ETYMOLOGY
In addition to Eleutherococcus, an alternate scientific name for this plant is Acanthopanax, where "Acanto" means tricky and "Panax" means cure-all in Latin.

Synonyms: Siberian Ginseng, the root of the taiga, the devil's shrub.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION

Family: Araliaceae

Description: Presents as a thorny shrub 1-3 m high with small yellow and violet flowers. The leaves, which are palm-like, are composed of five elliptically shaped leaflets with serrated margins. The fruit is black in color and contains five seeds.

Habitat: Native to Eastern Russia (Siberia) and some parts of northern China, Korea and Japan.

Cultivation: Unlike ginseng which is commonly farmed, Eleutherococcus is obtained in the wild.

Method of Harvest: The root is harvested in the autumn, dried whole and then chopped for use in medicinal preparations.

Parts Utilized: The rhizome and roots.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Eleutherosides

MODE OF ACTION

Actions: The root has both tonic and adaptogenic properties; it acts to increase energy and stamina, raises the threshold of resistance to stressful stimuli, and as an overall immunostimulant.

Precautions: Because of it potential stimulatory effects, it should be avoided late in the day so as to not have an effect on sleep. Not recommended for those with hypertension, in children under 12 years of age, or for women who are nursing or pregnant.

COMMON INDICATIONS

As a medicinal herb: Commonly used as a tonic for reinforcing the body during times of exertion, reducing debilitation during convalescence, and to aid in concentration.

Traditional uses: Used as a stimulant, tonic/adaptogen, diuretic, analgesic, for rheumatoid arthritis, and to resist disease.

PREPARATION AND USE

Internal Use: The daily suggested dose is in the range of 2-3mg of the main active constituent, eleutherosides, which is the equivalent to 2-3g of the bulk herb.

HISTORY AND LEGENDS

The modern history of Eleutherococcus begins with Dr. I.I. Brekham during the 1940s. While conducting research to find a cheaper alternative to ginseng, he discovered that the root of Eleutherococcus offered many of the same benefits that ginseng is known for. Subsequent research has shown that while Eleutherococcus is not a substitute for ginseng, it is without a doubt a tonic/adaptogen with special features, such as stimulation of the immune system. Very popular in Russia since Dr. Brekham's discovery, it is estimated that six million of the country's citizens use Eleutherococcus daily.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
“Deconstructing an adaptogen: Eleutherococcus senticosus.”  Holist Nurs Pract. 2008 Jul-Aug;22(4):220-4
“Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Dec;95(2-3): 447-53.

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