Eleutherococcus senticosus                            Common name:  Siberian ginseng
Family: Araliaceae

Parts used:  Root

Constituents:  Eleutherosides (glycosides) including eleutherosides B and E; Syringin; Phenylpropanes; Polysaccharide; Ciwujianoside. Phenolic compounds, triterpenoid saponins, lignans, coumarins, volatile oils.

Medicinal actions:  Adaptogen & general tonic, antioxidant, chemoprotective, immuno-modulator & stimulant, hypertensive (in a hypotensive state), cardiotonic, hypoglycemic, circulatory stimulant, anti-coagulant, bitter.

Medicinal use:  Eleutherococcus is an adrenal adaptogen and increases mental alertness and physical endurance. It inhibits hypertrophy of adrenal and thyroid glands by reducing extent of the fight or flight reaction and reduces the exhaustive effects of long term stress. Treatment of chronic viral infections, prevention of infections, cancer prevention, adjuvant cancer therapy, treatment of chronic illness and fatigue, alleviation of chronic stress, and reduction of damage from heavy metal and pesticide toxicity.

Pharmacology:

• Effects are due to a combination of components, primarily eleutherosides B and E

Pharmacy: Standardized capsule: 100mg (standardized to greater than 1% eleutheroside E):  200 – 400 mg daily in 2 doses. Whole powder:  2-4 g daily in two doses. Tincture (1:2, 25%), 2-8ml QD. Best taken in the morning and at noon to match the adrenal gland rhythm. Pause dosing, 6 weeks on 2 weeks off

Contraindications: Best to avoid in children and those that are nervous, tense, manic or overly energetic.

Toxicity:  High doses may cause palpitations, insomnia, hypertension and tachycardia.

Interactions: Avoid use with stimulants, alcohol, barbiturates, anti-psychotics, digoxin, and anticoagulants.