You may not realize that there are actually several different species of plants called ginseng. The more common ones are Asian (Panax ginseng) and American (Panax quinquefolius). But a distant relative of those varieties is Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus) ginseng, says Medicinal Herb Info. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), Siberian ginseng has completely different properties and uses than the other varieties. The active compounds in this herb are eleutherosides, which are responsible for the health effects, says UMMC. Before taking Siberian ginseng, seek the advice of your health-care provider.
Cold and Flu Treatment
Siberian ginseng may be a treatment for the flu or common cold. When Siberian ginseng treatment begins within the first 72 hours of the onset of cold or flu symptoms, the UMMC says that it seems to lessen the duration and severity of the condition.
Herpes Simplex Therapy
Another study described on the UMMC website suggests that when taken for at least a six-month period, Siberian ginseng is able to lessen the severity, duration and frequency of herpes simplex outbreaks. Before you begin to take this herb to treat herpes simplex, ask your pharmacist or health-care provider if it is recommended for your case.
Immune System Booster
According to the UMMC site, the eleutherosides in Siberian ginseng may boost the function of the body's metabolism, contributing to overall health.
Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) reports that Siberian ginseng is currently being investigated as a way to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy treatment, such as nausea and weakness.
Strength and Stamina
Siberian ginseng may also provide a natural way to improve physical endurance and increase muscle strength. UMMC says that studies of this effect have shown mixed results, so the benefit is unconfirmed.
Research and Safety
Read the research about the safety of Siberian ginseng before taking it. An article on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website describes a clinical study on adverse effects from several medicinal herbs. Siberian ginseng was shown to have dangerous reactions in 1 to 2 percent of the cases. Some of the reactions included anaphylaxis, liver problems and even pulmonary embolisms.
Another study published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine site examined samples of various herbal supplements of different brands. Of the samples of Siberian ginseng tested, 50 percent of them were found to be contaminated with bacteria.
The UMMC website explains that when used according to the package directions, Siberian ginseng is generally considered safe. But the site warns that people with obstructed sleep apnea or narcolepsy and pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid taking Siberian ginseng. UMMC lists the most common side effects of taking the herb as high blood pressure, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headaches, nosebleeds and irregular heart rhythm. The MSKCC website cautions that people who use heart disease medications, blood thinners, sedatives or medications to treat diabetes should not take Siberian ginseng due to possible interactions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Siberian Ginseng
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Siberian Ginseng
- Medicinal Herb Info: Ginseng
- PubMed.gov: Spontaneously reported adverse reactions in association with complementary and alternative medicine substances in Sweden
- PubMed.gov: Moulds, yeasts and aerobic plate counts in ginseng supplements
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