The plant Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng and eleuthero, is a traditional herbal remedy in Eastern Europe and Asia. It is not the same plant as American ginseng or Asian ginseng, also called Panax ginseng, and it has different chemical components and uses. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises taking herbal remedies only under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in botanical medicine.
Benefits
Eastern European herbalists use Siberian ginseng as an adaptogen, meaning the herb helps people cope with mental and physical stress. Some research indicates that Siberian ginseng extract can improve immune system functioning and could be useful in the long-term treatment of immune-related illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and HIV, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Siberian ginseng tincture appears to boost the numbers of immune cells that decrease during infection with HIV and AIDS.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Siberian ginseng has traditional uses for preventing upper respiratory infections of the common cold and flu, although research is lacking, as noted by the UMHS. Research does suggest that a product combining Siberian ginseng with andrographis decreases the severity and duration of colds, according to the UMMC, and also decreases flu symptoms faster than the antiviral drug amantadine, commonly known as Symmetrel. It has not been determined whether Siberian ginseng alone would work for this purpose.
Components
The root of Siberian ginseng is used medicinally. It contains chemical compounds known as eleutherosides and polysaccharides, which are believed to stimulate the immune system, according to the UMMC. Polysaccharides also can lower blood sugar levels.
Usage
Siberian ginseng is available in various forms, including liquid extract and tincture, and dried extract in powder, capsules and tablets. You also can use the dried or cut root to make tea. Recommended dosage as listed by the UMMC is 500 to 3,000 mg daily of dried root or dried extract, or 1/2 to 1 tsp. of tincture two to three times daily. A standardized extract in liquid or powdered form is guaranteed to contain 0.8 to 1 percent eleutherosides, and that recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg two times per day.
Side Effects
Although unlikely when not exceeding the recommended dosage, some side effects are possible with Siberian ginseng. The UMHS notes that a small number of people have reported mild temporary diarrhea, and that the herb can cause insomnia if you take near bedtime. Siberian ginseng can increase blood pressure, so people with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take this herb. Some people may experience headache, drowsiness, nosebleeds or nausea.
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