the research done on eleuthero has been done in Asia.

Dosage and Administration

Dosing for eleuthero depends on the condition being treated. Individuals who decide to use eleuthero should follow the directions on the package that is purchased. Taking eleuthero continuously for more than 2 months is not recommended.

Eleuthero is available in a number of different oral dosage forms that include liquid extracts and capsules containing dried root powder. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Many eleuthero products are standardized to contain 0.3% of an active ingredient called eleutheroside E. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of this active ingredient in every batch of commercial preparations. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every product sold in the United States will contain the same amounts of active ingredients. Additionally, the amounts of active chemicals in eleuthero vary greatly according to how the plants are grown, when the roots are harvested, and how they are processed. Several plants that resemble eleuthero grow in the same regions, so eleuthero frequently may be contaminated with material from those different plants.

Summary

Best known as a general tonic to improve overall mental and physical health, eleuthero may produce modest improvements in immune function and memory. It may reduce blood levels of sugar and cholesterol, slightly. However, these and other possible uses need to be investigated more thoroughly before they can be recommended.

Risks

Individuals with heart conditions, pregnant women, small children, and women who are breast-feeding should not take eleuthero. It should be taken with caution by individuals who have diabetes.

Side Effects

Long-term use of eleuthero may result in muscle spasms. Even low or short-term use may cause anxiety, drowsiness, high blood pressure, or rapid heartbeat.

Interactions

Eleuthero may interact in various ways with many drugs, foods, and other herbal products, including:

• Alcohol
• Bitter or spicy foods
• Digoxin
• Drugs and herbals that affect blood clotting
• Drugs and herbals that lower blood sugar
• Sedating prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products

Last Revised October 11, 2007