Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

(Eleutherococcus senticosus)

- Dr Karen Bridgman

This powerful herb shows promise for immunity, cognition and supporting cancer treatments.

Eleuthero is a small woody deciduous shrub (Araliaceae family), native to south-eastern Russia, China, Korea and Japan. The scientific name eleutherococcus means “freeberried” (Greek) and senticosus means thorny (Latin).

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, Siberian ginseng is prescribed to nourish qi, strengthen the spleen, tonify the kidney and tranquilise the mind. It is renowned for its anti-fatigue, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities and was prescribed to increase energy, improve physical performance and to protect against infections.

Active ingredients

The parts used are the roots (mainly), rhizomes, leaves and berries. More than 100 active compounds have been isolated. The roots contain eleutherosides, complex polysaccharides, lignans (ferulic acid, eleutheroside, syringin), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), saponins (beta-sitosterol) and coumarins (scopolamine). The berries contain diverse polyphenols with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, a variety of amino acids, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Therapeutic uses

Eleuthero acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, offering protection to the nervous and cardiovascular systems, while enhancing endurance and circulation.

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