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Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) a plant cousin to the Panax clan, is called ginseng because of its similar actions and uses. Native to Northeast Asia, including Russia (Siberia), China, Korea and Japan; the root bark is the most active portion of Siberian Ginseng.
Source
Siberian Ginseng remedies are derived from the roots and sometimes from the leaves.
Siberian Ginseng is sold in capsules, tinctures, and extracts. Standardized Siberian Ginseng products often specify the content of one or more of a series of chemicals known as eleutherosides. An average dose is 100mg of an extract standardized for 1% eleutherosides. Supplements are standardized to contain either Eleutheroside B (0.4-0.5%) or Eleutheroside E (0.4-0.6%).
Function; Reasons For Use
The active constituents of Siberian Ginseng have been called eleutherosides. Some 14 have been characterized to date being named eleutheroside A, B, C and so on. Many of the studies on Siberian Ginseng were performed in Russia, and pertained primarily to stamina and endurance. Siberian ginseng has also been used in antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive studies, with some beneficial results.
Studies on Siberian Ginseng have shown that it has considerable promise for increasing longevity and improving overall health. Chemists have isolated more than three dozen compounds in Siberian Ginseng that may affect the mind and body; foremost among these are the eleutherosides, which occur in the plant's roots and, to a lesser degree, in the leaves.
Studies have determined that the eleutherosides differ from the ginsenosides isolated from the panax ginsengs, though some of their effects on the body are similar. Exactly how these compounds affect the body is still being determined and the effects may in fact be available only from the whole herb. The isolated components of Siberian Ginseng do not have the same tonic action as the whole plant.
Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero) root preparations are "Approved" by the German Commission E as a tonic in times of fatigue and declining work capacity and concentration.
Siberian ginseng is a supportive adaptogen used to improve vitality and stamina. It tends to increase energy, extend endurance and fight fatigue. However, in a study on experienced distance runners, researchers saw no effects on exercise performance.
Siberian Ginseng supports the working of the adrenal glands and helps with nervous tension. Siberian Ginseng also boosts overall immune function and may play a role in the treatment of hypertension, blood sugar irregularities and depression.
Directions
Siberian Ginseng is considered to be safe for daily consumption even in doses many times larger than average, though some people may experience insomnia and other side effects from taking high amounts.
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Siberian Ginseng can help with the following:
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GLOSSARY
Adaptogen
Derived from the Greek words adapto, which means to adjust and make suitable, and from the suffix gen, which means producing. An adaptogen, therefore, is a substance that produces suitable adjustments in the body. Adaptogens tend to regulate body functions and when the job is completed, they are eliminated or incorporated into the body without side effects. Adaptogens such as the herbs garlic, ginseng, echinacea, ginkgo, goldenseal, and taheebo are natural substances that benefit the body.
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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