Eleuthero, a popular medicinal herb originating in Asia, has been hailed for centuries as an adaptogen. Plants in this class, which includes American ginseng, Asian ginseng, ashwagandha and rhodiola, support the body's ability to resist the effects of physical and emotional stress. Because of eleuthero's functional similarity to ginseng, herbalists and supplement manufacturers have nicknamed it "Siberian ginseng." When used appropriately, Siberian ginseng is associated with few side effects. However, caution is advised in people with medical conditions and those taking medication.
Hypertension
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) warns that Siberian ginseng may slightly elevate a person's blood pressure. People with pre-existing heart disease should use Siberian ginseng only under the guidance of a qualified health care provider.
Sleep Disruptions
Siberian ginseng is traditionally used to alleviate sleep disruptions related to stress and anxiety. However, large doses may be counterproductive. The health information website Drugs.com warns that large doses of Siberian ginseng can cause insomnia and anxiety. UMMC reports drowsiness as a common side effect associated with high doses.
Headache
UMMC notes that some Siberian ginseng users experience a headache after taking the herb. Large-scale studies have not yet investigated Siberian ginseng's side effects, so the level of correlation may be equivalent to placebo.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
UMMC reports gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as occasional side effects associated with high-dose Siberian ginseng.
Drug Interactions
UMMC notes several possible drug interactions associated with Siberian ginseng. Consult your health care provider before taking Siberian ginseng if you are taking Digoxin, anticoagulants or sedatives. Siberian ginseng may increase the effects of these drugs, leading to an elevated risk of side effects.
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