| ELEUTHERO BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS zhion@zhion.com |
The use of this popular herb can be traced back over 2,000 years in ancient
Chinese medical texts, where it is indicated for the treatment of a wide
variety of ailments. Although it is a cousin of the Panax ginseng family
(Korean, Chinese and American) itÂ’s considered distinctly different. The term
panax is derived from the Greek words pan (all) and akos (cure), which
means “cure-all”. In addition to its adaptogenic properties, which seem to
stem from its ability to regulate the activity of the adrenal cortex in response
to stress, Eleuthero has some unique benefits. It stimulates the immune
system, especially during times of strenuous physical exertion and stress,
and seems especially beneficial for supporting a healthy mood and mental
alertness. Eleuthero is also extremely beneficial as a training aid for athletes.
Eleutherosides are the active components in Eleuthero.
ELEUTHERO BENEFITS
ELEUTHERO or Siberian ginseng (or Ezoukogi in Japanese) may benefit
people with depression, fatigue or under stress. It also enhances immuno-
functions and neuron activities. [1]
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
Root extracts of E. senticosus, Odaesan, Korea (ethyl acetate and n-butanol
fractionations) revealed strong antioxidant against scavenging on DPPH free
radicals. In addition, ethyl acetate fractionation exhibited high anti-lipid
peroxidative activities. They were also active in against seven human cancer
cell lines. [9]
ANTI-INFLAMATORY EFFECTS
Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng [the root and stem bark of Acanthopanax
senticosus Harms] has been used as a tonic and adaptogen to strengthen qi
in traditional Korean medicine. The neuroprotective effects of water extracts
of Eleuthero were investigated in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion
(MCAo, 90 min occlusion, 24 h reperfusion) of Sprague-Dawley rats. The
infarct volume was significantly reduced by 36.6% after the peritoneal
injection of Eleuthero extracts (100 mg [sol ]kg) compared with the control. In
the immunohistochemical study, Eleuthero extracts markedly inhibited both
cyclooxygenase-2 and OX-42 expressions in the penumbral region at 24 h
after MCAo. These results suggest that Eleuthero may have beneficial effect
of neuro-protection by inhibiting inflammation and microglial activation in
brain ischaemia. [2]
ANTI-FATIGUE OR ANTI-STRESS EFFECTS
The cortex of Eleutherococcus senticosus has been used extensively in
Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogen. Its benefits include
improvement of non-specific body resistance to stress and fatigue.
Researchers compared the effects of the water extracts (A, B, C, D and E) of
five Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on the swimming time, NK activity and
blood corticosterone level using forced swimming stressed mice. Among five
kinds, C, D and E extracts significantly prolonged the swimming time. C and D
extracts inhibited the reduction of NK activity and the corticosterone elevation
induced by forced swimming. The contents of eleutheroside E, isoflaxidin and
eleutherosides B plus E were in the order C > D > E > B > A and C > E > D >
A > B extracts, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that eleutheroside E
may be contributed to the anti-fatigue action, the recovery of the reduction of
NK activity and the inhibition of corticosterone elevation induced by swimming
stress. [3]
However, another study conducted by researchers from University of Iowa
was not able to demonstrate the overall anti-fatigue effects of Eleuthero
(Siberian ginseng) on subjects compared to the control group. [7]
The inconsistent results of various studies indicate the impacts of
experimental design, dosage forms and the nature of exercise and stress.
EFFECT ON HEPATIC FAILURE
Preparations of Eleutherococcus senticosus used in a study were as follows;
(i) 70% ethanol extract (ii) water extract (iii) ethanol-soluble part of the
water extract (iv) polysaccharide obtained as an 80% ethanol insoluble of the
water extract. Preparations were given by intraperitoneal (300 mg/kg and 50
mg/kg) or oral (300 mg/kg) injection at 12 hr and 1 hr before a D-
galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide injection. The intraperitoneal injection of
water extract and polysaccharide significantly lowered serum levels of tumour
necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase,
improved the histologic changes in liver, inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis
confirmed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick
end-labeling method and DNA fragmentation assay, and suppressed the
lethality induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide. The oral
administration of water extract and polysaccharide also reduced serum
aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and tumour necrosis factor-
alpha levels. In contrast 70% ethanol extract and ethanol-soluble part of the
water extract had no protective effect when treated intraperitoneally or
orally. These results indicate Eleutherococcus senticosus stems attenuate
fulminant hepatic failure induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide in
mice and the protective effect is due to water-soluble polysaccharides in
Eleutherococcus senticosus stems. [4]
ANTI-COAGULATION
Russian scientist administrated Eleutherococcus to albino rats (18-20-month
age) daily for 30 days They found that the animal had a better anti-
coagulating system or a better protection from thrombogeneration induced
with i.v. administration of tissue thromboplastine. The effect of the
adaptogen was more obvious after 60-day treatment. [6]
EFFECT ON CONITIVE FUNCTIONS
Acute administration of a liquid eleutherococcus extract significantly improves
short-term memory in healthy humans. The expression of this action depends
on the daytime and psychophysiological peculiarities of the volunteers.
Administration of the preparation also improved retinal sensitivity. This effect
was more pronounced in humans with weak type of high nervous activity in
evening hours. [8]
EFFECT ON IMMUNOFUNCTIONS
Scientist also studied the influence of Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) on cellular
and humoral immune response in animal models (Balb/c mice and F1
crossbreeds Balb/cxC3H). The study has shown that Eleuterococcus has
immunomodulatory properties. It enhanced the cellular response of the
mouse immunological system (chemokinetic activity of mice spleen cells, GvH
reaction). They also observed a stimulatory effect of Eleuterococcus on the
humoral response (antibody production). [8]
In another study, researchers administrated Eleutherococcus senticosus
preparations to mice before illness, during illness and a combination of both.
They found an increase of the level of immunoglobulins comprised in the
mice's blood serum [10]
Eleuthero/Siberian ginseng Side Effects
Researchers tested the effect of Eleutherococcus on 20 seniors with respect
to health related quality of life (HRQOL). After 4 week study, they found that
patients randomized to Eleutherococcus senticosus had a higher scores in
social functioning scales compared to those received placebo. And, they
found no adverse event on both groups. [5]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion. DO NOT
COPY NOR TRANSFER THE CONTENT TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER TYPES OF
PUBLICATIONS.
REFERENCE [1] Deyama T et al, Constituents and pharmacological effects of Eucommia
and Siberian ginseng. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Dec;22(12):1057-70. [2] Bu Y et al,
Siberian ginseng reduces infarct volume in transient focal cerebral ischaemia in
Sprague-Dawley rats. Phytother Res. 2005 Feb;19(2):167-9. Kimura Y and Sumiyoshi M
Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer
activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice. J Ethnopharmacol.
2004 Dec;95(2-3):447-53. [4] Park EJ et al, Water-soluble polysaccharide from
Eleutherococcus senticosus stems attenuates fulminant hepatic failure induced by D-
galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2004 Jun;
94(6):298-304. [5] Cicero AF et al, Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus
maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73. [6] Bazaz'ian
GG et al Effect of Eleutherococcus on the functional status of the anticoagulation system in older animals Fiziol Zh SSSR
Im I M Sechenova. 1987 Oct;73(10):1390-5. [7] Hartz AJ et al, Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for
chronic fatigue. Psychol Med. 2004 Jan;34(1):51-61. [6] Arushanian EB et al, Effect of eleutherococcus on short-term
memory and visual perception in healthy humans Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2003 Sep-Oct;66(5):10-3.[8] Rogala E et al, The
influence of Eleuterococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immunological response of mice. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003;6(3
Suppl):37-9. [9] Yu CY et al, Intraspecific relationship analysis by DNA markers and in vitro cytotoxic and antioxidant
activity in Eleutherococcus senticosus. Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Apr;17(2):229-36. [10] Drozd J et al, Estimation of
humoral activity of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Acta Pol Pharm. 2002 Sep-Oct;59(5):395-401.
