BENEFITS OF ELEUTHERO
✓ Improves resistance to stress
✓ Stimulates and regulates the immune system
✓ Tones the body and reduces fatigue
✓ Improves cognitive function
✓ Regulates blood sugar
What is eleutherococcus?
Eleuthero is a shrub belonging to the Araliaceae family. It joins the famous ginseng (Panax ginseng) and ivy, common in our regions. The genus Eleutherococcus includes about thirty species including Eleutherococcus senticosus and Eleutherococcus sieboldianus. While the latter is also part of the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, it is Eleutherococcus senticosus that is now used worldwide for its medicinal properties. Thus, when one speaks of eleuthero, this species is commonly referred to.
Eleuthero is native to eastern Siberia, the Asian part of Russia. Hardy and able to withstand very low temperatures, it also grows in the cold regions of China, Japan and South Korea.
Because of its geographic origin and its belonging to the same family as ginseng, eleuthero is nicknamed “Siberian ginseng”. However, while they share some properties, the two plants should not be confused.
Reaching up to 3 m in height, eleutherococcus is a very thorny shrub which earned it the nickname “devil’s bush”. It has palmate green leaves and is notable for having flowers of different colors: purple for the male flowers and yellow-green for the female flowers. After flowering, the shrub produces numerous black berries in clusters. But the medicinal interest of eleutherococcus lies in its root…
Also called “taiga root”, eleutherococcus has been used for medicinal purposes since antiquity. In Northeast Asia, it is consumed as an infusion or decoction for its tonic and anti-fatigue action. It is particularly reputed for increasing longevity and strengthening the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is also among spleen-tonifying plants such as the astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and ginseng.
It was from the 1950s, thanks to scientific research, that eleutherococcus became known beyond Russian and Chinese borders. Today, it is a renowned plant worldwide, consumed as a dietary supplement.
Nutritional composition
- Acides aminés
- Vitamines : pro-vitamine A (bêta-carotène), C, E
- Minéraux et oligo-éléments : calcium, phosphore, potassium, magnésium, sodium, aluminium, fer, brome, cuivre, zinc, chrome, germanium
- Saponines : éleuthérosides B (syringine), E et A
- Polysaccharides : éleuthéranes A et G
- Composés phénoliques : coniférine
- Acides phénoliques : acide chlorogénique, acide caféique
- Hétérosides
- Lignanes
- Coumarines : isofraxidine
- Stérols : daucostérol, sistostérol
- Résines
Benefits of eleutherococcus
🙏🏻 Improves resistance to stress
Like ginseng, maca (Lepidium meyenii) or rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), eleuthero is an adaptogenic plant. It increases the body’s resistance to various stress situations (physical or psychological) and helps it better defend itself.
The adaptogenic properties of eleuthero are due to the eleutherosides contained in its root, notably eleutheroside E. On one hand, eleutheroside E acts on corticosterone, a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. By reducing corticosterone production, eleutheroside E therefore has a calming and anti-stress effect.
On the other hand, eleuthero contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis, that is to the body’s balance. Thus, it acts as a stabilizer to allow a return to balance in stressful situations.
Finally, eleuthero contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements that help reduce stress and anxiety. This includes vitamin C (or ascorbic acid), zinc, magnesium and calcium.
This study from Ehime University (Japan) shows how eleutheroside E reduced corticosterone levels in stressed mice.
🛡 Stimulates or regulates the immune system
Numerous studies have shown that eleuthero has a beneficial effect on immunity. It acts on both natural defenses and the immune system’s response.
Eleutherococcus increases the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight disease and infections. It also promotes the production of interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, which are involved in immunity. Finally, Eleutherococcus improves the humoral response, that is, the production of antibodies in the event of an attack. In this respect, it has immunostimulant properties.
But Eleutherococcus can both stimulate and inhibit the reactions of the immune system when they are overly active and excessive. This is the case with allergies or certain autoimmune diseases. Thus, Eleutherococcus regulates and exerts an immunomodulatory effect.
Like the cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and the reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), it also contains germanium, a trace element that helps keep the immune system balanced.
This study by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (Poland), conducted on mice, demonstrates that Eleutherococcus has immunomodulatory properties and improves the cellular and humoral response.
This other study by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), conducted on rats, also shows the beneficial effects of Eleutherococcus on immunity.
