Other Names: Eleuthero, Devil's Shrub
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not considered a true ginseng; instead of a fleshy root, it has a
woody root; instead of ginsenosides, eleutherosides are present.
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a species of small, woody shrub in the family Araliaceae native
to Northeastern Asia. It is also called eleuthero, Devil's Shrub and Siberian ginseng, this last name because its
herbal properties are similar to those of Panax ginseng. However, it belongs to a different genus in the Araliaceae.
Siberian Ginseng is a new addition to Western natural medicine, but has quickly gained a reputation similar to
that of the better known and more expensive Chinese Ginseng. Though the chemical make-up of the two herbs differs,
their effects seem to be similar.
Siberian Ginseng has a wide range of health benefits attributed to its use. Currently there is very little research
to support the medicinal use of Eleutherococcus, or lack thereof. Supporters of Eleutherococcus as medicine claim
it posses a variety of medicinal properties. These include:
- Increased endurance
- Memory improvement
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunogenic
- Chemoprotective
- Radiological protection
Due to scant research and a lack of consensus among the little research done, it is far to early to make any claims
as to the efficacy of Siberian Ginseng in the treatment and/or prevention of illness, or as a preformance enhancer.
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