Eleuthero
Scientific names: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus, Hedera senticosa
Family: Araliaceae
Alternate names: Acanthopanax Obovatus, Acanthopanax Obovatus Hoo, Buisson du Diable, Ci Wu Jia, Ciwujia, Ciwujia Root, Ciwujia Root Extract, Devil's Bush, Devil's Shrub, Éleuthéro, Eleuthero Extract, Eleuthero Ginseng, Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococci Radix, Eleutherococcus, Éleuthérocoque, Ginseng, Ginseng de Sibérie, Ginseng des Russes, Ginseng Root, Ginseng Siberiano, Ginseng Sibérien, North Wu Jia Pi, Phytoestrogen, Plante Secrète des Russes, Poivre Sauvage, Prickly Eleutherococcus, Racine d'Eleuthérocoque, Racine de Ginseng, Racine Russe, Russian Root, Shigoka, Siberian Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Taiga Ginseng, Thorny Bearer of Free Berries, Touch-Me-Not, Untouchable, Ussuri, Ussurian Thorny Pepperbrush, Wild Pepper, Wu Jia Pi, Wu-jia, Wuchaseng
Actions: Adaptogenic mechanism, Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifatigue, Antihypoxia, Anti-inflammatory, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Antishock, Antistress, Antiulcer, Antiviral, Bone, Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Exercise performance enhancement, Energy metabolism, Gastrointestinal, Hair loss, Hematologic, Hepatoprotective, Immunological, Lipid, Neuroprotective, Nutrition, Radioprotective, Sedative, Toxin protective
Background
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a woody shrub sometimes called Siberian ginseng. It is not a true ginseng. It is sometimes used as an adaptogen.
Eleuthero is often considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Eleuthero contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones.
People use eleuthero for genital herpes, diabetes, athletic performance, memory and thinking skills, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse eleuthero with other herbs called "ginseng," including American Ginseng, Blue Cohosh, Canaigre, Codonopsis, Panax Ginseng, and Panax Notoginseng. These are not the same.
Eleuthero is often considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Eleuthero contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones.
People use eleuthero for genital herpes, diabetes, athletic performance, memory and thinking skills, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse eleuthero with other herbs called "ginseng," including American Ginseng, Blue Cohosh, Canaigre, Codonopsis, Panax Ginseng, and Panax Notoginseng. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Eleuthero is likely safe when used for up to 3 months. Eleuthero is usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include diarrhea, stomach upset, and headache. There isn't enough reliable information to know if eleuthero is safe to use for longer than 3 months.
Children: Eleuthero is possibly safe in teenagers (ages 12-17 years) when taken by mouth for up to 6 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use long-term or in young children.
Heart conditions: Eleuthero might cause a pounding heart, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure in people who have heart disorders. If you have a heart condition, only use eleuthero under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Eleuthero might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use eleuthero.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if eleuthero is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Eleuthero is possibly safe in teenagers (ages 12-17 years) when taken by mouth for up to 6 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use long-term or in young children.
Heart conditions: Eleuthero might cause a pounding heart, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure in people who have heart disorders. If you have a heart condition, only use eleuthero under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Eleuthero might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use eleuthero.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Genital herpes. Taking a specific eleuthero extract (Elagen) by mouth might help reduce genital herpes outbreaks.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of eleuthero might be. It's often used in combination with other herbs such as Andrographis and Echinacea. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
There is some concern that eleuthero might increase levels of digoxin. This could increase the effects and side effects of digoxin. If you are taking digoxin, speak with a healthcare provider before taking eleuthero.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eleuthero might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eleuthero might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eleuthero might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eleuthero might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Eleuthero might lower blood sugar levels. Taking eleuthero along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Eleuthero might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Eleuthero might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Eleuthero can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking eleuthero along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Eleuthero might slow blood clotting. Taking eleuthero along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Eleuthero might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Eleuthero might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Eleuthero might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Per capsule:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 116.67 mg equiv. syringaresinol diglucoside 934 μg
- Panax ginseng ext. 18 mg
- Withania somnifera ext. 150 mg
- Panax quinquefolius ext. 12 mg
- Ganoderma lucidum ext. 3.75 mg
- L-phenylalanine 75 mg
