uses and benefits of siberian ginseng (eleuthero)

A brief article on the potential uses and benefits of siberian ginseng. Gives an overall honest assessment of the herb. Mentions more than just the typical benefits of generic ginseng (panax).

Siberian Ginseng

Scientific Name: Eleuthero
Other Names: Gaia Root, Acanthopanax senticosus, Ci Wu Jia, Devil's Bush, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Russian Root, Shigoka, Taiga, Thorny Pepperbush, Touch-Me-Not, Wild Pepper

Siberian Ginseng uses and benefits

NOTE: Eleuthero is different from both American Ginseng and Panax ginseng. They are not interchangeable.

Products formerly labeled as "Siberian Ginseng" must now use the common name Eleuthero or the scientific name “Eleutherococcus senticosus”.

Like members of the Panax (true ginseng) family of plants, eleuthero is considered to be an “adaptogen”, a substance that may help individuals cope with physical and emotional stress. Ginseng is also used widely in eastern Asia to increase the capability to do physical work However, results from several studies on physical performance are inconclusive with work capacity increased in some instances but actually decreased in others.

Other findings that are more positive have resulted from animal and human studies of eleuthero’s other potential effects. Chemicals in eleuthero appear to produce moderate reductions in blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels and modest improvements in memory and concentration. Eleuthero may also have mild estrogenic effects, and it appears to boost immune system function slightly. In laboratory studies, various chemicals found in eleuthero have also shown antiviral and anticancer properties, but these effects have not been well studied in humans. All of these possible uses need to be studied further before eleuthero can be recommended.