Overview:

Siberian ginseng is a native of eastern Russia, northern China and Japan. It is a small woody shrub that grows 3-10 feet tall. The leaves are palm-shaped and attach to the trunk by a long stem. The leaves and stems are covered with thorns. Flowers of either yellow or violet grow in umbrella shaped clusters. These flowers turn into small black berries. Siberian ginseng is grown for its roots which are woody, and twisted. Siberian ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. It is valued for its ability to help the body combat physical, mental and environmental stress. It is also used to treat bronchitis, infections, and improve concentration. Studies done by the Russians in the 1950’s confirmed what traditional Chinese medicine already knew. Siberian ginseng is widely used in Russia to increase endurance, improve concentration and enhance their performance.

Active ingredients:

• Eleutherosides
• Polysaccharides
• Saponins
• Beta-sitosterol

Traditional uses:

The traditional uses of Siberian ginseng are:

• Bronchitis
• Antioxidant
• Anti aging
• Endurance
• Fatigue
• Infections
• Immune system enhancement
• tonic

Clinical uses:

Most of what we know about Siberian ginseng came from studies conducted in Russia. These Russian studies supported Siberian ginseng’s ability to strengthen the body and help the body deal with physical and mental stressful exposures such as heat, cold, physical exhaustion, infections, noise and pollution. There is some indication that Siberian ginseng strengthens the immune system in order to be better able to combat viral and bacterial infections. Studies have even shown that the use of this herb reduced the frequency, severity and duration of Herpes simplex II outbreaks. Siberian ginseng is popular with body builders and athletes for its ability to increase their endurance. It has also been found helpful in improving the memory and concentrations of middle aged volunteers compared to a placebo.

Recommended Dosage:

Pediatric

Siberian ginseng is not recommended for use in children

Adult

• 500 to 3,000mg of dried herb in a tea or capsule per day
• Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: take 2 to 12ml daily

Siberian ginseng should not be taken on a continous basis. To increase stamina and endurance it is recommended to take it for one month and then take one month off. To treat symptoms of fatigue it should be taken for 3 months followed by 2-3 weeks off.

Contra-indications:

• Siberian ginseng should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing.
• People who have high blood pressure should avoid siberian ginseng
• People who suffer from narcolepsy and sleep apnea should avoid it as well

• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Irregular heart beat
• Nosebleeds
• Vomiting and headaches

Siberian ginseng should be taken before 3pm to avoid insomnia.

Drug interactions:

If you are taking the following medications, check with your health care practitioner before taking Siberian ginseng.

• Digoxin as Siberian ginseng may cause a rise the blood levels of this drug and increase the risk of adverse effects.
• Sedatives for insomnia, especially barbiturates.

Web References:

1. Kroger
2. iBiblio
3. Flora Health
4. UMM.edu

1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:124-125.
2. Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(suppl):624S-636S.
3. Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet. 2000;355:134-138.
4. Glatthaar-Saalmuller B, Sacher F, Esperester A. Antiviral activity of an extract derived from roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Antiviral Res. 2001;50(3):223-8.
5. Gyllenhaal C, Merritt SL, Peterson SD, Block KI, Gochenour T. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2000;4(2):229-251.
6. Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Gershwin ME, Stern JS, Hackman RM. Variability in commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73:1101-1106.
7. