Siberian ginseng
Related Terms
- 1',5'-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 2,6-dimethoxy-4-[(1E)-3,3-dimethoxy-1-propenyl]phenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2,6-dimethoxy-4-(3-hydroxy-propen-1-yl) phenyl-4-O-alpha-L-rhamno-pyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-(4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylferuloyl)quinic acid, 3,4-seco-lupane-20(29)-ene-3,28-dioic acid, 3',5'-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4',5'-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 5'-O-caffeoylquinic acid and isomers, (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4,9'-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, Acanthopanax senticosus, acanthopanaxoside E (3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside), acanthosides, ADAPT-232, aglycone, alimoxide, alpha-bisabolol, alpha-longipinene, arabinose, Araliaceae (family), Argoeleuter tablets, benzyl-O-alpha-L-rhamno-pyranosyl (1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, carbohydrate, chlorogenic acid, Circu-ForteTM, Circulat?, ci wu jia (Chinese), ci wu ju (Chinese), ciwujia (Chinese), ciwujianoside B(1), ciwujianoside C(1), ciwujianoside C(2), ciwujianoside C(3), ciwujianoside C(4), ciwujianoside D(1), ciwujianoside D(2), ciwujianosides, ciwujiatone, complex polysaccharides, copteroside B, devil's bush, devil's shrub, dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol monopyranose, (E)-anethole, Eleu-kokk?, eleuterozid B, eleuterozid C, eleuterozid D, eleuthera, eleutheran, eleutheran A, eleutheran B, eleutheran C, eleutheran D, eleutheran E, eleutheran F, eleutheran G, eleuthero, eleuthero ginseng, eleutherococc, Eleutherococci radix, Eleutherococcus, eleutheroside B, eleutheroside B1, eleutheroside E, eleutheroside E(1), eleutheroside E(2), eleutherosides, episyringaresinol 4"-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, erythro-1,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol, erythro-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-2-{4-[(E)-3-hydroxy-1-propenyl]-2-methoxy-phenoxy}-1,3-propanediol, essential oil, extractum eleutherococci fluidum, ezoukogi (Japanese), ferulic acid, flavonoids, free phenolic acids, galactose, ginseng, ginsenosides, glucopyranosides, glucose, glucuronic acid, glycans, glycosides, guaia-6,9-dien-4beta-ol, gypsogenin 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, Hedera senticosa, hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside 6'-O-methyl ester, hyperin, hyperoside, Hyul-Tong-Ryung, Immuplant tablets, iridoid glycosides, isofraxidin, isofraxidin chiisanoside, isomaltol 3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, Kan Jang?, Kan-Yang, lignans, lycoperodine-l, lyoniresinol, mannose, manyprickle acanthopanax, minerals, monoterpenoids, nicotinamide, oplopanone B, p-coumaric, phenolic acids, p-hydroxybenzoic, phytoestrogen, phytosterols, polyphenols, prickly eleutherococc, protein, protocatechuic acid, rel-5-(1R,5S-dimethyl-3R,4R,8S-trihydroxy-7-oxa-6-oxobicyclo[3,2,1]oct-8-yl)-3-methyl-2Z,4E-pentadienoic acid, rhamnose, rosmarinic acid, Russian root, rutoside, salvadoraside, schisandrin B, senticoside, sesamin, sesquiterpenoids, shigoka, Siberian ginseng wuchaseng extract, silphioside F, spiny eleutherococcus, stigmasterol, sucrose, syringaresinol, diglucoside, syringaresinol-di-O-beta-D-glucoside, syringic acid, syringin, tachioside, Taiga Wurzel, thorny bearer of free berries, thorny pepperbrush, thymidine, thymol, tortoside A, touch me not, triterpene saponins, triterpenoid saponins, untouchable, uronic acid, ussuri, ussurian, vanillic, vitamins, wild pepper, wu jia pi, wuchaseng, wu-jia, wujiaseng, xylose.
- Select combination products: ADAPT-232 (containing Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, and Siberian ginseng), AdMax? (dried ethanol-water extracts from roots of Leuzea carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and fruits of Schisandra chinensis), Aidi Injection (cantharis, Astragalus membranaceus, Acanthopanax senticosus root, Panax ginseng), Chisan? (extracts of Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis Turcz. Baill., and Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim.), Circulat? (also called Circu-ForteTM) (Siberian ginseng root, Rhaponticum carthamoides root, Panax ginseng root, Panax quinquefolius root, Pfaffia paniculata root, Rhodiola rosea root, Echinacea angustifolia root, Echinacea purpurea root, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Hydrastis canadensis, Petiveria alliacea, Sutherlandia frutescens, Tabebuia avellanedae bark, Uncaria tomentosa root, Angelica sinensis root, Crataegus oxycantha fruit, Croton lechleri bark resin, Gingko biloba leaf, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Ruscus aculeatus root, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit), HT008-1 (composed of Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, Angelica sinensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis), Hyul-Tong-Ryung (Salvia miltiorrhiza, chrysanthemum, Acanthopanax senticosus, Cinnamomi ramulus, Eucommiae cortex, licorice, Puerariae radix, Crataegi fructus, Cassiae semen, safflower, peony root, dong quai), ImmunoGuard? (Andrographis paniculata Nees, Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim., Schizandra chinensis Baill., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts), Kan Jang? (Echinacea purpurea, Adhatoda vasica, and Eleutherococcus senticosus), Kan-Yang (Andrographis and Siberian ginseng).
Background
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Acanthopanax senticosus) is a small, woody shrub native to southeastern Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Although Eleutherococcus senticosus is not related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), the name Siberian ginseng became popular because the two plants shared some similar properties.
- Use of Siberian ginseng may date back over 2,000 years in China. Traditionally, Siberian ginseng has been used as an adaptogen, a compound that increases one's ability to adapt to environmental factors, including physical and emotional stress. Overall, there is currently little clinical evidence on the use of Siberian ginseng for this purpose or to treat any medical condition in humans.
- Siberian ginseng is called ci wu ju in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Siberian ginseng is used to invigorate qi; strengthen the spleen; nourish the kidney; provide energy and vitality; and treat high blood pressure, inflammation, respiratory tract infections, ischemic heart disease, spasms, and hepatitis. In traditional Russian medicine, Siberian ginseng is used to stimulate the immune system. Shigoka, the Siberian ginseng rhizome, is a traditional medicine used as a tonic in northeastern Asia and far eastern Russia. It has also been used in traditional Korean medicine as a tonic and adaptogen to strengthen qi. Siberian ginseng is among the five adaptogens most commonly used by Western herbalists.
- Siberian ginseng has been added to yogurt products. Eleutherosides, active components of Siberian ginseng, have withstood pasteurization. Siberian ginseng is also called "eleuthero" in some products.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Siberian ginseng has traditionally been used as an adaptogen, a compound that increases one's ability to adapt to environmental factors, including physical and emotional stress. Studies have investigated the effect of Siberian ginseng on increasing energy, reducing fatigue, and on enhancing exercise performance. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Siberian ginseng has traditionally been used as an adaptogen, a compound that increases one's ability to adapt to environmental factors, including physical and emotional stress. Studies have investigated the effect of Siberian ginseng on increasing energy, reducing fatigue, and on enhancing exercise performance. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Siberian ginseng root has been suggested as part of a holistic approach to the treatment of prostate cancer. Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination therapy that includes Siberian ginseng may increase survival time in patients with advanced cancer. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Siberian ginseng root has been suggested as part of a holistic approach to the treatment of prostate cancer. Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination therapy that includes Siberian ginseng may increase survival time in patients with advanced cancer. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination product (containing Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis) improved cognitive function in females. Additional studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination product (containing Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis) improved cognitive function in females. Additional studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination therapy that contains Siberian ginseng had a beneficial effect on diabetic foot ulcers. Additional studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that a combination therapy that contains Siberian ginseng had a beneficial effect on diabetic foot ulcers. Additional studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Siberian ginseng has been traditionally used as an exercise performance enhancement agent. Results of clinical studies have been mixed. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Siberian ginseng has been traditionally used as an exercise performance enhancement agent. Results of clinical studies have been mixed. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that a combination product containing Siberian ginseng may reduce symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever. Further studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that a combination product containing Siberian ginseng may reduce symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever. Further studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that Siberian ginseng may reduce the severity and duration of fatigue in patients with less severe chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the results of other studies are not in agreement. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that Siberian ginseng may reduce the severity and duration of fatigue in patients with less severe chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the results of other studies are not in agreement. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research suggests that Siberian ginseng may reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of outbreaks of genital herpes after three months of use. Further research is required before conclusions can be made.
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C |
Limited research suggests that Siberian ginseng may reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of outbreaks of genital herpes after three months of use. Further research is required before conclusions can be made.
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C |
The effect of Siberian ginseng, alone and in combination with other herbal ingredients, has been investigated, with mixed results. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
The effect of Siberian ginseng, alone and in combination with other herbal ingredients, has been investigated, with mixed results. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Research suggests that a combination treatment containing Siberian ginseng may contribute to quicker recovery and reduce the risk of postinfluenza complications. Further studies on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Research suggests that a combination treatment containing Siberian ginseng may contribute to quicker recovery and reduce the risk of postinfluenza complications. Further studies on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary data suggest that use of Siberian ginseng extract may increase blood pressure in individuals with neurocirculatory low blood pressure. Further evidence is required before conclusions can be made.
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C |
Preliminary data suggest that use of Siberian ginseng extract may increase blood pressure in individuals with neurocirculatory low blood pressure. Further evidence is required before conclusions can be made.
