Eleutherococcus senticosus

Family: Araliaceae family

History & Growing: Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng despite being a completely different chemical makeup from American or Asian ginseng (Panax spp), is a shrubby, deciduous perennial native to mountain regions of eastern Russian, China, Korea and Japan. It enjoys full sun to part sunlight and well-draining soil; eleuthero can reach heights of 10 feet when mature, and has toothed leaflets on its thorny, spike-covered stems. The bush offers purplish fruits, but the long, pliable, woody roots – usually harvested in the fall – are used medicinally. Its use dates back 2,000+ years, often brewed as a bitter tonic and mixed with sweet rice wine. [2, 6, 10]

Parts Used Medicinally: Root

Taste: mildly sweet, earthy, mildly bitter

Medicinal Preparations: Decoction or infusion, tincture, capsule

Energetics: Slightly warming, neutral moisture, neutral tone

Actions:

• ADAPTOGEN
  •  a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.
  • Often taken in times of fatigue and imbalance; without holistic approach to wellness (sleep, diet, lifestyle) adaptogens alone will likely not “do the trick!” Adaptogens are not free energy!
• Antioxidant
• Immunomodulator
• Immune stimulant
• Bitter tonic

Key Constituents: Eleutherosides, polysaccharides, triterpenoid saponins, glycans, oleanic acid, volatile oil [2, 6]

Organs & Body Systems Herb Acts Upon:

• Heart
• Immune system
• Stress response/HPA Axis
• Reproductive system
• Digestive system

Traditional & Current Uses (with supporting  Studies & Research):

