| ELEUTHERO BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS zhion@zhion.com April 27, 2006 |
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 2005 zhion
inc. 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.
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 2005 zhion
inc. 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. |
