What Is Eleuthero? Other Names: Acanthopanax Obovatus, Buisson du Diable, Siberian Ginseng

What is Eleuthero?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Eleuthero, commonly known as Siberian ginseng, is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It is scientifically referred to as Eleutherococcus senticosus and is distinct from true ginseng varieties like Panax ginseng. Eleuthero is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, which are believed to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical, or biological. Other names include: Acanthopanax Obovatus, Acanthopanax Obovatus Hoo, Acanthopanax senticosus, Buisson du Diable, Ci Wu Jia, Ciwujia, Ciwujia Root, Ciwujia Root Extract, Devil’s Bush, Devil’s Shrub, Éleuthéro, Eleuthero Extract, Eleuthero Ginseng, Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococci Radix, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Éleuthérocoque, Ginseng de Sibérie, Ginseng des Russes, Ginseng Root, Ginseng Siberiano, Ginseng Sibérien, Hedera senticosa, North Wu Jia Pi, Phytoestrogen, Plante Secrète des Russes, Poivre Sauvage, Prickly Eleutherococcus, Racine d’Eleuthérocoque, Racine de Ginseng, Racine Russe, Russian Root, Shigoka, Siberian Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng, Taiga Ginseng, Thorny Bearer of Free Berries, Touch-Me-Not, Untouchable, Ussuri, Ussurian Thorny Pepperbrush, Wild Pepper, Wu Jia Pi, Wu-jia, Wuchaseng.

Key Components and Biological Effects

Eleuthero contains active compounds known as eleutherosides, which are thought to contribute to its health-promoting effects. One of these compounds, Eleutheroside E, has been shown to exhibit immunocompetence, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Eleutheroside E can protect intestinal epithelial cells from stress-induced damage by enhancing cell proliferation, reducing permeability, and modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins2.

Health Benefits and Uses of Eleuthero

Eleuthero is often used to enhance physical performance and endurance. However, research on its effectiveness in this area has produced mixed results. For instance, a study investigating the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus supplementation on endurance cyclists found no significant differences in substrate utilization or performance time compared to a placebo group. This suggests that while Eleuthero is popular for its purported energy-boosting effects, its actual impact on athletic performance may be limited3.

Potential Applications in Medicine

Beyond its use in sports and general wellness, Eleuthero has potential applications in medical contexts. For example, compounds derived from Eleutherine bulbosa, a plant related to Eleuthero, have been studied for their effects on bone health. Research indicates that extracts from Dayak Onion Bulbs (Eleutherine bulbosa) can significantly increase bone calcium levels, weight, and length in hypoestrogen model rats, suggesting potential benefits for post-menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis1.

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Adverse Effects of Eleuthero

Protective Effects: Eleutheroside E, a component of Eleuthero, has been shown to protect intestinal cells from stress induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). It promotes cell proliferation, reduces permeability, and modulates cytokine expression, indicating anti-inflammatory properties1.

Bone Health: Another study on a related compound, Eleutherinol from Dayak Onion Bulbs, suggests potential benefits for bone health in hypoestrogen model rats, indicating its possible use in managing menopause-related bone density issues2.

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How has Eleuthero Improved Patient Outcomes?

Ventricular Late Potential (VLP) Improvement: In a study involving patients with coronary heart disease and myocarditis, eleutherosides significantly improved the rates of converting positive VLP to negative. The therapeutic group treated with eleutherosides showed a conversion rate of 74.29% compared to 34.6% in the control group, indicating a substantial improvement in cardiac function markers1.

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Eleuthero Mechanisms of Action

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Eleutheroside B, a component of Eleuthero, has been shown to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a protein complex that plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection. This inhibition leads to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), thereby reducing neuroinflammatory reactions1 3.

Antioxidant and Barrier Protection: Eleutheroside E exhibits antioxidant properties and protects cellular barriers. It enhances the expression of tight junction proteins, which are crucial for maintaining cell integrity, and reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α in intestinal epithelial cells under stress conditions2.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention: Syringin, another compound in Eleuthero, prevents bone loss by inhibiting NF-κB and stimulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This action increases the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) ratio, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone formation3.

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Common Complaints Associated with Eleuthero Use

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users report experiencing stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea after taking eleuthero. These symptoms are relatively common with herbal supplements and may vary depending on individual tolerance and dosage.

Sleep Disturbances: Eleuthero is sometimes associated with sleep-related issues, such as insomnia or restlessness, particularly when taken in high doses or close to bedtime. This is likely due to its stimulating properties.

Blood Pressure Changes: There are reports of eleuthero affecting blood pressure, either causing an increase or decrease. Individuals with pre-existing blood pressure conditions should use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using eleuthero.

Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to eleuthero, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, or more severe symptoms.

Interactions with Medications: Eleuthero may interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, blood pressure, and anticoagulants, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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