• Widely researched and studied! We actually have clinical trials and research to support eleuthero’s amazing actions.
• A popular Eastern herbal medicine for many years and becoming more widely used in the West. [6]
  • Traditional uses included: oedema, joint and lower back pain, hernias, insomnia (in the context of sleeplessness from too many dreams. [4]), anorexia; even respiratory afflictions like bronchitis
  • In TCM, eleuthero is used to “invigorate the chi”  and nourish the spleen and kidney.
• Used as a tonic for general health & wellness, vitality/longevity, and improved libido. Its more popularly known for good health maitenance than treating acute poor health.
• Key Current Uses:
  • Improvement in Stamina, Resilience, Performance & Stress Response; Exhaustion
    • The Soviet Union researched its performance-boosting qualities (study was done on approx. 5,000 people) in the 1950’s for the working class, and it soon became a popular supportive herb for everyday adults. [2]
• • • Athletes have experienced up to 9% stamina improvement when taking eleuthero
• • • Per the much loved resource for herbalists Herbal Reality, “Studies have found maintenance doses of eleuthero improve physical work capacity, stamina, and recovery time.” [6]
• • • Eleuthero supports the adrenal glands, supporting the body when exposed to extreme heat, cold, infection, stress, weightlessness (space) and/or radiation. As a bitter tonic, eleuthero also supports digestion and absorption.
      • Supplementation could benefit those who are overworked, and/or sensitive to loud noises/temperature fluctuation, people living in harsh climates (astronauts, extreme heat/cold) athletes, those with weakened immunity and/or chronic fatigue. It could also help support recovery from Epstein Barr virus,  AIDS and HIV patients. Eleuthero could help those with insulin sensitivity or diabetes, hypothyroidism, poor concentration or ADHD [1, 3]
• • • • Eleutherosides (Eleutheroside E) present in eleuthero helps downregulate gluconeogenesis – metabolic process that takes place in the liver where your body creates glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates like pyruvate, lactate, etc  
  • • • • According to Gaia herbs, “Studies show eleutherosides can increase endurance, lower blood lactate levels, and enhance lipid metabolism”  [10]Eleuthero can help improve endurance, regulate glucose levels and may help improve insulin sensitivity. This is could be very impactful for athletes and/or those with blood sugar sensitivities.  😀
• • • • Wonderful for mental acuity and focus so taking eleuthero in preparation for testing could be beneficial (students, etc)
• • • • Eleuthero can help improve clarity and concentration, along with stamina, so it supplementation for those with ADHD can be beneficial (not recommended for those already taking ADHD medication)
• • • • As a tonic herb and stimulating adaptogen, eleuthero can lift depression while improving overall health and focus.Generally tolerated well by those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer (while under the supervision of their healthcare practitioner) [1]
• • • • Cancer treatment adjacentEleuthero can support those undergoing traditional cancer treatment by supporting general health and vitality, potentially reducing the effects of chemotherapy. It has a general protective effect on the body. Russian studies suggest it may help reduce the effects of radiation [2]
        • Eleuthero was given to those suffering from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 to help counteract the effects of radiation.
• • • • • Eleuthero, as an adaptogen immune stimulate, can help patients recover after surgery chemotherapy. Eleuthero was the first herb to be studied in the context of “adaptogens” by Dr. Nikolai Lazarev.
• • • • • Adaptogens must be nontoxic, have a general normalizing effect on the body (“help maintain homeostatis by regulating organ function” Popham [5]), and have a nonspecific action that supports the stress response.
• • • • • Per Christa Sinadinos: “Eleuthero has the ability to increase nonspecific body resistance to stress and fatigue.”Can help reduce bone loss, especially after taking steroids or steroidal anti-inflammatories [3]According to Herbal Medicine in Andrology by Chinyerum S. Opuwari “This plant has been widely used in bone metabolism as it strengthens muscle and bone, has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, antiviral, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anti-depressive, anti-steatosis, and neuroprotective effects.”  [8]
• • • • • There is evidence that eleuthero has antitumor, anti-inflammatory and carcinostatic (inhibits growth of malignant tumors) actions.Eleuthero use alongside chemotherapy may improve quality of life AND white blood cell recovery times. Sensory parameters may also be improved. [9]
• • • • • Eleuthero can be used to support those going through withdraw from substance abuse. It can be used to help relieve effects when discontinuing or tapering use from heroin, barbiturates, methamphetamines; it can also help people quit cigarettes and reduce their caffeine dependency. [3] We see this in other adaptogen and nutritive herbs, like milky oats and ashwaghanda
    Immune & Lymphatic  Support
    • Taken regularly as a tonic, eleuthero can reduce the instances of the flu, colds and common illnesses.
      • Eleuthero’s polysaccharides have immune boosting and modulating effects.
• • • • Eleuthero can increase the number of helper T as well as natural killer cells.
• • • • It can also increase the activity of lympohcytes and phagocytic neutrocytes.  
• • • • Supplementation can also increase interferon production. [3]
• • • • Generally not recommended in short term acute illnesses (tonic herbs, according to TCM, can strengthen microbes)
    Heart
    • Offers general supports to stress response (flight or fight) and helps bolster resilience in those exposed to prolonged stressHelps the body cope with extreme temperatures, workload and/or trauma
• • • May help lower LDL cholesterol and balance blood pressure by supporting stress response, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation (so this herb can be beneficial in those with high or low blood pressure, but with the support of a physician).
      • Anyone taking medication, specifically blood pressure medication and/or anticoagulants, should use caution before trying herbal supplements. Seek the approval of your practitioner before beginning use!
  • Reproductive System
    • Improved libido and sexual function, particularly in cases where decrease in performance and function can be traced to stress.
      • As a tonic herb, eleuthero helps improve energy and stamina. As a result, many herbalists combine eleuthero with ashwagandha, schisandra and/or muira puama to help increase sexual function, vitality and libido. [3]
  • • • Eleuthero can help support the balance of reproductive hormones. Supplementation could potentially reduce imbalances in menstrual cycles or perimopausal imbalances that are attributed to prolonged exposure to extreme stress (examples: methamphetamine use, disordered eating)
  • • • In vitro, there is evidence of eleuthero binding with reproductive hormones; supplementation could contribute to hormone-balancing formulas (black cohosh, vitex, don quai) [3]
    • Eleuthero supplementation can help minimize the frequency of outbreaks of herpes (type II), particularly in cases where stress is a factor. Regular dosage can help prevent sores from erupting, reduce the severity AND duration of outbreaks, and help improve recovery.

