While both are referred to as ginseng, Korean ginseng, or Panax ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, are different plants with different active ingredients that have different uses. Both Korean and Siberian ginseng are considered adaptogens, or substances that help enable your body to handle a variety of different stressors. However, Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides, the compound in Korean ginseng believed to be responsible for its healing properties. Consult your doctor before beginning use of Siberian ginseng, Korean ginseng or any other herbal supplement.
Siberian Ginseng
Native to Siberia, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan, Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Eleuthero, became popular in the mid-20th century based on research from Russia that it contained properties similar to Panax ginseng. However, Eleuthero's medicinal benefits come from eleutherosides, compounds that may have estrogenic or steroid-like effects, according to the American Cancer Society. Eleuthero is possibly effective for treating herpes simplex 2, the viral infection responsible for most cases of genital herpes, and for relieving common cold symptoms when used with the herb andrographis, according to Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health. Eleuthero is also used to improve memory, treat chronic fatigue syndrome, chemotherapy side effects, fibromyalgia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and to improve overall quality of life, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating these conditions, says MedlinePlus.
Korean Ginseng
Native to China and the Korean peninsula, Panax ginseng may be effective for enhancing memory and thinking skills, lowering blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes and improving erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in males, according to MedlinePlus. Panax ginseng is also used to promote general well-being, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, but more evidence is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating these conditions, according to MedlinePlus.
Side Effects
Eleuthero is considered safe for short-term use by adults. Rare side effects include anxiety, sadness, drowsiness, muscle spasms and irregular heart rhythms, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Panax ginseng is considered likely to be safe for use for periods of less than three months, with insomnia reported as its most common side effect, according to MedlinePlus. Additional side effects include headache, diarrhea, menstrual problems, breast pain, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal bleeding and allergic reactions.
Additional Warnings
Eleuthero should not be used in combination with anticoagulants or blood thinners; sedatives, especially barbiturates; or digoxin. Panax ginseng should not be used with ACE inhibitors, certain blood pressure medications; calcium channel blockers, certain heart and blood pressure medications; anticoagulants; caffeine; diabetes medications; stimulants; MAOIs, a category of antidepressants; or morphine. If you have high blood pressure, do not use Eleuthero or Panax ginseng. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid use of Eleuthero and Panax ginseng.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Siberian Ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
- American Cancer Society: Eleuthero (Formerly Siberian Ginseng)
- MedlinePlus: Supplements: Ginseng, Siberian
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: STD Facts: Genital Herpes; 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Asian Ginseng
Member Comments