on "Siberian" Ginseng

Siberian ginseng
Also listed as: Acanthopanax senticosus Eleuthero; Eleutherococcus senticosus Ginseng - Siberian

Overview
Siberian ginseng, also known as eleuthero, has been used for centuries in Eastern countries, including China and Russia. Although a distant relative of American ( Panax quinquefolius ) and Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng ), with some overlap in its uses, Siberian ginseng is a distinct plant with different active chemical components. Prized for its ability to restore vigor, increase longevity, enhance overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory, it is widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity.

In Chinese medicine, it is valued for its beneficial effects on "qi" and its ability to treat "yang" deficiency in the spleen and kidney. Like Panax ginseng , Siberian ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen. This means it helps in stressful circumstances and also helps return the body to a normal balance. For example, an adaptogen might lower blood pressure in someone who has high blood pressure, but it might raise blood pressure in someone who has low blood pressure. The active ingredients in Siberian ginseng, called eleutherosides, are thought to increase stamina and to stimulate the immune system.

Until recently, most scientific research on Siberian ginseng was conducted in Russia. This research has largely supported its use to maintain health and strengthen the system rather than to treat particular disorders. Siberian ginseng may help the body deal with physically and mentally stressful exposures, such as heat, cold, physical exhaustion, viruses, bacteria, chemicals, extreme working conditions, noise, and pollution. By strengthening the system, it may also help prevent illness.

Research on Siberian ginseng has included studies on the following:

Immune system

A 4-week study in healthy subjects found that those who received Siberian ginseng extract had improvements in a number of measures that reflect the functioning of the immune system. Several combination supplements containing Siberian ginseng and other herbs have reported benefits in patients with colds and the flu. Laboratory studies also support the use of Siberian ginseng to improve immunity.

Mental performance

A 3-month human study of Siberian ginseng among middle aged volunteers found that there was a significant improvement in memory and concentration as compared to placebo.

Another popular but unproven use of Siberian ginseng is to maintain or restore mental alertness.

Physical performance

Although Siberian ginseng is frequently used to enhance physical stamina and increase muscle strength, studies have shown mixed results for these purposes. Other studies support the use of Siberian ginseng to decrease symptoms of fatigue.

Male fertility

Siberian ginseng has a long history of folkloric use for male infertility. Animal studies suggest that Siberian ginseng may be helpful in increasing reproductive capacity.

Elderly quality of life

One study found Siberian ginseng use in elderly patients improved their quality of life including aspects of mental health and social functioning after 4 weeks of therapy. When the ginseng was stopped, the improvements decreased.

Herpes viral infection

A 6-month study of 93 people with herpes simplex virus type 2 (which can cause genital herpes lesions) found that Siberian ginseng reduced frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks. Talk to your doctor about whether it is safe or appropriate for you to use Siberian ginseng as a supplement to prevent herpes outbreaks.

Plant Description
Siberian ginseng is a shrub that grows 3 - 10 feet high. Its leaves are attached to a main stem by long branches. Both the branches and the stem are covered with thorns. Flowers, yellow or violet, grow in umbrella-shaped clusters, and turn into round, black berries in late summer. The root itself is woody and is brownish, wrinkled, and twisted.

What's It Made Of?
Siberian ginseng supplements are made from the root. The root contains a mixture of components, common to many plants but occurring together in Siberian ginseng, called eleutherosides. Among the other ingredients are chemicals called polysaccharides, which have been found to boost the immune system and lower blood sugar levels in laboratory studies using animals.

Available Forms
Siberian ginseng is available as liquid extracts, solid extracts, powders, capsules, and tablets, and as dried or cut root for tea.

It is important to note that there is a wide variation in the quality of many herbal supplements, including Siberian ginseng. Previous evaluations of commercial products claiming to have Siberian ginseng found that as many as 25% had no measurable ginseng at all. Plus, many formulas for sale were contaminated with contents not marked on the label. Care should be taken to purchase Siberian ginseng and all herbal products from reputable manufacturers. Ask your pharmacist.

How to Take It
Pediatric

This herb is generally not recommended for use in children.

Adult

Dried root: The recommended dose is 500 - 3,000 mg, daily (tea, or in capsules).
Tincture: (herb and alcohol; or herb, alcohol, and water), 1/2 - 1 tsp, 2-3 times daily
Standardized extract: 100 - 200 mg, 2 times daily, standardized to contain 0.8 - 1 % eleutherosides Band E
For long-term conditions, such as fatigue or stress, Siberian ginseng can be taken for 3 months, followed by 2 - 3 weeks off. These cycles can be repeated, but this should be done under the supervision of a health care provider.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Siberian ginseng is safe when used as directed. However, it should not be taken by those with high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

There has been one case report of a baby developing excessive hair growth, including in the pubic region. This was attributed to the mother who was taking Siberian ginseng while breastfeeding. Later, it was discovered that the product she was taking probably did not contain Siberian ginseng, but rather a contaminant. More common side effects include:

High blood pressure
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Headache
Confusion
Irregular heart rhythm
Nosebleed


Possible Interactions
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Siberian ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:

Digoxin -- Siberian ginseng may raise blood levels of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions. This can increase the risk of adverse side effects from this medication.

Sedatives for insomnia -- Caution should be taken when considering use of Siberian ginseng with sedatives, primarily barbiturates (a class of medications including pentobarbital used to treat sleep problems or seizures).

Supporting Research
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Dasgupta A, Wu S, Actor J, et al. Effect of Asian and Siberian ginseng on serum digoxin measurement by five digoxin immunoassays. Significant variation in digoxin-like immunoreactivity among commercial ginsengs. Am J Clin Pathol . 2003;119(2):298-303.

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Review Date: 1/25/2007
Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.