Chinese healers have prized eleuthero — or Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng — for thousands of years. Though it’s not exactly “true” ginseng, it possesses adaptogenic properties and has a well-established reputation as an energy enhancer and brain booster. Recent research reveals it does a lot more. Let’s take a closer look at this powerful herb.
What Makes Ginseng Eleuthero Beneficial?
Before science took its modern form, healers knew from experience how eleuthero supported health and healing. Today we know it contains powerful phytochemicals like sterols, coumarins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Each of these compounds has unique healing potential. When combined, they increase oxygen availability at the cellular level, encouraging blood flow, immune response, and antioxidant effects that protect your DNA.
Eleuthero: A Great Energy Booster
If you're looking for an energy pick-me-up, eleuthero may be something to consider. It's been shown to increase endurance by 23 percent.[1] It also can improve both mental and physical stamina in cases of mild fatigue and feelings of weakness.[2] Eleuthero can even reduce the effects of stress.
The Many Benefits of Eleuthero
When you take eleuthero, you’ll have more energy. But as it turns out, energy is only one of its benefits. Here are additional benefits attributed to it.[3, 4, 5, 6]
- Improves immune system response
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Reduces irritation
- Supports better memory and recall
- Increases libido
- Improves mental clarity
- Supports better focus
- Boosts alertness
- Strengthens bones
- Encourages more restful sleep
How to Supplement With Eleuthero
There are a lot of eleuthero supplements on the market. When looking for the best one for you, make sure to check for purity. Also, make sure you buy from a trusted source as some products may include additives. I personally recommend Ginseng Fuzion™ as it combines the power of eleuthero with Korean ginseng, Indian ginseng (ashwagandha), Peruvian ginseng (maca), and wild-crafted Jiaogulan or 5-leaf ginseng — powerful adaptogens for physical and mental balance.
Do you take eleuthero? Share your experience with us below!
References (6)
- Kuo J, Chen KW, Cheng IS, et al. The effect of eight weeks of supplementation with Eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance capacity and metabolism in human. Chin J Physiol. 2010 Apr 30;53(2):105-11.
- Panossian A, Wikman G. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;4(3):198-219.
- Vaško L, Vašková J, Fejerčáková A, Mojžišová G, Poráčová J. Comparison of some antioxidant properties of plant extracts from Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Stevia rebaudiana. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2014 Aug;50(7):614-22. doi: 10.1007/s11626-014-9751-4.
- Jung SM, Schumacher HR, Kim H, et al. Reduction of urate crystal-induced inflammation by root extracts from traditional oriental medicinal plants: elevation of prostaglandin D2 levels. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007;9(4):R64.
- Xu Y.J., Han C.J., Xu S.J., et al. Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus on learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and protection against free radical injury to brain tissue. Neural Regeneration Research 2008 3:2 (192-195).
- Lim DW, Kim JG, Lee Y, Cha SH, Kim YT. Preventive effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus bark extract in OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats. Molecules. 2013 Jul 8;18(7):7998-8008. doi: 10.3390/molecules18077998.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