⚡️ Tones the body and reduces fatigue
In traditional Chinese medicine, eleuthero is considered a general tonic and is indicated to combat physical or mental fatigue. Today, this effect is recognized by the EMA (European Medicines Agency), the WHO (World Health Organization) and Commission E.
Again, it is the eleutherosides, particularly eleutheroside E, that are responsible for eleuthero’s anti-fatigue action. But it also contains other energizing nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Thus, eleuthero is particularly useful for older adults, during intense physical exertion, for mental overexertion, for temporary or chronic fatigue, in cases of viral illnesses or during a period of convalescence.
This study from the Second Military Medical University of Shanghai (China), conducted on mice, shows the efficacy of eleutherosides in relieving physical and mental fatigue.
This other study from the University of Iowa (United States), conducted on patients suffering from chronic fatigue, shows the potential of eleuthero to reduce the severity and duration of fatigue.
👩🏻🏫 Improves cognitive function
Eleutherococcus has a beneficial effect on cognitive functions, particularly on concentration and memory in the short term. Like ginkgo biloba, it is an intellectual stimulant that improves brain functions.
This action is due to the presence of pro-vitamin A (or beta-carotene), which protects brain cells, limits the decline of cognitive functions, and improves memory. Its effect is amplified when it is combined with vitamin C.
Finally, eleutherococcus contains iron, a trace element essential for neurons because it promotes their oxygenation. Thus, Siberian ginseng makes the brain more efficient and helps improve memory.
Because it is also adaptogenic and allows better stress management, eleutherococcus is the ideal ally for students during exams.
This study from the Stavropol Medical Academy (Russia), conducted in humans, shows the beneficial effects of eleutherococcus on short-term memory.
🍭 Regulates blood sugar
Eleutherococcus appears promising for regulating blood sugar in people with diabetes. Indeed, it contains syringin, an active compound also found in certain plants such as lilac, forsythia, or privet.
Syringin exerts a hypoglycemic effect (lowers blood sugar levels) and improves glycogen synthesis in cells. In addition, eleutheroside E improves insulin sensitivity while lowering blood glucose and promoting glucose uptake.
This study from Taipei Medical University (Taiwan), conducted on diabetic rats, confirms the hypoglycemic effect of eleutherococcus syringin.
This other study by the Korea Food Research Institute (South Korea), conducted on mice, shows the potential benefit of eleutheroside E in type 2 diabetes.
How to consume eleutherococcus?
Eleuthero in tablets
Tablets or eleutherococcus capsules are easy to find in health food and specialty stores or online. They contain dried root powder.
To fully benefit from eleutherococcus, tablets should be sufficiently standardized for eleutherosides (at least 0.8%, i.e., 3.8 mg of eleutherosides per 480 mg of powder).
Eleuthero in powder
Eleutherococcus is also available in powder form. After harvesting, the root is dried and then ground into powder for sale. It generally contains between 0.6% and 0.9% eleutherosides.
Eleutherococcus powder mixes easily with water, fruit juice, or plant-based milk. It can also be used to prepare an infusion. To do this, pour 2 to 4 g of eleutherococcus powder into 150 ml of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes and sweeten by adding a spoonful of honey.
Eleuthero in mother tincture
The mother tincture of eleuthero is obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of the root. This form of dietary supplement is generally concentrated in eleutherosides. It dilutes easily in a little water or fruit juice.
But the mother tincture has the drawback of containing a lot of alcohol. It is therefore not recommended for pregnant women, children, or people with certain medical conditions.
Eleuthero and medicinal herbs
Eleuthero pairs well with many medicinal plants and superfoods. For physical fatigue, you can supplement your eleuthero intake with spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) or acerola (Malpighia emarginata).
In cases of overwork or to improve your cognitive performance, combine eleuthero with bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), ginkgo biloba, or maca (Lepidium Meyenii) which boost concentration and memory.
Sustainable consumption: favor organic and fair-trade eleuthero
✓ We recommend choosing eleuthero certified organic, grown according to the principles of organic farming and therefore without chemicals. In addition to preserving the environment, you will avoid pesticide residues in the finished product. Also choose capsules that are non-GMO, free of excipients and preservatives, and not irradiated.
✓ Today, eleuthero mainly comes from China, South Korea and Japan. In China, the climate and soils of Shanxi province in the northeast of the country, and of Hebei in the east, are particularly favorable to its cultivation.
✓ Unfortunately, growing global demand is driving intensive harvesting. In Korea, for example, eleuthero is a protected plant because it is endangered. When choosing your dietary supplement, therefore check the origin and favor fair supply chains.
