BOTANICAL NAME:, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus
PARTS USED AND HABITAT: 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.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: (1) Primary uses: Fatigue; Immune function; Stress. (2) Secondary uses: Athletic performance. (3) Other uses: Chronic fatigue syndrome; Common cold/sore throat; Diabetes; Fibromyalgia; HIV support; Infection
HISTORICAL OR TRADITIONAL USE (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): 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?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 and Ukrainian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: 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 (complex sugar molecules). These constituents play a critical role in eleuthero?s ability to support immune function. As an adaptogen, eleuthero helps the body adapt to stress by supporting healthy adrenal gland function; it allows the glands 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 recover from workouts more quickly. Research from Russia indicates it may be effective for this purpose. Other studies have been inconclusive or have shown no beneficial effect. Eleuthero also supports 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. Eleuthero also helps protect the body during radiation exposure. Preliminary studies in Russia have confirmed the use of eleuthero for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer to help alleviate side effects and help bone marrow recover more quickly. Eleuthero enhances and supports the immune response. Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure during the cold and flu season. 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