Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng»)

Plant adaptogen, supplement. In EU – traditional herbal medicinal product (EMA HMPC); OTC tincture in Russia

ATC code: A11JA-ELEUTHEROCOCCUS

Brand names – supplements: Now Eleuthero, Solgar Eleuthero, Nature's Way Eleuthero, Gaia Herbs EleutheroSupplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.

Updated 24 Sep 2026 · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

Athletic endurance

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).

Sources

Chronic fatigue

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.

Sources

ICD-10: R53 · ICD-11: MG22

Immune support and respiratory infection care

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.

Sources

EMA HMPC: Community herbal monograph on Eleutherococcus senticosus (2014)

Stress and anxiety

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.

Sources

ICD-10: F41.9 · ICD-11: 6B0Z

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

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.

Safety

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Children under 12
Uncontrolled hypertension
Acute febrile infections
Bipolar disorder and psychotic states (hypomania risk)
Warfarin and other anticoagulant therapy

Serious adverse effects

Hypertensive crisis in predisposed patients
Arrhythmias
Hypomania induction in bipolar patients

Common adverse effects

Insomnia (especially with afternoon intake)
Irritability
Headache
Palpitations
Blood pressure rise

Pregnancy: can you take Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng»)?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2014 lists pregnancy as contraindication for the traditional herbal product. AEMPS does not register.

Breastfeeding: can you take Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng»)?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2014 lists lactation as contraindication.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Check interaction with another drug

Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.

Open checker

Summary of a multi-drug list →

Medicine list: everything you take in one place →

Frequently asked

What is Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») used for?

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), Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng»)?

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.

Is Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») safe during pregnancy?

No RCT data in pregnancy. EMA HMPC 2014 lists pregnancy as contraindication for the traditional herbal product. AEMPS does not register.

Is Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng») compatible with breastfeeding?

No data on milk transfer. EMA HMPC 2014 lists lactation as contraindication.

Who should not take Eleutherococcus senticosus («Siberian ginseng»)?

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.

Other drugs in this group

Fisetin (flavonol from strawberries, mangoes and onions), Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera, oligomeric proanthocyanidins), Horsetail, Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), Nicotinamide riboside (NR), Resveratrol, Holy basil, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract)