Siberian ginseng, ci wu ju, Eleuthero,
touch-me-not, devil's shrub
Parts Used
Root and rhizomes
Active Compounds
The constituents in eleuthero that have
received the most attention 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 (a kind of sugar molecule). These constituents play
a critical role in eleuthero's ability to support immune function.
As an adaptogen, eleuthero helps the body adapt to stress. It does
this by encouraging normal functioning of the adrenal glands, allowing
them to function optimally when 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 recovery from workouts is much quicker.
Another way that eleuthero reduces stress on the body is to combat
harmful toxins. Eleuthero has shown a protective effect in animal
studies against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium barbital, tetanus
toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents.
Eleuthero also reduces the side effects of radiation exposure.
Evidence is also mounting that eleuthero enhances and supports
the immune response. Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure
during cold and flu season.
Recent evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable
in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system,
including HIV infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune
illnesses such as lupus.
History
Although not as popular as Asian ginseng,
eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine
records. Referred to as ci wu ju in Chinese medicine, it was used
to prevent respiratory tract infections as well as 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's ability to increase stamina and
endurance led Soviet Olympic athletes to use it to enhance their
training. Explorers, divers, sailors, and miners used eleuthero
to prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident,
many Russian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects
of radiation.
Siberian ginseng had been used traditionally as an immune-enhancing
agent. It was also employed as an anti-inflammatory, in cardiovascular
disease, to restore concentration, memory, and cognition, and as
a remedy for stress, depression, fatigue, or complete nervous breakdown.
Remedies
For
Useful for:
Alzheimer's disease
Athletic performance
Attention deficit disorder
Chemotherapy support
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Common cold/sore throat
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Influenza (flu)
Stress and fatigue
Siberian ginseng is highly valued as an adaptogen, a substance
that normalizes adverse conditions of the body. It is also used
as a stimulant. Russians prescribe it for patients undergoing chemotherapy
and radiation therapy due to its anti-radiation effect.
Modern studies conducted by Russian scientists show that Siberian
ginseng relieves stress, lowers toxicity of some common drugs that
tend to produce side effects in humans, increase mental alertness,
improve resistance to colds and mild infections, and be beneficial
in cases where a person is continuously in contact with environmental
stresses.
Siberian ginseng extract was shown to stimulate cellular immunity.
It was found to stimulate T-cell production, especially helper cells.
Thus Siberian ginseng is touted for numerous immune-related disorders.
German scientists have found that this herb may be useful for treatment
in the early stages of AIDS. It is found to retard the spread of
the virus by a synergistic action of the elevated numbers of both
helper and cytotoxic T cells.
Description
Eleuthero 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 (south-eastern
part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and
the rhizomes (underground stem) are used.
Dosage
Dried, powdered root and rhizomes of 2- 3 grams per day can be
used. Concentrated solid extract standardized on eleutherosides
B and E, 300-400 mg per day, can also 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.
Safety
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 bed-time.
Eleuthero is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled
high blood pressure. It can be used during pregnancy or lactation.
However, pregnant or lactating women using eleuthero should avoid
products that have been adulterated with Panax ginseng or other
related species that are contraindicated.
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