SupplementModerate evidenceStress

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus, Siberian ginseng)

EMA-monograph Russian adaptogen for asthenia, not botanically ginseng but classified with adaptogens.

Why

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also called Siberian ginseng, though not a true Panax ginseng) holds an EMA HMPC Traditional Use monograph for symptoms of asthenia such as fatigue and weakness. Used extensively in Russian sports medicine and Soviet space programme research from the 1960s onwards. Modern RCT evidence is preliminary, with small Russian and German trials supporting mild adaptogen effects on physical performance and stress resistance.

How it works

Eleutherosides (B, E, others) modulate HPA-axis activity and noradrenergic tone, proposed adaptogen mechanism distinct from Panax ginseng's ginsenosides. Antioxidant effects on muscle and immune cells.

Expected onset · Fatigue and stress effects over 4–8 weeks

How to take

Dosage

Standardised extract: 300–1,200 mg/day. Dried root: 2–3 g/day. Liquid extract: 1–4 ml three times daily.

Timing

Morning and early afternoon (can be mildly stimulating)

On the label

'Eleutherococcus senticosus', distinct from Panax ginseng. EMA-registered traditional herbal medicinal product available in some EU markets.

Ideal for

Adults with stress-related fatigue or recovery-from-exertion exploring adaptogens; people for whom Asian ginseng is too stimulating.

Safety

Caution in hypertension (mild BP elevation possible at high doses), insomnia, and anxiety with insomnia. May alter digoxin and warfarin levels (modest interactions). Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe cardiovascular disease. Different from but historically confused with Panax ginseng, read labels.

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Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies Eleutherococcus root at Traditional Use for symptoms of asthenia. Cicero 2004 RCT in older adults reported improved QoL after 4 weeks. Panossian 2009 review collates the Russian and Eastern European trial literature.

Where to get it

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