Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is an adaptogenic herb. This means it can normalise physiological function and has a general anti-stress effect. These effects are similar to the effects seen for Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), although the two plants are not from the same biological genus. The adaptogenic effects of Siberian ginseng may make it particularly effective at preventing the symptoms of fatigue. In this regard, Siberian ginseng has been investigated for its ability to reduce the symptoms of individuals experiencing chronic fatigue. Subjects with chronic fatigue were administered Siberian ginseng for 2 months and their fatigue symptoms were assessed during this period. The results showed that Siberian ginseng was not effective at reducing the symptoms experienced by the most fatigued individuals. However, at two months there was a significant improvement in the symptoms of fatigue in 45 of the subjects with the least severe fatigue, when compared to the placebo.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a powerful adaptogenic herb. Although it is not from the same biological genus as Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) it has very similar adaptogenic properties. This makes both herbs suitable as anti-stress agents. Supplements are readily available, and their beneficial effects and safety are well documented. Image is Siberian ginseng leaves. Image from: By Stanislav Doronenko (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/ copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Therefore Siberian ginseng appears to have beneficial effects against mild forms of chronic fatigue in otherwise healthy individuals. This supports its historical use as an adaptogenic herb in traditional medicine. Interestingly, there were also significant improvements in fatigue symptoms for these subjects taking the placebo, adding further evidence that controlling the mind and belief, are highly important in healing. The reasons for the beneficial effects of Siberian ginseng is likely due to the phytochemicals it contains, and in particular a group of active components called eleutherosides. Animal studies using hens exposed to stress have shown that administration of eleutherosides significantly increases egg laying rate and significantly decreases the amount of laid eggs with soft or broken shells. This was because eleutheroside treatment significantly increased egg shell thickness and strength. Eleutherosides therefore are anti-stress compounds that protect animals and humans from stress and fatigue.
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