Eleuthero
OTHER NAME(S): eleuthero, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Russian ginseng, Siberian ginseng
Overview
Eleuthero is a plant called Eleutherococcus senticosus. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement and as a tea. Eleuthero is commonly used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. A common side effect is trouble sleeping. Before taking eleuthero, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is eleuthero used for?
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is used to increase physical performance, energy levels, and immune function. But its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed eleuthero for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does eleuthero work (mechanism of action)?
Eleuthero is a plant called Eleutherococcus senticosus. Dietary supplements that contain eleuthero are made from the root (rhizome) of the plant. In the traditional Chinese medicine system, eleuthero root is known as ci wu jia. Since the plant is native to Russia and Northern Asia, it is also sometimes called Siberian ginseng. But it is not actually a type of ginseng and does not contain the same chemicals as true ginseng varieties, such as Panax ginseng and American ginseng.
Eleuthero is thought to act as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body respond to stressful changes in its environment. But the benefits of taking eleuthero as an adaptogen are not well defined. In most studies, eleuthero has been used with other herbs and ingredients. Research on the use of eleuthero alone seems to show that it does not increase energy levels, physical performance, or immune function by a meaningful amount.
Herbal products, such as eleuthero, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific eleuthero product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.
How should I store eleuthero?
You should store eleuthero according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of eleuthero?
Eleuthero seems to be well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect is trouble sleeping (insomnia). Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are taking. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of eleuthero that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of eleuthero?
While less common, the most serious side effects of eleuthero are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Eleuthero may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking eleuthero and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use eleuthero?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take eleuthero.
- Eleuthero
- Eleutherococcus senticosus
- Russian ginseng
- Siberian ginseng
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific eleuthero products they stock.
What should I know about eleuthero before taking it?
Eleuthero is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep eleuthero out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as eleuthero, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific eleuthero product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Eleuthero is available in many forms, including a liquid extract, tea, dried and ground powder, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
If you are using eleuthero powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. If you are using eleuthero liquid extract, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Read the product label carefully, and follow the instructions on the label.
The FDA has not tested eleuthero products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before taking eleuthero?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if eleuthero is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Eleuthero may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking eleuthero, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how eleuthero could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if eleuthero passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does eleuthero interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between eleuthero and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect eleuthero.
Does eleuthero interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure.
The interactions between eleuthero and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with eleuthero is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking eleuthero with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much eleuthero?
If you or someone else has used too much eleuthero, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Dietary supplements and teas that contain eleuthero are usually made from the root of the plant. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take eleuthero safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: “Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng.”
- Drug Metabolism and Disposition: “Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 activity in normal volunteers.”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Eleuthero.”
- European Medicines Agency: “Final assessment report on Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim., radix.”
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: “Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance.”
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Siberian Ginseng.”
- Pharmacopsychiatry: “No benefit adding eleutherococcus senticosus to stress management training in stress-related fatigue/weakness, impaired work or concentration, a randomized controlled study.”
- Psychological Medicine: “Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue.”