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C |
Preliminary research on a combination product containing Siberian ginseng suggests a lack of an effect on reducing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. Further studies with Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary research on a combination product containing Siberian ginseng suggests a lack of an effect on reducing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. Further studies with Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
In patients with knee osteoarthritis, a combination product (containing Panax notoginseng, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Siberian ginseng) improved pain and physical function. Research on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone is needed.
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C |
In patients with knee osteoarthritis, a combination product (containing Panax notoginseng, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Siberian ginseng) improved pain and physical function. Research on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone is needed.
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C |
A combination therapy containing low-dose calcium, vitamin D3, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Siberian ginseng was more effective in treating decreasing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women than high doses of calcium and vitamin D3 alone. Research on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone is needed.
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C |
A combination therapy containing low-dose calcium, vitamin D3, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Siberian ginseng was more effective in treating decreasing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women than high doses of calcium and vitamin D3 alone. Research on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone is needed.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that use of a combination product containing Siberian ginseng may reduce the need for antibiotics in patients with pneumonia. Additional studies on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary research suggests that use of a combination product containing Siberian ginseng may reduce the need for antibiotics in patients with pneumonia. Additional studies on the effect of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
A small, preliminary study suggested that Siberian ginseng may not improve quality of life in the elderly. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
A small, preliminary study suggested that Siberian ginseng may not improve quality of life in the elderly. Additional research is needed in this area.
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C |
Several studies suggest that some combination products that contain Siberian ginseng (including Kan Jang? and another product that also contains Andrographis) may reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections in adults and children. Further studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Several studies suggest that some combination products that contain Siberian ginseng (including Kan Jang? and another product that also contains Andrographis) may reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections in adults and children. Further studies of Siberian ginseng alone are needed.
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C |
Preliminary data suggest that Siberian ginseng, when used together with lithium, may be no more beneficial than fluoxetine in treating bipolar disorder in adolescents. Additional research is needed in this area.
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D |
Preliminary data suggest that Siberian ginseng, when used together with lithium, may be no more beneficial than fluoxetine in treating bipolar disorder in adolescents. Additional research is needed in this area.
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D | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- Use caution when taking for longer than two months without a 2-3-week break. Standardization of Siberian ginseng products is needed. Eleutheroside B has been reported to be the best marker compound for quality assurance of Siberian ginseng.
- As an adaptogen, 60-100 drops of a tincture (1:4) have been taken by mouth 3-4 times daily, or 20-40 drops of a fluid extract (1:1) have been taken by mouth three times daily.
- For exercise performance enhancement, the following doses have been taken by mouth: 800-1,200 milligrams of Siberian ginseng daily for up to 10 days; 3.4 milliliters of Siberian ginseng extract daily for six weeks; 25 drops of Taiga Wurzel preparation (containing Siberian ginseng) three times daily for 30 days; two milliliters of Siberian ginseng extract (equivalent to 150 milligrams of dried plant material) daily for eight days; and 800 milligrams of Siberian ginseng daily for 14 days.
- For fatigue, 500 milligrams of Siberian ginseng has been taken by mouth four times daily for two months.
- For genital herpes, a standardized extract of Siberian ginseng has been taken by mouth for three months.
- For low blood pressure (neurocirculatory), a fluid extract of Siberian ginseng has been taken by mouth. Information on the dose was lacking.
- For immunomodulation, eight milliliters of a 35% ethanolic extract of Siberian ginseng (equivalent to four grams of dried root) has been taken by mouth daily for six weeks. Ten milliliters of an ethanolic extract of Siberian ginseng (Eleu-kokk?) has been taken by mouth three times daily for four weeks. A dose of 2-3 grams of powdered root in capsules has been taken by mouth daily. Sixty milliliters of Siberian ginseng solution in 250 milliliters of D5W has been given by intravenous infusion once daily for three weeks; the Siberian ginseng solution used was manufactured in 20 milliliter vials, each containing 100 milligrams of flavonoids.
- For quality of life, 300 milligrams of a dried extract of Siberian ginseng has been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Siberian ginseng may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Siberian ginseng may lower blood sugar levels or increase blood sugar levels after meals. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Siberian ginseng may cause low or high blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
- Siberian ginseng may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Siberian ginseng may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
- Siberian ginseng may also interact with ACE inhibitors, alcohol, alprazolam, antiallergy agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antivirals, cardiac glycosides, dextromethorphan, drugs that affect the immune system, estrogens, gastrointestinal agents (miscellaneous), growth hormones, hexobarbital, hormonal agents, light-sensitizing agents, lipid-lowering drugs, morphine, neurologic agents, p-glycoprotein-transported agents, radiotherapy, steroids, stimulants, SULT1A3- metabolized agents, or vasodilators.
Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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