How Do I Use Siberian Ginseng Root Powder?

Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a distant cousin of the more common Asian ginseng, or Panax schin-seng, and American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius. Its chemical makeup and medicinal uses are different from each of the other ginseng forms, says Medicinal Herb Info. Before you begin to take Siberian ginseng, discuss its use with your health care provider.

Siberian Ginseng Uses

The root of the plant is harvested, dried and then ground into a powder used to treat such conditions as herpes simplex viral infection, colds and flu and to boost the immune system, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it helps to counteract the body's physical reactions to stress. It is also commonly used to relieve the weakness and nausea caused by chemotherapy, according to Sloan-Kettering.

Research

Several research studies on Siberian ginseng have been described on the PubMed.gov website. The first was conducted at the University of Tokyo, Japan, and was published in a 2010 issue of "Drug Metabolism & Pharmokinetics." This study looked at the potential for herbal extracts to reduce or eliminate cancer cells. Siberian ginseng was found to show some effect of eliminating cancer cells.

Another study was conducted at the National Institute of Health, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, in Yerevan, Armenia, and published in the June 2010 issue of "Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology." This study investigated the effects on tired, stressed individuals of taking herbal extracts, including Siberian ginseng. The test subjects given the Siberian ginseng showed fewer errors and a higher quality of work than those given placebos.

A third study was conducted at the Catholic University of Daegu, Department of Internal Medicine, in Daegu, Korea. This study was published in the February 2009 issue of "Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology." This trial studied the effects of several herbal extracts, including Siberian ginseng, when given to osteoarthritis patients for six weeks. Siberian ginseng showed no more negative effects on the test subjects than the placebo, yet it gave some relief for pain, as well as increased physical function.

Possible Side Effects

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people who have narcolepsy or sleep apnea avoid the use of Siberian ginseng. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid it. Occasionally, people may experience some side effects from taking Siberian ginseng, including irregular heart rhythm, drowsiness, insomnia, hypoglycemia, headache, nervousness, nosebleed, high blood pressure or vomiting, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Potential Interactions

People who take diabetic medications, blood thinners, barbiturates, sedatives, heart medications such as Digoxin or some antibiotics should not use Siberian ginseng because of the possibility of harmful interactions. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider to ensure that Siberian ginseng will not interact harmfully with any other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or supplements you currently take.

Forms Used

Siberian ginseng is available not only in powder form but in capsule, tablet, tea, liquid extract and solid extract forms. Be sure to follow the package directions carefully.