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Eleuthero
Common names: Siberian
ginseng, Ci wu jia, Touch-me-not, Devil’s
shrub
Botanical names:
Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax
senticosus
Eleuthero
belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant
relative of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Also known commonly as touch-me-not and devil’s shrub,
eleuthero has been most frequently nicknamed Siberian
ginseng in this country. Eleuthero is native to the
Taiga region of the Far East (southeastern part of
Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and
the rhizomes (underground stem) are used
medicinally.
Historical or traditional
use
Although not
as popular as Asian ginseng, eleuthero use dates back
2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records.
Referred to as ci wu jia in Chinese medicine, it was
used to prevent respiratory tract infections, colds and
flu. It was also believed to provide energy and
vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was originally used by
people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase
performance and quality of life and to decrease
infections.
In more
modern times, eleuthero has been used to increase
stamina and endurance in Soviet Olympic athletes.
Russian explorers, divers, sailors, and miners also used
eleuthero to prevent stress-related illness. After the
Chernobyl accident, many Russian and Ukrainian citizens
were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of
radiation.
Active
constituents
The
constituents in eleuthero that have been most studied
are the eleutherosides. Seven primary eleutherosides
have been identified, with most of the research
attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E. Eleuthero
also contains complex polysaccharides (complex sugar
molecules).These constituents may play a critical role
in eleuthero’s ability to support immune
function.
Eleuthero is
an “adaptogen” (an agent that helps the body adapt to
stress). It is thought to help support adrenal gland
function when the body is challenged by stress.
Eleuthero
has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical
endurance without the letdown that comes with
caffeinated products. Research has shown that eleuthero
improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle This
means that a person is able to maintain aerobic exercise
longer and recover from workouts more quickly.
Preliminary research from Russia indicates it may be
effective for this purpose. Other trials have been
inconclusive or have shown no beneficial effect.
Eleuthero
may also support the body by helping the liver detoxify
harmful toxins. It has shown a protective action in
animal studies against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium
barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents.
According to a test tube study eleuthero also helps
protect the body during radiation exposure. Preliminary
research in Russia has suggested that eleuthero may help
alleviate side effects and help the bone marrow recover
more quickly in people undergoing chemotherapy and
radiation therapy for cancer.
Eleuthero
may be useful as a preventive measure during the cold
and flu season. However, it has not yet been
specifically studied for this purpose. Preliminary
evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable
in the long-term management of various diseases of the
immune system, including HIV infection and chronic
fatigue syndrome. Healthy people taking 2 teaspoons (10
ml) of tincture three times daily have been shown to
have increased numbers of the immune cells (T4
lymphocytes) that have been found to decrease during
HIV-infection and AIDS. Further human clinical trials
are needed to confirm that eleuthero may be helpful for
this disease.
How much is
usually taken?
Dried,
powdered root and rhizomes, 2–3 grams per day, are
commonly used. Alternatively, 300–400 mg per day of
concentrated solid extract standardized on
eleutherosides B and E can be used, as can alcohol-based
extracts, 8–10 ml in two to three divided dosages.
Historically, eleuthero is taken continuously for six to
eight weeks, followed by a one- to two-week break before
resuming.
Are there
any side effects or interactions?
Reported side effects have been minimal
with use of eleuthero. Mild, transient diarrhea has been
reported in a very small number of users. Eleuthero may
cause insomnia in some people if taken too close to
bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for people with
uncontrolled high blood pressure. There are no known
reasons to avoid eleuthero during pregnancy and
breast-feeding. However, pregnant or breast-feeding
women should be aware that some products may be
adulterated with herbs that should not be taken
in pregnancy, such as Asian ginseng. Only eleuthero from
a trusted source should be used.
In
one case report, a person taking eleuthero with digoxin
developed dangerously high serum digoxin levels.
Although a clear relationship could not be established,
it is wise for someone taking digoxin to seek the advise
of a doctor before taking eleuthero.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact
with eleuthero. Refer to drug interactions for a list of
those medicines.
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