Research studies show that Eleutherococcus senticosus helps to improve disturbed sleep, fatigue, exhaustion, and restlessness. Accordingly, the creators of Vitality have included this root extract in its adaptogenic formula to help improve the body's resistance to fatigue caused by excessive stress along with other valuable benefits. Read on to gain an in-depth explanation of the adaptogenic qualities of eleuthero root.

Background and Benefits Explained

Eleutherococcus senticosus (or more recently Acanthopanax senticosus) is commonly known as eleuthero, Siberian ginseng or devil’s bush (due to it’s thorned appearance)..  This thorny shrub is native to eastern Russia and northeast Asia, including Northeast China, Korea, and Japan and has been used as a medicine in these regions for thousands of years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, eleuthero root was used to invigorate the kidney and liver, replenish energy, and strengthen bones. In other regions, eleuthero root extract has been used to help control blood pressure, improve mental and emotional problems, and to help treat fatigue.

Benefits of eleuthero root include:

• Boosts the immune system
• Improves cognitive functioning
• Increases energy
• Reduces fatigue
• Manages menopause
• Protects against nerve damage
• Helps to repair damaged nerves
• Inhibits actions of free radicals (anti-oxidant)
• Reduces inflammation (anti-inflammatory)

Supplementing with eleuthero root extract may help improve your stamina in physician and mental exertions, protect your nerves from damage caused by inflammation and free radicals, while helping you adapt and resist the damaging effects of stress on your body. Furthermore, research supports the use of this root extract in supporting your immune system while boosting its ability to fight off microbes and viral antigens.

Adaptogenic Qualities of Eleuthero Root: Fatigue, Aging, and Beyond

Like all adaptogens, eleuthero root helps to stimulate our body’s resistance to the stressors that surround us stemming from the environment, the physical and psychological stresses of life on this Earth. Adaptogens help to support the human body’s response to these stressors while protecting the immune system and providing adrenal support that reduces the effects of stress hormones within the body. Eleuthero root contains active chemicals that have been shown in studies to inhibit the action of free radicals, the toxins created in our bodies that can cause inflammation and lead to the development of chronic diseases. The powerful antioxidants contained in eleuthero root protect the body against the damage caused by these free radicals. Further, eleuthero root extract has been shown in clinical trials with elderly patients to improve mental health and social functioning and help improve mental clarity while increasing physical and mental energy.

Chronic fatigue can be debilitating, affecting our ability to accomplish simple daily tasks and the quality of life in general. Fatigue often is characterized by feeling of extreme physical and mental tiredness and can be caused by severe stress due to emotional or difficult emotional and/or physical work. Adaptogens like eleuthero root are beneficial supplements that can help our bodies build resistance to the effects of chronic stress and relieve these symptoms of generalized weakness and fatigue. Studies confirm the anti-fatigue capabilities of eleuthero root extract are found within the activity of eleutherosides - chemical compounds that alleviate physical fatigue and improve symptoms caused by mental fatigue. If you are struggling with fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, or emotional problems, consider including eleuthero root into your supplement routine. Vitality includes this valuable root extract into its formula because of these anti-fatigue, anti-stress, and immune-enhancing qualities.

Cautions and Contraindications

Check with your physician before taking Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract or supplements that contain Eleutherococcus senticosus to make sure that it is safe for you to use and does not interact with or contraindicate any medications or medical treatments you are currently prescribed

Eleuthero root extract is a relatively safe herb with few side effects reported when taken in moderation. People have reported mild side effects when taking eleuthero root including nervousness, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, agitation, headache, and dizziness. Supplementing with eleuthero root may cause an increase or decrease in blood pressure and a fast or pounding heart rate. If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a type of ginseng, do not take eleuthero root.

Avoid eleuthero root extract if you have any of the following symptoms, conditions, or chronic diseases:

• Pregnant or lactating/ breastfeeding
• History of high or low blood pressure
• Heart problems, for example irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
• Bleeding or clotting problems
• Mood disorders or schizophrenia
• Overactive immune disorders, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
• History of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or estrogen-related conditions
• Diabetes

Medications that may interact with eleuthero root extract include blood thinners (i.e. aspirin), antiplatelet drugs, MAO-inhibitors, and diuretics. Use caution when taking this supplement with caffeine as it may increase the side effects. Lastly, if you are on any medications that suppress the immune system (for example, prednisone or drugs that prevent organ transplant rejection), do not take eleuthero root extract.

References

Baczek, K., Węglarz, Z., & Przybył, J. (2011). Accumulation of biologically active compounds in the rhizomes and roots of Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus/Maxim. et Rupr./Maxim.). Adv. Environ. Biol, 5, 325-328. Retrieved from Semantics Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Accumulation-of-biologically-active-compounds-in-et-Bączek/5f9cb11c0e8afa6268b95757cba1a1f71940c498

Cicero, A. F. G., Derosa, G., Brillante, R., Bernardi, R., Nascetti, S., & Gaddi, A. (2004). Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 38, 69-73. Retrieved from PubMed:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15207399/

Huang, D., Hu, Z., & Yu, Z. (2013). Eleutheroside B or E enhances learning and memory in experimentally aged rats. Neural Regeneration Research, 8(12), 1103. Retrieved from PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4145894/

Huang, L. Z., Huang, B. K., Ye, Q., & Qin, L. P. (2011). Bioactivity-guided fractionation for anti-fatigue property of Acanthopanax senticosus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(1), 213-219. Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20920564/

Powers, D. (2021, October 19). Eleuthero root: Benefits, dosage, safety, and preparation. Retrieved from the Botanical Institute: https://botanicalinstitute.org/eleuthero/