Chinese medical texts, where it is indicated for the treatment of a wide
variety of ailments. Although it is a cousin of the Panax ginseng family
(Korean, Chinese and American) itÂ’s considered distinctly different. The term
panax is derived from the Greek words pan (all) and akos (cure), which
means “cure-all”. In addition to its adaptogenic properties, which seem to
stem from its ability to regulate the activity of the adrenal cortex in response
to stress, Eleuthero has some unique benefits. It stimulates the immune
system, especially during times of strenuous physical exertion and stress,
and seems especially beneficial for supporting a healthy mood and mental
alertness. Eleuthero is also extremely beneficial as a training aid for athletes.
Eleutherosides are the active components in Eleuthero.
ELEUTHERO BENEFITS
ELEUTHERO or Siberian ginseng (or Ezoukogi in Japanese) may benefit
people with depression, fatigue or under stress. It also enhances immuno-
functions and neuron activities. [1]
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
Root extracts of E. senticosus, Odaesan, Korea (ethyl acetate and n-butanol
fractionations) revealed strong antioxidant against scavenging on DPPH free
radicals. In addition, ethyl acetate fractionation exhibited high anti-lipid
peroxidative activities. They were also active in against seven human cancer
cell lines. [9]
ANTI-INFLAMATORY EFFECTS
Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng [the root and stem bark of Acanthopanax
senticosus Harms] has been used as a tonic and adaptogen to strengthen qi
in traditional Korean medicine. The neuroprotective effects of water extracts
of Eleuthero were investigated in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion
(MCAo, 90 min occlusion, 24 h reperfusion) of Sprague-Dawley rats. The
infarct volume was significantly reduced by 36.6% after the peritoneal
injection of Eleuthero extracts (100 mg [sol ]kg) compared with the control. In
the immunohistochemical study, Eleuthero extracts markedly inhibited both
cyclooxygenase-2 and OX-42 expressions in the penumbral region at 24 h
after MCAo. These results suggest that Eleuthero may have beneficial effect
of neuro-protection by inhibiting inflammation and microglial activation in
brain ischaemia. [2]
ANTI-FATIGUE OR ANTI-STRESS EFFECTS
The cortex of Eleutherococcus senticosus has been used extensively in
Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogen. Its benefits include
improvement of non-specific body resistance to stress and fatigue.
Researchers compared the effects of the water extracts (A, B, C, D and E) of
five Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on the swimming time, NK activity and
blood corticosterone level using forced swimming stressed mice. Among five
kinds, C, D and E extracts significantly prolonged the swimming time. C and D
extracts inhibited the reduction of NK activity and the corticosterone elevation
induced by forced swimming. The contents of eleutheroside E, isoflaxidin and
eleutherosides B plus E were in the order C > D > E > B > A and C > E > D >
A > B extracts, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that eleutheroside E
may be contributed to the anti-fatigue action, the recovery of the reduction of
NK activity and the inhibition of corticosterone elevation induced by swimming
stress. [3]
However, another study conducted by researchers from University of Iowa
was not able to demonstrate the overall anti-fatigue effects of Eleuthero
(Siberian ginseng) on subjects compared to the control group. [7]
The inconsistent results of various studies indicate the impacts of
experimental design, dosage forms and the nature of exercise and stress.
EFFECT ON HEPATIC FAILURE
Preparations of Eleutherococcus senticosus used in a study were as follows;
(i) 70% ethanol extract (ii) water extract (iii) ethanol-soluble part of the
water extract (iv) polysaccharide obtained as an 80% ethanol insoluble of the
water extract. Preparations were given by intraperitoneal (300 mg/kg and 50
mg/kg) or oral (300 mg/kg) injection at 12 hr and 1 hr before a D-
galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide injection. The intraperitoneal injection of
water extract and polysaccharide significantly lowered serum levels of tumour
necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase,
improved the histologic changes in liver, inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis
confirmed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick
end-labeling method and DNA fragmentation assay, and suppressed the
lethality induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide. The oral
administration of water extract and polysaccharide also reduced serum
aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and tumour necrosis factor-
alpha levels. In contrast 70% ethanol extract and ethanol-soluble part of the
water extract had no protective effect when treated intraperitoneally or
orally. These results indicate Eleutherococcus senticosus stems attenuate
fulminant hepatic failure induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide in
mice and the protective effect is due to water-soluble polysaccharides in
Eleutherococcus senticosus stems. [4]
ANTI-COAGULATION
Russian scientist administrated Eleutherococcus to albino rats (18-20-month
age) daily for 30 days They found that the animal had a better anti-
coagulating system or a better protection from thrombogeneration induced
with i.v. administration of tissue thromboplastine. The effect of the
adaptogen was more obvious after 60-day treatment. [6]
EFFECT ON CONITIVE FUNCTIONS
Acute administration of a liquid eleutherococcus extract significantly improves
short-term memory in healthy humans. The expression of this action depends
on the daytime and psychophysiological peculiarities of the volunteers.