- L-tyrosine 75 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 55 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 50 mg equiv. calcium 4.6 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 15 mg
- Nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3) 5 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 6.74 mg equiv. pyridoxine 4.3 mg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 69.5 μg equiv. folinic acid 50 μg
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 5 μg
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Per tablet:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 67 mg equiv. syringaresinol diglucoside 533 μg
- Withania somnifera ext. 300 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 25 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 54.5 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 50 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 19 mg equiv. pyridoxine 12 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 74 mg equiv. vitamin E 90 IU
- Zinc citrate dihydrate 31 mg equiv. zinc 10 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 75 mg
- Glycyrrhiza glabra ext. 55 mg
Practitioner product
Per tablet:
Practitioner product
Per tablet:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 50 mg equiv. eleutherosides 400 µg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 2.54 mg equiv. thiamine 2 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 20 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 9.83 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 9 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 3.14 mg equiv. pyridoxine 2 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 60 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) 7.35 mg equiv. vitamin E 10 IU equiv. d-alpha-tocopherol 6.71 mg
- Biotin 80 µg
- Inositol 50 mg
- Quercetin 50 mg
- Potassium sulphate 78 mg equiv. potassium 35 mg
- Zinc glycinate monohydrate 10.64 mg equiv. zinc 3 mg
- Manganese (II) glycinate 3.695 mg equiv. manganese 1 mg
- Potassium iodide 91.8 µg equiv. iodine 70 µg
- Selenomethionine 50 µg equiv. selenium 20 µg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 90 µg equiv. levomefolic acid 50 µg
- L-tyrosine 10 mg
- Lysine hydrochloride 12.5 mg equiv. lysine 10 mg
- L-serine 5 mg
- Brassica oleracea var. italica ext. 37.5 mg
- Withania somnifera ext. 25 mg
- Zingiber officinale ext. 10 mg
- Capsicum annuum ext. 8.33 mg
- Piper nigrum ext. 16 µg
- Levocarnitine fumarate (L-carnitine) 178.6 mg equiv. levocarnitine 100 mg
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Per tablet:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 33.33 mg equiv. eleutheroside B&E 267 μg
- Astragalus membranaceus ext. 200 mg
- Codonopsis pilosula ext. 150 mg
- Ganoderma lucidum ext. 75 mg
- Ligustrum lucidum ext. 87.5 mg
- Schisandra chinensis ext. 50 mg
- Atractylodes macrocephala ext. 150 mg
- Glycyrrhiza uralensis ext. 20 mg
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Per tablet:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 133.3 mg
- Tribulus terrestris ext. 20 mg
- Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 61.7 mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 50 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 75 mg
- Calcium pantothenate 81.9 mg equiv. calcium 6.9 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 75 mg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 60.8 mg equiv. pyridoxine 50 mg
- Folic acid 100 μg
- Levomefolate calcium (Activated folate) 124 μg equiv. levomefolic acid 100 μg
- Mecobalamin (Vitamin B12) 100 μg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 100 mg
- Cholecalciferol 25 μg equiv. vitamin D3 1000 IU
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 10.5 mg equiv. vitamin E 12.7 IU
- Biotin 250 μg
- Inositol 50 mg
- Alpha lipoic acid 30 mg
- Lycopene 1 mg
- Calcium citrate tetrahydrate 99.53 mg equiv. calcium 21 mg
- Chromium picolinate 199.5 μg equiv. chromium 24.8 μg
- Copper gluconate 7.14 mg equiv. copper 1 mg
- Iron amino acid chelate 30 mg equiv. iron 3 mg
- Magnesium citrate 154.7 mg equiv. magnesium 25 mg
- Manganese sulphate monohydrate 1.54 mg equiv. manganese 500 μg
- Potassium phosphate monobasic 24.5 mg equiv. potassium 7 mg
- Potassium iodide 50 μg equiv. iodine 38 μg
- Selenomethionine 186.3 μg equiv. selenium 75 μg
- Zinc amino acid chelate 50 mg equiv. zinc 10 mg
- Tribulus terrestris ext. 20 mg
- Turnera diffusa ext. 50 mg
- Withania somnifera ext. 20 mg
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Per tablet:
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) ext. 133 mg
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 200 mg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 50 mg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate (Vitamin E) 41 mg equiv. d-alpha-tocopherol 34 mg
- Folic acid 500 μg
- Cholecalciferol 10 μg equiv. vitamin D3 400 IU
- Zinc amino acid chelate 25 mg equiv. zinc 5 mg
- Mecobalamin (Vitamin B12) 500 μg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 75 mg
- Citrus bioflavonoids extract 8.3 mg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 50 mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 50 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 50 mg
- Choline bitartrate 25 mg
- Inositol 25 mg
- Manganese amino acid chelate 10 mg equiv. manganese 1.6 mg
- Borax 8.8 mg equiv. boron 1 mg
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A) 5 mg
- Chromium nicotinate 500 μg equiv. chromium 50 μg
- Potassium iodide 65 μg equiv. iodine 50 μg
- Selenomethionine 65 μg equiv. selenium 26 μg
- Biotin 50 μg
- Silybum marianum ext. 29 mg
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate 429 mg equiv. calcium 100 mg
- Magnesium amino acid chelate 150 mg equiv. magnesium 30 mg
- Iron amino acid chelate 25 mg equiv. iron 5 mg
- Potassium phosphate dibasic 4.5 mg equiv. potassium 2 mg
- Copper gluconate 1.2 mg equiv. copper 170 μg
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Per capsule:
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
