Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus): Plant, Forms & Use

Eleuthero, botanically Eleutherococcus senticosus and colloquially often called Siberian ginseng, is a thorny shrub from north-eastern Asia. Traditionally, it is above all the root that is used, which has long played a role in folk medicine in East Asia and Siberia. In Europe, eleuthero is today offered predominantly as an extract in capsules, drops or teas. Anyone interested in it should know which plant it is botanically, which constituents are characteristic, in which forms it is available and what to look out for when choosing and using it. Despite the name, eleuthero is not identical with true ginseng, which is important for classifying it.

What is eleuthero?

Like true ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus belongs to the ginseng family (Araliaceae), but it is a genus of its own. The name Siberian ginseng is therefore botanically misleading, but it has become established in commerce. The plant grows as a thorny shrub in the forests of Siberia, Manchuria, Korea and northern Japan and can reach several metres in height. It is above all the roots and rootstocks that are used, more rarely the bark of the branches.

Characteristic of eleuthero is a group of constituents referred to as eleutherosides. This is not a single compound but a collective term for chemically different substances. In addition, there are further secondary plant compounds such as polysaccharides and lignans. This composition clearly distinguishes it from true Panax ginseng, whose key substances are the ginsenosides. Eleuthero is among the plants described in traditional applications as so-called adaptogens, a term from empirical medicine without any legally authorised health-related meaning.

Occurrence and origin

Eleuthero originates from the cold, temperate forests of north-eastern Asia. The German name (Taigawurzel, "taiga root") derives from the taiga, the boreal coniferous forest belt that stretches over large parts of Siberia. For processing into extracts, the root is harvested, cleaned, dried and then extracted. The quality of the raw material depends on the origin, the age of the plant and the processing; older roots are often regarded as richer in content.

Because wild stocks are limited, part of the material traded today comes from controlled cultivation. When buying, the statement of the botanical species is important, because in commerce mix-ups with other roots occasionally occur. A clear declaration of Eleutherococcus senticosus provides certainty here. Details on the growing region and on harvest control can also be an indication of careful raw-material selection.

Constituents and forms

Eleuthero is offered in several forms that differ in concentration and use.

• Extract capsules: often standardised to a certain content of eleutherosides, practical and evenly dosable.
• Tinctures and drops: alcoholic or aqueous extracts, flexibly dosable and quick to take.
• Tea from dried root: the most traditional form, with a comparatively low and fluctuating concentration.
• Powder: ground root that can be stirred into drinks, with a natural, slightly bitter taste.

An important quality feature is the extract ratio, for example 10:1, which indicates how strongly the raw material has been concentrated. A ratio of 10:1 means that one part of extract was obtained from ten parts of root. Standardised extracts additionally state the content of the key substances, which makes it easier to compare different products. For eleuthero there are no authorised health-related claims in the EU; it is used traditionally.

Intake and dosage

There are no binding official dosage recommendations for food supplements containing eleuthero. Manufacturers orient themselves on traditional amounts of use and state the respective dosage on the packaging. With extracts, the sensible amount depends strongly on the extract ratio and the content of the key substances, which is why different products cannot be compared directly via the pure milligram figure.

Eleuthero is often taken in the morning or spread over the day. In traditional use it is used more as a course over several weeks rather than permanently, often with subsequent breaks. Stick to the manufacturer's instructions and do not exceed the recommended daily amount. With tea, preparation follows the package instructions; usual is an infusion of the dried root with hot water and a steeping time of several minutes.

What to look out for when buying?

When buying, you should look for the clear statement of the botanical species Eleutherococcus senticosus, in order to rule out mix-ups. Standardised extracts with a stated eleutheroside content and a clear extract ratio allow a better assessment of the strength. Reputable suppliers make transparent statements about origin, plant part and composition.

Also pay attention to a short, comprehensible list of ingredients without unnecessary additives and to testing for residues such as heavy metals or pesticides. The pure milligram value per capsule says little as long as the extract ratio and key substances are not known. Anyone who values purity prefers products with documented quality control and ideally a certificate of analysis. The combination with other ingredients should also be declared comprehensibly.

Another point is the price-performance assessment: a low basic price per pack does not automatically mean a favourable product if the dosage is low or the extract ratio is weak. It is more sensible to compare the cost per daily dose at a similar content of the key substances. It is also worth a look at the capsule shell, for example whether it is plant-based, as well as at possible allergens in the product. Anyone who considers these criteria together can compare different offers fairly with one another.

Safety and tolerability

In usual amounts, eleuthero is mostly well tolerated. As with many plant extracts, individual reactions are possible. Because some people react sensitively to stimulating plants, taking it late in the evening is often avoided. For pregnant and breastfeeding women and children there are insufficient data, so use is advised against here.

Herbal preparations can interact with medicines, for example with agents that affect blood sugar or blood clotting. If you take medicines regularly, suffer from chronic conditions or are unsure, speak with your doctor before use. A food supplement is no substitute for a balanced diet and no substitute for medical treatment. Anyone starting out sensibly begins with a low amount and observes their own tolerability over a few days before adjusting the dosage.

Suitable products

Eleuthero is traditionally assigned to the adaptogens, which also include true Panax ginseng. Anyone interested in this group of plants sometimes reaches for high-dose ginseng extracts, which are selected according to extract ratio and ginsenoside content, sometimes in combination with piperine. Such products are chosen on the basis of composition and standardisation, not on the basis of efficacy promises, and are used as a supplement to a balanced diet.

History and traditional use

Eleuthero has a long tradition in East Asia and Siberia. In the folk medicine of these regions, the root was used over generations and used in various preparations. In the second half of the 20th century, the plant also came more strongly into focus in Eastern Europe, where it was described as part of empirical medicine. The widespread assignment to the adaptogens also dates from this time, a collective term for plants that are traditionally associated with situations of strain.

It is important to classify this tradition: a long history of use is cultural empirical knowledge, but no substitute for scientific proof of efficacy. From a legal point of view, there are no authorised health-related claims for eleuthero in the EU; it is used traditionally. Anyone who tries the plant should therefore understand it as part of a conscious, balanced lifestyle and not as a remedy against particular complaints. The traditional use explains above all why the root is still offered and in demand today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is eleuthero the same as ginseng?

No. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is indeed called Siberian ginseng, but it is a genus of its own. Like true Panax ginseng, it belongs to the ginseng family (Araliaceae), but it has different key substances, the eleutherosides instead of ginsenosides.

In which forms is eleuthero available?

Available are extract capsules, tinctures and drops, tea from dried root as well as powder. Extracts are usually more strongly concentrated and often standardised to eleutherosides, tea is the most traditional but weaker form.

How is eleuthero taken?

There are no binding official specifications. Manufacturers state the dosage; it is often used in the morning and as a course over a few weeks. Stick to the package information and do not exceed the daily amount.

What should I look out for when buying?

Important are the clear botanical statement Eleutherococcus senticosus, a standardised eleutheroside content, a clear extract ratio as well as transparent information on origin and purity without unnecessary additives.

For whom is eleuthero not suitable?

For pregnant and breastfeeding women and children there are insufficient data, which is why use is advised against. Anyone taking medicines or having illnesses should seek medical advice beforehand.