Plant adaptogen, supplement. In EU – traditional herbal medicinal product (EMA HMPC); OTC tincture in Russia
ATC code: A11JA-ELEUTHEROCOCCUS (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Brand names – supplements
Now Eleuthero, Solgar Eleuthero, Nature's Way Eleuthero, Gaia Herbs Eleuthero
Supplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.
Eleutherococcus root contains eleutherosides A-G (lignan glycosides, syringin, isofraxidin), polysaccharides and phenolic acids. Despite the vernacular name «Siberian ginseng», eleutherococcus is botanically unrelated to Panax ginseng and contains no ginsenosides. In animal models eleutherosides modulate the HPA axis and show immunomodulatory properties. The human mechanism is not confirmed in RCTs with hard endpoints. HMPC 2014 recognised eleutherococcus as a traditional herbal medicinal product for symptoms of weakness and exhaustion.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Eleutherococcus is sold to athletes and gym-goers as a «natural preworkout». Some RCTs showed moderate VO2max and time-to-exhaustion improvements at 800-1200 mg/day of standardised extract; others no effect. 2010 approved no physical performance claim. IOC consensus statement 2018 on sports supplements does not include eleutherococcus in the proven-efficacy list (creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, bicarbonate, nitrates are approved).
Not recommended
Eleutherococcus is the top-selling adaptogen in Russia as a «natural energiser» for «weakness and exhaustion». Evidence base in chronic fatigue syndrome: small RCTs with heterogeneous results; no Cochrane systematic review. HMPC 2014 recognises «traditional use for symptoms of weakness» without requiring evidence. ME/CFS 2021 (NG206) recommends pacing and multidisciplinary follow-up; eleutherococcus is not mentioned. If eleutherococcus was recommended for persistent fatigue without workup (ferritin, TSH, , depression and sleep apnoea screening), consider seeking a second opinion.
Not recommended
Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) is a herbal product marketed as an adaptogen to boost immunity and prevent colds and flu. There is no convincing evidence that it lowers how often you get respiratory infections or helps you recover faster. What actually works against these infections: vaccination (flu, COVID-19), hand hygiene, and good sleep; for the symptoms themselves, rest and plenty of fluids.
Not recommended
Eleutherococcus is sold as a «natural anti-stress» for office workers and students. Several small RCTs showed mild reductions in stress questionnaire scores. 2010 approved no health claim. HMPC 2014 recognises «traditional use for symptoms of weakness» but not «stress relief». 2022 and SEP 2014 list SSRIs and CBT for anxiety disorders; eleutherococcus is not mentioned. If eleutherococcus was recommended for clinically significant anxiety instead of psychotherapy and an antidepressant, consider seeking a second opinion.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2014 lists pregnancy as contraindication for the traditional herbal product. AEMPS does not register.
No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2014 lists lactation as contraindication.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Chronic fatigue (evidence tier D), Stress and anxiety (evidence tier D), Athletic endurance (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») (≥ 1 in 100): Insomnia (especially with afternoon intake), Irritability, Headache, Palpitations, Blood pressure rise. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category N. No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2014 lists pregnancy as contraindication for the traditional herbal product. AEMPS does not register.
No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2014 lists lactation as contraindication.
Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and lactation; Children under 12; Uncontrolled hypertension; Acute febrile infections; Bipolar disorder and psychotic states (hypomania risk). Full list in the Safety section.