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Other common
name(s): Siberian ginseng, devil's shrub, devil's root,
touch-me-not
Scientific/medical
name(s): Eleutherococcus
senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus
Description
Eleuthero is a shrub that grows in Siberia, China, Korea, and
Japan. The dried root and other underground parts of the plant are used
in herbal remedies for a variety of conditions. It is a distant
relative of true (Panax) ginseng (which includes Asian ginseng and
American ginseng), but it does not belong to the Panax group of herbs.
Previously sold in the United States as "Siberian ginseng," a 2002 U.S.
law forbade the "ginseng" label, and the name "eleuthero" is now more
commonly used.
Overview
Some studies have suggested eleuthero may help boost energy or
have other beneficial effects, but the research is far from conclusive,
and more studies are needed. Available scientific evidence does not
support eleuthero as an effective way to treat cancer or reduce the
side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents of eleuthero claim that it boosts the immune
system, increases energy and physical prowess, improves concentration
and memory, and speeds recovery from illness. Some practitioners claim
that the herb regulates blood pressure, reduces inflammation, has a
restorative effect on many organs, and lowers blood sugar levels.
Some claim eleuthero can help with cancer-related fatigue.
There are also claims that it helps chemotherapy drugs work better and
that it reduces the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation
therapy.
What does it involve?
Eleuthero is on the Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency
for herbs) list of approved herbs, and the supplements are available as
tablets and liquid extracts. The powdered or cut root can be brewed as
a tea. An average dose is 2 to 3 grams per day. Typically, it is taken
regularly for 6 to 8 weeks, followed by a 1 to 2 week break before
starting again.
What is the history behind it?
Eleuthero has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for
thousands of years to treat rheumatism, weak liver and kidneys, low
energy levels, and to prevent respiratory tract infections, including
colds and the flu. Herbalists have long prescribed eleuthero for
menopausal complaints, weakness in elderly people, physical and mental
stress, trouble sleeping caused by anxiety, and even to treat cancer.
Eleuthero did not come into widespread use until the middle of
the 20th century, at a time when supplies of Panax ginseng were low.
Russian and Chinese scientists found eleuthero seemed to have some of
the same properties as Panax ginseng and could be grown faster.
Athletes from the former Soviet Union used it because they believed it
enhanced athletic performance during competitions. After the Chernobyl
nuclear reactor disaster, Russian and Ukrainian citizens reportedly
received the herb to counter the effects of radiation poisoning, though
that benefit was not proven. It is still widely used in Russia and
other Asian countries and has gained popularity in western countries as
well.
What is the evidence?
Eleuthero does not contain ginsenosides, the compounds found
in Asian and American ginseng that are thought to be responsible for
the plants' medicinal effects. Eleuthero contains other compounds,
called eleutherosides, some of which may act like estrogen or other
steroid hormones.
Research on the possible medicinal properties of eleuthero has
been conducted mainly in Russia and other Asian countries. Few studies
of eleuthero have been published in conventional peer-reviewed medical
journals.
Some laboratory studies in cell cultures and animals have
suggested that eleuthero may have immune-boosting properties. Whether
these effects occur in people is unclear. The consensus of available
scientific evidence does not show the herb is effective in treating
cancer in humans or that it can reduce the side effects of
chemotherapy.
One small study found that eleuthero was no better than a
placebo in reducing chronic fatigue over the course of a few months,
although there were indications it might be better among people whose
fatigue was less severe. The study authors concluded that further
research in this area may be warranted.
The evidence that eleuthero supplements enhance athletic
ability is mixed. A recent review of 8 clinical trials in humans found
that while 3 studies suggested improved physical endurance, these
studies had flaws in the way they were conducted. The 5 remaining
studies, which were more scientifically sound, did not find a strong
benefit.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease.
Some such products may not
contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the
label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
The health risks of eleuthero have not been firmly
established, although major side effects from usual doses seem to be
rare. Some cases of headache, diarrhea, nervousness, and trouble
sleeping have been reported.
Eleuthero may raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, so
people with high blood pressure or heart disease should talk with their
doctor before taking it. It may also lower blood sugar levels, which
may be important to people taking medicine for diabetes.
Eleuthero may alter the amount of time it takes for bleeding
to stop. This could be an issue if it is taken before surgery or if a
person is taking drugs that can affect blood clotting, such as aspirin
or warfarin (Coumadin). Other interactions with drugs or other herbs
may be possible. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs and
supplements you are taking.
Eleuthero has not been well studied in women who are pregnant
or breast-feeding. People with allergies to eleuthero or related plants
should avoid this herb. Relying on this type of treatment alone and
avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have
serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Blumenthal M, ed. The
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Goulet ED, Dionne IJ. Assessment of the effects of
eleutherococcus senticosus on endurance performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.
2005;15:75-83.
Gruenwald J. PDR
for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004.
Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R, Hoehns J, Logemann C, Sinift S,
Butani Y, Wang W, Brake K, Ernst M, Kautzman H. Randomized controlled
trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. Psychol Med.
2004;34:51-61.
Siberian ginseng. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web
site. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69379.cfm. Updated July 17, 2007.
Accessed June 6, 2008.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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