Siberian ginseng (eleuthero): the adaptogen tradition and how it differs from Panax
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also called eleuthero, is a thorny shrub from the forests of north-east Asia. It is not the same plant as Panax ginseng. In Russian and Chinese tradition it earned a place among the adaptogens.
Key takeaways
- Siberian ginseng belongs to a different genus from true ginseng (Panax).
- Its roots and root bark have been used in Russian and Chinese herbal tradition.
- Longjack XXXL lists Siberian ginseng among its five confirmed plant ingredients.
- Check with a pharmacist if you take blood-pressure, blood-sugar or blood-thinning medicines.
- Adaptogen is a traditional term, not a promise about any one person.
What is Siberian ginseng?
Siberian ginseng is a woody shrub that grows up to three metres tall in the cool forests of the Russian Far East, north-east China, Korea and Japan. Its stems carry small thorns, and its roots are knotty and tough.
The common name can mislead. Despite the word ginseng, the plant is only a distant relative of the true ginseng sold in Korean and Chinese shops. The botanical name Eleutherococcus senticosus is the safest way to identify it on a label. Herbalists often shorten it to eleuthero.
Is Siberian ginseng the same as Panax ginseng?
No. They sit in different plant genera and contain different compounds. Asian ginseng is Panax ginseng and American ginseng is Panax quinquefolius. Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus. They share a family, the Araliaceae, and a reputation, but they are not interchangeable.
| Plant | Botanical name | Native to |
|---|---|---|
| Siberian ginseng | Eleutherococcus senticosus | North-east Asia |
| Asian ginseng | Panax ginseng | Korea and north-east China |
| American ginseng | Panax quinquefolius | Eastern North America |
What does adaptogen mean, and how was this root used?
Adaptogen is a term coined in the twentieth century by Russian researchers to describe plants taken in the traditional belief that they help the body cope with everyday demands. Siberian ginseng was the best-known example in that tradition.
Long before that, people in the Siberian taiga and in Chinese folk medicine brewed the root as a tonic for long working days and cold winters. We report that as history and tradition. It is not a statement about what a capsule will do for you.
How does Siberian ginseng appear in Longjack XXXL?
It is one of five plants named for Longjack XXXL, along with maca, fenugreek, tongkat ali and horny goat weed. The seller presents the capsule as a daily men's formula, taken in the evening before a meal with water, over a course of about three months. The amount per capsule is printed on the pack.
Who should talk to a GP or pharmacist before using Siberian ginseng?
Several groups should ask a professional first. If you take medicines for blood pressure, blood sugar or heart rhythm, or blood thinners such as warfarin, the combination needs checking. The same goes for sedatives and for medicines used after a transplant.
People with high blood pressure, a heart condition, or a hormone-sensitive condition should also ask. Leave it out in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a doctor agrees, and mention it before any operation.
- You take blood-pressure or heart medicines
- You use medicines for blood sugar
- You take warfarin or similar blood thinners
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have an operation planned
Frequently asked questions
Is Siberian ginseng real ginseng?
It is a related but separate plant. True ginseng belongs to the genus Panax, while Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus.
What is eleuthero?
Eleuthero is the short name herbalists use for Eleutherococcus senticosus, to avoid confusion with Panax ginseng.
Does Siberian ginseng contain caffeine?
It does not contain caffeine, but some people still prefer to take it in the morning or earlier in the day. Longjack XXXL's directions say evening, so follow the pack.
Can I take Siberian ginseng with blood-pressure tablets?
Ask your pharmacist or GP first. Bring the pack so they can check the full ingredient list against your medicines.
Who should avoid Siberian ginseng?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and people on certain medicines should check with a professional before using it.
