How It Works
Bottom Line: Siberian ginseng does not enhance athletic performance. It should not be used to treat cancer, immune disorders, or other medical conditions, because there is no proof that it works.
Scientists are unsure exactly how Siberian ginseng works. In laboratory studies, chemicals in Siberian ginseng have been found to bind to the cell receptors of many steroid hormones, including estrogen, indicating that it might mimic these hormones. Researchers found that Siberian ginseng did indeed mimic estrogen's effects in female mice, but they are still unsure what other actions this botanical has. Laboratory experiments have also shown that Siberian ginseng stimulates various aspects of the immune system, but it is unknown whether this effect occurs in humans.
Purported Uses
To reduce the side effects from chemotherapy
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To maintain health
Laboratory studies show that Siberian ginseng can stimulate certain aspects of the immune system, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can help people fight infections or disease.
To stimulate the immune system
Laboratory studies show that Siberian ginseng can stimulate certain aspects of the immune system, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can help people fight infections or disease.
To increase strength and stamina
Clinical trials do not support this use.
Research Evidence
Improving athletic performance:
The effect of Siberian ginseng (eleuthero extract) on exercise performance was studied in a group of healthy volunteers. For six weeks, 16 volunteers randomly received either 60 drops of eleuthero extract or a placebo liquid. At the end of the study, those subjects taking eleuthero showed no better performance than those taking the placebo, indicating that eleuthero extract is not effective for this use. However, the researchers conducting this study commented that they might not have used a large enough dose or group of volunteers, and therefore additional clinical trials would be useful.
Warnings
This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Physicians have reported cases in which Siberian ginseng was contaminated with the wrong botanical, and laboratory analysis found that some products did not contain the amounts of the herb they claimed.
Do Not Take If
You are taking hexobarbital (Eleuthero can elevate the levels of this medication in the blood, which may cause more of its side effects).
You are taking digoxin (Eleuthero can elevate the levels of this medication in the blood, which may cause more of its side effects).
You have high blood pressure.
You are taking insulin or hypoglycemic medications for diabetes (in theory, eleuthero can have additive effects and lower your blood glucose even more. Use with caution and ask your doctor).
You regularly drink caffeinated beverages (Eleuthero can have additive effects, leading to insomnia or nervousness. Use with caution).
Side Effects
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Nervousness
Fast heart rate
Headache
Low blood sugar levels
Special Point
Scientific Name
Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus
Common Name
Eleuthero, Russian ginseng, devil's shrub, touch-me-not, wild pepper, shigoka, ci wu ja
Brand Name
Eleu-Kokk®
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the plant. Siberian ginseng, or eleuthero, has been used traditionally as an adaptogen, performance enhancer, and immunostimulant (1). Active components are thought to include several eleutherosides and polysaccharides (3) (4). Eleuthero has been shown to bind to estrogen, progestin, and mineralocorticoid receptors, and stimulate T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell production (10). Most published information, which suggests efficacy for proposed claims, is from Russia (7). Large randomized trials have not been conducted and are required. Adverse events include drowsiness, tachycardia, nervousness, and possible hypoglycemia. Theoretical drug interactions include digoxin (8), insulin and hypoglycemics (5). Various types of ginseng exist (e.g. American, Asian, Siberian). Siberian ginseng is technically not a species of ginseng, but is thought to have comparable activities to Asian and American ginseng(2). Product contamination and concerns about potency as compared to labeling are reported (1). Products should be tested for purity and standardized to content. As with ginseng, prolonged use should be avoided (2). It should also be avoided by premenopausal women and those with high blood pressure (4).
Purported uses
- Chemotherapy side effects
- Health maintenance
- Immunostimulation
- Strength and stamina
Constituents
Terpenoids: Oleanolic acid
Glycosides: Eleutheroside A (daucosterin), B1, C - G
Phytosterols: Beta-sitosterol
Coumarins: Eleutheroside B1 and B3, isofraxidine
Polysaccharides: Eleutherans
Others: Volatile oils, caffeic acid, coniferyl aldehyde, glucose, maltose, sucrose
(2) (3) (4) (7)
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action has not been determined. In vitro studies indicate that eleuthero contains chemicals that bind to estrogen, progestin, mineralocorticoid, and glucocorticoid receptors. Estrogenic activity was suggested in studies of immature female mice. Stimulation of helper/inductor T lymphocytes and natural killer cells also occurs by an unknown mechanism
(2).
Warnings
Case reports in the literature suggest possible contamination with incorrect botanical. Analysis of product suggests that labeled concentration differs from listed or assumed contents. Products should be tested and standardized to ensure purity and accuracy of content
(1).
Contraindications
Patients with hypertension should not consume ginseng
(1) (2).
Adverse Reactions
Reported: Insomnia, drowsiness, nervousness, tachycardia, headache, hypoglycemia
(2)
Herb-Drug Interactions
Insulin / hypoglycemics: Theoretical additive hypoglycemic effect
(5).
Hexobarbital: Eleuthero inhibits metabolism possibly by inhibition of cytochrome p450 2C19
(5).
Digoxin: Elevate serum digoxin levels
(8).
Monomycin / Kanamycin: Increases efficacy of these antibiotics due to enhanced T-lymphocyte activity
(5).
Lab Interactions
Siberian ginseng may cause falsely elevated digoxin serum assays.
Literature Summary and Critique
Dowling EA, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996;28:482-9.A prospective pair evaluation of 6 week supplementation, with either 60 drops of eleuthero extract (eleutheroside B and E) or placebo. Effects on performance, blood chemistry, and personal perception were recorded. Sixteen subjects were paired and analyzed for 6 weeks on therapy and 2 weeks after discontinuation. No significant difference was documented in any of the indices evaluated including heart rate, oxygenation, serum lactate, time to exhaustion, and psychological measurements. No adverse reactions were noted. The authors conclude that the study may have been underpowered or an inadequate dose of eleuthro was studied. Additional studies are required.
References
- Harkey MR, et al. Variability in commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:1101-6.
- Schulz V, et al. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine, 4th ed. New York: Springer; 2001.
- Newall C, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals, 1st ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.
- Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, 2nd ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3rd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.
- Medon PJ, Ferguson PW, Watson CF. Effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts on hexobarbital metabolism in vivo and in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol 1984;10:235-41.
- Baranov AI. Medicinal uses of ginseng and related plants in the Soviet Union: recent trends in the Soviet literature. J Ethnopharmacol 1982;6:339-53.
- McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. CMAJ 1996;155:293-5.
- Dowling EA, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996;28:482-9.
- Szolomicki J, Samochowiec L, Wojcicki J, Drozdzik M, Szolomicki S. The influence of active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular defence and physical fitness in man. Phytother Res. 2000 Feb;14(1):30-5. Erratum in: Phytother Res 2000 May;14(3):225.
