Siberian ginseng, or eleuthero, is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years in countries such as China and Russia. Despite its name, Siberian ginseng is not a true member of the Panax ginseng family, and in 2002, the United States prohibited calling it "ginseng" on labels. It is usually referred to as eleuthero. Siberian ginseng has been clinically tested for many medical conditions, but hair loss is not one of them and there is no evidence that it works for that use.
The Plant
The plant grows in Russia, China and Japan and will reach heights of 3 to 10 feet. The roots of the plants are used medicinal purposes. They contain eleutherosides, which according to the American Cancer Society, may behave similar to estrogen or other steroid hormones. The primary stem and branches of the plant contain numerous thorns and flowers that grow on the plant and will turn to berries during the summer months.
Hair Loss
Siberian ginseng has not been subject to clinical studies is as a hair loss treatment, and there is no scientific literature to back its use for that purpose. The absence of any confirmation of its ability to treat hair loss has not stopped its inclusion in some herbal hair loss products. Siberian ginseng is one of the supplements found in the hair loss product Provillus, but the company makes no claim of its ability to treat hair loss, instead mentioning its purported ability to maintain hormone balance and increase energy.
Uses
Siberian ginseng has been used for a number of conditions and has undergone clinical testing for its use as a treatment for the cold and flu, a treatment for type 2 herpes and as a mental and physical performance enhancer. Other uses for Siberian ginseng have included Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and as a treatment to reduce the effects of chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society states that Siberian ginseng was reportedly given to residents of the Soviet Union and the Ukraine after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident to reduce the effects of radiation poisoning.
Available Forms/Dosage
Siberian ginseng is available in different forms, including extracts, powder, capsules or tablets and as a dried root for making tea. There is no suggested dosage for its use as a hair loss treatment. Standard doses for other purposes are 200 to 400 mg of the extract daily and 500 to 3,000 mg of the dried root. Siberian ginseng is often taken for periods of up to three months, followed by a break of two to three before resuming.
Safety
Siberian ginseng is generally considered safe but does have some reported side effects, with insomnia or drowsiness, vomiting, irregular heartbeats and headaches among those noted. In higher doses, an increase in blood pressure may occur. Siberian ginseng may have possible interactions with sedatives, blood thinners and digoxin, so speak with a physician before taking the herb. Little is known of Siberian ginseng's effects on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it is not recommended for those women.
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