Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, is actually not ginseng at all, but an entirely different herb. Siberian ginseng can be found growing in regions of South Eastern Russia, Korea, China and Japan. The root of the plant is of particular interest, as it contains a number of distinctive active components that may enhance performance, relieve stress, improve the immune system and help with upper respiratory conditions.
Athletic Performance
One of the most popular uses for Siberian ginseng is as a performance enhancer. While the results of studies conducted on the subject are mixed, several studies cited in the publication Alternative Medicine Review indicated that a measurable increase in performance was noted in athletes that took supplements containing Siberian ginseng, compared to those that took a placebo.
Immune System
Siberian ginseng may also work to bolster the immune system. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Siberian ginseng may stimulate T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell production within the body. The publication Alternative Medicine Review also supports this finding and indicates that Siberian ginseng may also increase the amount of B-lymphocyte and T-suppressor cells produced.
Cholesterol Levels
A 2008 collaborative study from Yonsei University, The School of Medicine at Kyung Hee University and Korea National Open University studied the effects of Siberian ginseng on cholesterol levels in post-menopausal women. The results suggested that taking Siberian ginseng as a supplement may help to prevent oxidative stress and improve cholesterol levels in the bloodstream without the occurance of any adverse side effects.
Herpes Infections
Siberian ginseng may also help to relieve the symptoms of herpes infections, particularly those caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one six-month study indicated that Siberian ginseng helped decrease how frequently and severely herpes outbreaks occurred and also how long they lasted.
Upper Respiratory Ailments
The Alternative Medicine Review monograph also showed that Siberian ginseng may be helpful in treating of respiratory infections. One study indicated improvement of symptoms such as headache, nasal and throat congestion and irritation, sinus problems and general malaise improved with the use of a product containing Siberian ginseng. Another study considered the use of Siberian ginseng in conjunction with standardized antibiotic treatment for acute, nonspecific pneumonia. Patients receiving Siberian ginseng required fewer days of treatment than those receiving a placebo.
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