Siberian Ginseng

Homeopathic remedy.

		The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: as a tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue, debility or declining capacity for work and concentration. It is also beneficial during convalescence.
		Sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free

More Info

Composition

Each ml contains:
Medicinal ingredient:
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng, root) 1X
Non-medicinal ingredient:
1 mL of tincture contains 0.50 mL alcohol (ethanol).
1 mL = 35 drops. Dropper included.

Dosage

Adults and adolescents over 14 years old: Take 40 drops, 3 times daily with water, 15 minutes before meals.

Historical overview

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogen. The concept of adaptogen was introduced in 1947 by the Russian scientist Lazarev to describe products that increase non-specific resistance to stress. In 1958, Brekhman and Dardymov, two Russian physicians, refined the definition: “An adaptogen must be innocuous and cause minimal disorders in the physiological functions of an organism, it must have a nonspecific action, and it usually has a normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the pathological state."
Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) should not be confused with Eleutherococcus or Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). These two plants belong to the same genus (Araliaceae) but not the same family. Both are adaptogens but Chinese Ginseng is more stimulating and is considered “hotter” in Chinese medicine. The use of Siberian Ginseng is preferred when stimulation is not desirable (as with hypertensive patients or “hot” tempered people). In the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, Siberian Ginseng (Wu Jia Pi) is recommended as a liver and kidney tonic, to strengthen tendons and bones, and for general weakness.(3)

Actions and pharmacology

Active principles of the Siberian Ginseng root, called eleutherosides, contain saponines, beta sitosterol glycosides, coumarins, etc. It acts mainly on the pituitary-adrenocortical axis. The polysaccharides contained in Siberian Ginseng are thought to be responsible for its immunostimulating activity (increased phagocytal activity and leukocytes count).(4) Eleutherococcus modulates the synthesis of several immunity factors called cytokines or interleukins.(5) It improves oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2 max) and lowers cholesterol levels.(4) In addition, it seems to help maintain a positive protein balance (anabolic effect).
The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: as a tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue, debility or declining capacity for work and concentration. It is also beneficial during convalescence.

Scientific studies

Clinical studies on Siberian Ginseng are contradictory. Two studies failed to prove a significant effect on the athletes’ endurance or performances.(6-7) However, other studies confirm its efficacy on fatigue and the various parameters associated with stress such as cholesterol level, cytokines, oxygen consumption and immunity.(4) These diverging results probably indicate that Siberian Ginseng has a stronger effect on amateur athletes or sedentary people than on accomplished athletes.

Precautions, contraindications and interactions

Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid taking in case of allergy to any of the ingredients in the product.
Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen.
Do not use if safety seal is broken. Keep out of reach of children.

There has been one report of interaction between digoxin (Lanoxin®) and Siberian Ginseng.(1)
Siberian Ginseng seems to have hypoglycemic properties, it should not be mixed with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin.
Some authors mention that Siberian Ginseng has a dopaminergic action (effect on brain dopamine) that could be useful in Parkinson’s disease. This action has not been documented.

References

1-McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian Ginseng. CMAJ 1996 Aug 1;155(3):293-5

2-Brekhman, I.I. & Dardymov, I.V. "New substances of plant origin which increase nonspecific resistance," Annu Rev Pharmacol, 9: 419-30, 1969.

3-Guillaume G, Mach-Chieu. Pharmacopée et Médecine Traditionnelle Chinoise. Éditions DésIris /Présence 1987. France

4-Szolomicki S, Samochowiec L, Wojcicki J, Drozdzik M. The influence of active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular defense and physical fitness in man. Phytother Res 2000;14:30-35

5-Schmolz MW, Sacher F, Aicher B. The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in human whole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots. Phytother Res 2001 May;15(3):268-70

6-Eschbach LF, Webster MJ, Boyd JC et al. The effect of Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on substrate utilization and performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000 Dec;10(4):444-51

7-Dowling EA, Redondo DR, Branch JD et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996 Apr;28(4):482-9

8-The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Blumenthal M et al 1998. American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, Texas, 78723

9-Natural Medicines Comprehensive DataBase 2001. Pharmacist's Letter 3120 W. March Lane, PO Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208