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Siberian Ginseng

Siberian GingsengSiberian Ginseng is an Asian herb, that is not a true Ginseng, although it is related to Ginseng and naturally occurs where Ginseng grows. It is also commonly called Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus).

Siberian Ginseng may be preferred in certain health conditions, as it has slightly different health benefits. It is also commonly used as a less priced Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) substitute. Soviet scientists were first to study this herb and its role as a general tonic or adaptogen.1

Health Benefits of Siberian Ginseng

Here are some of the better-known health benefits of Siberian Ginseng:

  • Adaptogen

    The concept of adaptogen is challenging to understand, as it has a very broad meaning. Adaptogens help normalise body functions, reduce stress, and help adapt to stressful conditions. It means that an adaptogen can have both stimulatory and suppressive effects. It can suppress anxiety, alleviate mood of depressed individuals, suppress inflammation and still stimulate immunity. Adaptogens like Siberian Ginseng are especially good for older adults, or while recovering from prolonged illness. An adaptogen can be used regularly as a tonic that strengthens the body from inside.1

  • Helps Fight Fatigue

    Siberian Ginseng may be especially good for those living with chronic and unexplained fatigue. It also has a role in improving the feeling of wellbeing in older adults. Siberian Ginseng can improve many aspects of mental health and enhance social functioning.2

  • May Help Recover Faster After Periods of Stress

    Consuming Siberian Ginseng can help a person to recover more quickly from both physical and mental stress. Studies show that this benefit is due to its effect on stress hormones in the body.3

  • Good For Heart Health

    Poorly managed chronic stress may finally lead to various metabolic changes in the body and may have an adverse effect on the heart. It seems that Siberian Ginseng may act as cardioprotective, as it can reduce cardiac responses to stress. It may also increase tolerance of cardiac tissues to certain toxins, therefore helping to prevent heart diseases.4,5

  • Good for Bone Health

    It appears that Siberian Ginseng may help prevent or even manage osteoporosis. Studies in animal models show that it can be beneficial in reducing bone demineralisation.6

  • Managing Menopause

    Hormone replacement therapy helps, but it has a number of side effects. Natural remedies like Siberian Ginseng can help alleviate many symptoms of menopause, help stabilise mood, normalise hormonal responses, improve focus, and much more.7

Side Effects of Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng is generally accepted as relatively safe and rarely causes any severe side effects. Like any other herbal remedies, it may cause allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disturbances. Prolonged use may cause changes in mood, drowsiness, headache and irritability. It is worth noting that although it is very commonly used as a natural remedy, there have been no known documented large scale safety or toxicological studies undertaken on Siberian Ginseng. 

Properties

  • Adaptogen1
  • Anti-Inflammatory1
  • Anti-Stress3
  • Antioxidant1
  • Anxiety1
  • Bone Strengthening6
  • Cardiovascular Support4,5
  • Energiser1
  • Fatigue2
  • Heart Support / Health1
  • Hormonal Balance7
  • Immune Booster1
  • Menopause7
  • Mood Stabalising1,2
  • Osteoporosis6
  • Physical Endurance1

References:

  1. Davydov M, Krikorian AD. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (Araliaceae) as an adaptogen: a closer look. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72(3):345-393. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(00)00181-1
  2. Cicero AFG, Derosa G, Brillante R, Bernardi R, Nascetti S, Gaddi A. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2004.04.012
  3. Gaffney BT, Hügel HM, Rich PA. The effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng on steroidal hormone indices of stress and lymphocyte subset numbers in endurance athletes. Life Sci. 2001;70(4):431-442. doi:10.1016/S0024-3205(01)01394-7
  4. Facchinetti F, Neri I, Tarabusi M. Eleutherococcus senticosus reduces cardiovascular stress response in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Stress Health. 2002;18(1):11-17. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.914
  5. Ln M, Nv G. [Cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic properties of preparations from Leuzea carthamoides, Aralia mandshurica, and Eleutherococcus senticosus]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2007;70(6):48-54
  6. Lim DW, Kim JG, Lee Y, Cha SH, Kim YT. Preventive Effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus Bark Extract in OVX-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats. Molecules. 2013;18(7):7998-8008. doi:10.3390/molecules18077998
  7. Rees M. Alternative treatments for the menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;23(1):151-161. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.10.006