Administration of the preparation also improved retinal sensitivity. This effect
was more pronounced in humans with weak type of high nervous activity in
evening hours. [8]
EFFECT ON IMMUNOFUNCTIONS
Scientist also studied the influence of Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) on cellular
and humoral immune response in animal models (Balb/c mice and F1
crossbreeds Balb/cxC3H). The study has shown that Eleuterococcus has
immunomodulatory properties. It enhanced the cellular response of the
mouse immunological system (chemokinetic activity of mice spleen cells, GvH
reaction). They also observed a stimulatory effect of Eleuterococcus on the
humoral response (antibody production). [8]
In another study, researchers administrated Eleutherococcus senticosus
preparations to mice before illness, during illness and a combination of both.
They found an increase of the level of immunoglobulins comprised in the
mice's blood serum [10]
Eleuthero/Siberian ginseng Side Effects
Researchers tested the effect of Eleutherococcus on 20 seniors with respect
to health related quality of life (HRQOL). After 4 week study, they found that
patients randomized to Eleutherococcus senticosus had a higher scores in
social functioning scales compared to those received placebo. And, they
found no adverse event on both groups. [5]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU
SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion. DO NOT
COPY NOR TRANSFER THE CONTENT TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER TYPES OF
PUBLICATIONS.
REFERENCE [1] Deyama T et al, Constituents and pharmacological effects of Eucommia
and Siberian ginseng. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2001 Dec;22(12):1057-70. [2] Bu Y et al,
Siberian ginseng reduces infarct volume in transient focal cerebral ischaemia in
Sprague-Dawley rats. Phytother Res. 2005 Feb;19(2):167-9. Kimura Y and Sumiyoshi M
Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer
activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice. J Ethnopharmacol.
2004 Dec;95(2-3):447-53. [4] Park EJ et al, Water-soluble polysaccharide from
Eleutherococcus senticosus stems attenuates fulminant hepatic failure induced by D-
galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2004 Jun;
94(6):298-304. [5] Cicero AF et al, Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus
maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Suppl. 2004;(9):69-73. [6] Bazaz'ian
GG et al Effect of Eleutherococcus on the functional status of the anticoagulation system in older animals Fiziol Zh SSSR
Im I M Sechenova. 1987 Oct;73(10):1390-5. [7] Hartz AJ et al, Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for
chronic fatigue. Psychol Med. 2004 Jan;34(1):51-61. [6] Arushanian EB et al, Effect of eleutherococcus on short-term
memory and visual perception in healthy humans Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2003 Sep-Oct;66(5):10-3.[8] Rogala E et al, The
influence of Eleuterococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immunological response of mice. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003;6(3
Suppl):37-9. [9] Yu CY et al, Intraspecific relationship analysis by DNA markers and in vitro cytotoxic and antioxidant
activity in Eleutherococcus senticosus. Toxicol In Vitro. 2003 Apr;17(2):229-36. [10] Drozd J et al, Estimation of
humoral activity of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Acta Pol Pharm. 2002 Sep-Oct;59(5):395-401.
| Eleuthero- Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus; formerly labeled as Siberian Ginseng) is a hardy herb indigenous to the Taiga region of the Far East, which includes southeastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea. |
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