When to Reach for eleuthero:

• To support general health, vitality and immunity in preparation for or during prolonged exposure to stress
• Tincture is easy; be sure to take the appropriate dose.
• I’ve most commonly used it in tea or decoction blends, as its taste is not unpleasant and I really enjoy blending it with other uplifting, restorative and/or nutritive herbs (like holy basil, oat straw, nettle root). Because it is relatively neutral in taste, tone and moisture, it makes a really nice “base” herb.

Dosage:

• Dosage can be a key factor (like with many herbal supplements)
• 2 T. decoction simmered in 3 cups water (reduces down to 2-2.5 cups). Consume 1-2 cups/day as a general tonic [2]
• Tincture
  • Most studies were done with a highly concentrated extract (1:1 ratio)
  • Common tincture ratio of 1:4
    • Can be dosed at 5 ml, 4 times/day [5]
    • Higher doses may raise blood pressure.
    • Low to moderate doses can have a more modulating effect on blood pressure  [1]
    • Start low and adjust is usually a good way to go!
• 1-3 tablets daily of 1.25g standardized 0.7g eleutheroside E  [6]

Contraindications:

• Not recommended during acute illness or menstruation/perimenopause
• While supplementation can support those ADHD, it is not recommended for individuals taking ADHD medication
• Eleuthero can be stimulating. Taking large doses after 2 PM can lead to insomnia.
• It is recommended to take 1-2 weeks off after daily, medicinal supplementation for 6-8 weeks.
  • It is easy to overdo it on frequency, duration and dosage with popular adaptogen supplements. This can lead to burn out and other issues, the same patterns and symptoms adaptogens help support. Per Sajah Popham, adaptogens support one’s vital force, and should only be used when indicated within someone’s unique constitution and patterns.
• Be aware of adulteration in products. Buy only from a trusted, organic source.

Element, Planet, and Dosha Discussion:

• Fire element (warming adaptogen, dark purple fruits)
• Mars & Sun rulership
• All dosha’s can benefit from eleuthero, but it may be aggravating for pitta doshas who are hot/stimulated! Formulating for this dosha is key. Vata doshas can benefit from its warming, renewing properties, and kapha doshas can benefit from its stimulating action.
• Eleuthero is a tonic herb ideal for damp/heat conditions

Citations & Recommended Reading:

1. Body Into Balance, Maria Noel Groves
2. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Andrew Chevallier
3. Eleuthero Uses and Plant Monograph, Learning Herbs by Christa Sinadinos
4. Eleuthero Root (product) Mountain Rose Herbs
5. Adaptogens and the holistic approach to fatigue, Evolutionary Herbalism by Sajah Popham
6. Siberian Ginseng, Herbal Reality
7. Sophia Gerontakos, Amy Taylor, Alena Yu Avdeeva, Veronika A. Shikova, Olga N. Pozharitskaya, David Casteleijn, Jon Wardle, Alexander N. Shikov, Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.): A na
8. Herbal medicines (, ) used to treat andrological problems: Asia and Indian Subcontinent 2021, Herbal Medicine in Andrology Chinyerum S. Opuwari
9. Gerontakos S, Taylor A, Avdeeva A et al. Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.): A narrative review. J Ethnopharmacol
10. Exploring Eleuthero: Originas, Benefits, and Promise of an Adpatogenic Botanical, Gaia Herbs. November 28, 2023

Recipe of the Week:

Vitality Blend:

2 T. dried eleuthero root

2 T. dried oat straw

1 T. dried nettle root

1 tsp. dried licorice root

1 tsp. dried cinnamon

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and cover with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer gently, covered, for 15 minutes. Ad

Add in:

2 T. fresh or dried nettle leaf

2 T. fresh or dried holy basil.

Allow to infuse another 15 minutes before straining and enjoying 8 oz (two times per day). Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 24 hours. (should yield about 4 cups of tea, or 4 servings) Eleuthero can be stimulating, so this tea is best consumed before 2 PM