Eleuthero – Siberian Ginseng

Common Names: Eleuthero, Siberian ginseng, Siberian Eleuthero, thorny eleuthero, eleuthero root, ciwujia, ci wu jia, Wu-Jia, Wild Pepper, Ussuri, Untouchable, Shigoka, Russian Root, North Wu Jia Pi, Acanthopanax, Devil's Shrub, Devil's root, Ginseng de Sibérie, Ginseng Siberiano, Poivre Sauvage, Russian Ginseng, buisson du diable, Racine Russe, North Wu Jia Pi

Latin Name: Eleutherococcus senticosus

Origin: Asia

Short Introduction

Eleuthero thrives best on southern, warm slopes of the Northern Hemisphere in locations with full sun or partial shade. It prefers loamy, sandy, or clay soils with either acidic or alkaline pH, often with lower concentrations of nutrients. For medicinal use, the root is primarily harvested, although the leaves also contain a wealth of biologically active compounds. Roots are gently cut, ideally in the second half of September, and dried at temperatures up to 70°C. Eleuthero seeds typically germinate in the second year. New plants begin to flower after at least three years of growth. Shrubs can be propagated by dividing the roots.

Detailed Description

The effects of ginseng in a different root – that's Eleuthero!

Botanical Information

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), commonly known as Siberian ginseng or thorny eleuthero, is a woody, perennial shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a highly developed root system made up of finely branched, thin roots capable of producing up to 20 shoots. The stems are light gray, highly branched at the top, and densely covered in downward-curving spines along their length. The green, petioled, elongated, elliptical, compound, hairy, and veined leaflets measure 6–13 cm long and 3–5 cm wide. Small, aromatic, five-petaled flowers appear in July through August in clusters at the branch ends, ranging in color from purple to yellow-red. The plant bears dark purple, oval, inedible berries about 1 cm long, each containing five flat seeds measuring 3–8 mm.

Origin and Distribution

Eleuthero originates from northeastern Asia, where it remains widespread. Its natural range stretches from northern Russia (along the mid-Amur River), through northeastern China, the northern Japanese islands, and down to the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. It is an undemanding shrub that grows in mixed or coniferous forests, typically preferring warmer slopes.

Usage / Dosage

Eleuthero has been a staple of Chinese folk medicine for decades to centuries, but only gained international acclaim in the 1950s. At that time, it became a recommended and widely used alternative for Panax ginseng, which was then scarce and difficult to obtain. Like true ginseng, Eleuthero’s root is primarily used, particularly for its invigorating and tonic compounds.

In studies involving patients with bipolar disorder, Eleuthero, when combined with lithium for six weeks, showed a similar effectiveness as fluoxetine and lithium (a standard treatment). Compounds in Eleuthero have a beneficial impact on mood and support cognitive abilities.

Pilot studies suggest Eleuthero may improve memory and mood in middle-aged adults, lending credence to its reputation for promoting good spirits and relaxation. Combinations with adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and schisandra have demonstrated enhanced attention, mental speed, and accuracy in women experiencing psychological stress. Several national health agencies recognize Eleuthero’s relaxing effect on the mind.

In a Swedish study, relief of common cold symptoms was observed within 72 hours when Eleuthero was used in combination with other invigorating herbs (like echinacea and Malabar nut). Some symptoms subsided after two days, with the greatest benefits seen five days into ongoing treatment. Consistent herbal use showed better clinical outcomes, reducing cough and nasal congestion over six days compared to bromhexine (an expectorant medication). Regular use of Eleuthero extract was also shown to improve symptoms of herpes simplex virus type 2. Early studies in children suggest Eleuthero, when combined with schisandra, may reduce swelling from inflammation and fever.

Evidence suggests Eleuthero compounds beneficially support natural immune defenses and exert antioxidant effects, owing in part to their immunomodulatory abilities. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed in about 10 in vivo studies, where Eleuthero extracts decreased pro-inflammatory factors or increased anti-inflammatory ones. Extracts of Eleuthero root, both alcohol- and water-based, have been shown to stimulate immune response and reinforce the body's natural defense system.

Certain Eleuthero compounds, specifically eleutherosides B and E, have demonstrated benefits for easier breathing, improved stamina, and strength during physical activity such as cycling, treadmill walking, and stair climbing. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies confirm the positive impact of Eleuthero root compounds on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as healing and recovery after injuries or stressful events. Enhanced respiratory function has been measured in both athletes and military personnel. Overall, Eleuthero is recognized for its adaptogenic properties and ability to help the body adapt to stress, chemical exposure, and immobilization.

Some intravenous Eleuthero root compounds may help reduce certain risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including high cholesterol and increased heart rate. Research also points to Eleuthero’s potential to affect blood clot formation in the brain—a cause of strokes—by improving blood circulation. Substantial evidence supports Eleuthero’s use for high blood pressure and related complications.

Clinical studies report positive results for Eleuthero when used in combination with Panax ginseng for six weeks in patients with knee osteoarthritis, noting improved physical function. Both in vivo and clinical studies suggest the anti-inflammatory effects of Eleuthero’s active compounds are strong enough to help reduce arthritic pain.

Several studies have investigated Eleuthero’s value in managing diabetes. In vivo research indicates that its root compounds may support insulin activity and glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, while in vitro work suggests Eleuthero may lower plasma glucose levels, enhance tissue storage, and promote more efficient utilization. Clinical results indicate a promising hypoglycemic effect.

Folk and Traditional Uses

In folk medicine, Eleuthero root and other plant parts are used for kidney concerns, Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol, fatigue, muscle pain, side effects from chemotherapy, bronchitis, tuberculosis, low blood oxygen, nausea, and motion sickness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescribes Eleuthero alone or in blends for bronchitis and other respiratory complaints, heart disease, and rheumatism. In Taiwan, it’s used for hepatitis and cancer. Folk medicine also employs Eleuthero as a natural antibiotic, antiviral, and potential anticancer remedy.

Active Compounds

To date, 35 compounds have been identified from Eleuthero root with presumed biological activity, and research is ongoing. Commonly mentioned are pentacyclic and tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins and their prosapogenins, lignans, coumarins, phenylcarboxylic acids, and xanthones. Principal constituents include phenylpropane derivatives such as eleutheroside B (syringin), chlorogenic acid, coniferaldehyde, coniferaldehyde glycoside, derivatives of caffeic acid, and several lignans (eleutheroside E, E2, D, E1, sesamin), coumarins (isofraxidin, eleutheroside B1 glycoside), triterpene saponins (daucosterol, beta hederin, protoprimulagenin), polysaccharides (heteroglycans and eleutherans), sterols, and essential oils. Minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium are also present.

Traditional Dosage

Dosage varies depending on the condition, the individual, and the preparation method. For compressed tablets or capsules containing powdered Eleuthero root, the recommended dose is 50–150 mg extract 1–5 times daily (Spanish sources mention up to 1,800 mg daily for fatigue). In liquid form, 1–5 ml of extract can be taken 1–3 times daily as needed. Dried or crushed root is generally recommended at a dose of 0.5–4 grams per day (depending on sources), for 1–3 months, prepared as a hot-water decoction or steeped as tea. Several types of tinctures can also be made from Eleuthero root.