Summary
Eleutherococcus senticosus, commonly known as Siberian ginseng, is an herb used in traditional medicine to combat fatigue. It is an adaptogen compound.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Eleutherococcus senticosus can improve physical performance during periods of high intensity exercise. Unfortunately, this effect is not very reliable. The studies that showed the most promise for Eleutherococcus senticosus also had the worst methodology. Though additional research is needed to confirm Eleutherococcus senticosus’s ergogenic effect, it cannot be disproven either.
Preliminary in vitro (outside the body) and animal research suggests Eleutherococcus senticosus supplementation can provide a variety of protective effects for cognition, meaning it can protect the brain from harm. Again, further research is needed to confirm these effects.
What are other names for Eleuthero
- Siberian Ginseng
- Ciwujia
- Acanthopanax Senticosus
- Eleuthero
- Eleutherococcus Senticosus
Dosage information
The standard dose for Eleutherococcus senticosus is 300-1,200mg, though the 2-4g range and more have been traditionally recommended.
The most common form of Eleutherococcus senticosus supplements are root and stem extracts, though leaf extracts have been used as well.
Examine Database: Eleuthero
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Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- Total cholesterol - Lee YJ, Chung HY, Kwak HK, Yoon SThe effects of A. senticosus supplementation on serum lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and lymphocyte DNA damage in postmenopausal womenBiochem Biophys Res Commun.(2008 Oct 10)
- Heart Rate - J Szołomicki, L Samochowiec, J Wójcicki, M DroździkThe influence of active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular defence and physical fitness in manPhytother Res.(2000 Feb)
- Rate of Perceived Exertion - Kuo J, Chen KW, Cheng IS, Tsai PH, Lu YJ, Lee NYThe effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in humanChin J Physiol.(2010 Apr 30)
- Anaerobic Capacity - Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, Matsuzaka A, Muramatsu S, Kuboyama M, Kugo H, Imai JEffect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human physical working capacityPlanta Med.(1986 Jun)
- Natural Killer Cell Content - Bohn B, Nebe CT, Birr CFlow-cytometric studies with eleutherococcus senticosus extract as an immunomodulatory agentArzneimittelforschung.(1987 Oct)
- Social Functioning in Elderly - Cicero AF, Derosa G, Brillante R, Bernardi R, Nascetti S, Gaddi AEffects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trialArch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl.(2004)