Siberian Ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Background

Siberian ginseng, also called Eleuthero or Spiny Ginseng, is a deciduous shrub that can grow as high as 10 feet. It has 3-7 spiky leaflets on long branches attached to a common stem. Both the stem and the branches are covered with thorns. Valued for its ability to restore energy, increase longevity, improve overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory, it is widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity. Similar to panax ginsengs, Siberian ginseng is highly regarded as an adaptogen, meaning it assists the body in achieving its own natural balance.

How it works

Although ginseng has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and to enhance both athletic and sexual performance, it is extremely expensive. The eleutherococcus species was actually discovered by Soviet scientists who were searching for a less expensive type of ginseng. In spite of the extensive body of research performed by Soviet scientists since the 1950’s, the exact mechanism by which Siberian ginseng benefits the body is not understood. Its benefits have been discovered primarily as a result of human trials and from its popular usage by Soviet athletes and military personnel. Siberian ginseng is gaining acceptance and recognition as an effective adaptogen, anti-toxic, and anti-radiation, as well for providing support and regulation to the immune system.

Benefits/Common Uses

Siberian ginseng has traditionally been used for many complaints. The most common uses are listed below.

• Treat depression
  
• Alleviate stress (irritability, fatigue, insomnia): Several studies have shown that Siberian ginseng can increase a person's resistance to physical stresses. In a series of landmark Russian studies in the 1960s, 2,100 healthy adults (19 to 72 years old) given Siberian ginseng were shown to better handle stressful conditions. Specifically, they experienced an increased ability to perform physical labor, withstand motion sickness, and work with speed and precision despite being surrounded by noise. They could also proofread documents more accurately and more readily adapt to such physical stresses such as heat, high altitudes, and low-oxygen environments. Other research indicates that taking Siberian ginseng can heighten mental alertness and improve concentration.
  
• Improve mental function: Siberian ginseng may increase mental alertness, particularly in the early stages of this progressive disorder. The herb's ability to boost the transmission of nerve impulses may also enhance memory.
  
• Enhance stamina & endurance: Siberian ginseng is popular for invigorating and fortifying the body. It appears to boost energy levels in people with constant exhaustion. Those recovering from an illness or weary from a heavy work schedule may also benefit from its energy-boosting and immune-enhancing powers.
  
• Boost immune system: Historically, the Chinese have found Siberian ginseng to be effective in suppressing colds and flu. The herb's immune-enhancing powers may play a role. Interestingly, a Russian study of 13,000 auto workers who took Siberian ginseng one winter showed that participants developed 40% fewer respiratory tract infections than they had in previous winters.

Active Ingredients

• Lignans (sesamine, eleutheroside D)
• Polysaccharides (eleutherane A-G & eleutheroside C)
• Triterpene saponins (eleutherosides I, K, L and M)
• Steroid glycosides (eleutheroside A)
• Hydroxycoumarins (isofraxidin)
• Phenylacrylic acid derivatives (eleutheroside B)

Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 1 ml (approx 24 drops)per spray)
Servings Per Container: 59