Dosage
⚖️ The recommended dosage ranges from 0.5 to 4 g of eleuthero per day.
⏳ To obtain results, doses must be taken regularly and continued for at least 6 weeks. However, it is not recommended to take eleuthero for more than 3 consecutive months.
⏳ It is recommended not to take eleuthero late in the day to avoid insomnia. Prefer doses in the morning or at midday. Also avoid consuming other stimulants like coffee so as not to disrupt sleep.
⏳ Eleuthero can be taken as 6-week courses, 3 to 4 times a year, with breaks between each. These courses are useful in cases of intense fatigue, convalescence, or as a preventive measure before seasonal changes to strengthen the body.
💊 In tablets : 0.5 to 4 g per day, in 1 to 3 doses.
🥄 In powder : 1 g, 2 to 3 times per day.
🍵 As an infusion : 2 cups per day.
🧪 As a mother tincture : 3 x 20 to 40 drops per day.
Contraindications and side effects
The consumption of eleuthero has certain contraindications:
- Par mesure de précaution, les jeunes enfants, les femmes enceintes ou allaitantes doivent éviter de prendre de l’éleuthérocoque.
- Les personnes souffrant d’hypertension, de problèmes cardiaques (cardite rhumatismale, athérosclérose) ou de troubles nerveux doivent éviter d’en consommer ;
- Les personnes diabétiques, souffrant d’obésité ou atteintes d’un cancer hormono-dépendant doivent consulter leur médecin avant d’en prendre ;
- L’éleuthérocoque peut interagir avec les médicaments hypoglycémiants, anticoagulants, hypotenseurs ou hypertenseurs.
Excessive consumption of eleuthero can cause the following side effects:
- Augmentation de la tension artérielle.
- Maux de tête.
- Palpitations et tachycardies.
- Insomnies.
- Diarrhées.
- Irritabilité, hyperexcitation et énervement.
If you experience any side effects, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
History, cultivation and market of eleuthero
In China, eleuthero has been used for more than 4,000 years because of its medicinal properties. At a time when Korean ginseng was particularly expensive and overharvested, eleuthero was a local, abundant, and much more affordable plant, hence its nickname, ‘the poor man’s ginseng’.
But it was only in the 20th century that the plant gained widespread popularity. In the 1950s, Doctors Brekhman and Lazarev, who had already conducted extensive research on adaptogenic plants, highlighted the benefits of eleuthero for managing stress.
Later, in the 1970s, eleuthero became very popular in Russia. It is said that Russian athletes consumed it to improve their athletic performance. Finally, although this information has not been verified, astronauts aboard the Mir space station are said to have also consumed eleuthero to increase their strength and endurance and to reduce the effects of weightlessness.
Report by Julia Perez and Charlotte Jean
Sources and scientific studies
Shu Zhu, Yanjing Bai, Mayuko Oya, KenTanaka, KatsukoKomatsu, Takuro Maruyama, Yukihiro Goda, Takeshi Kawasaki, Masao Fujita, Toshiro Shibata, 2011. Genetic and chemical diversity of Eleutherococcus senticosus and molecular identification of Siberian ginseng by PCR-RFLP analysis based on chloroplast trnK intron sequence.
Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M, 2004. Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice.
Rogala E, Skopińska-Rózewska E, Sawicka T, Sommer E, Prosińska J, Drozd J, 2003. The influence of Eleuterococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immunological response of mice.
Steinmann GG, Esperester A, Joller P, 2001. Immunopharmacological in vitro effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts.
Huang LZ, Huang BK, Ye Q, Qin LP, 2011. Bioactivity-guided fractionation for anti-fatigue property of Acanthopanax senticosus.
Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R, Hoehns J, Logemann C, Sinift S, Butani Y, Wang W, Brake K, Ernst M, Kautzman H, 2004. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue.
Arushanian EB, Baĭda OA, Mastiagin SS, Popova AP, Shikina IB, 2003. [Effect of eleutherococcus on short-term memory and visual perception in healthy humans].
Niu HS, Liu IM, Cheng JT, Lin CL, Hsu FL, 2008. Hypoglycemic effect of syringin from Eleutherococcus senticosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Jiyun Ahn, Min Young Um, Hyunjung Lee, Chang Hwa Jung, Seok Hyun Heo, and Tae Youl Ha, 2013. Eleutheroside E, An Active Component of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Ameliorates Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice.
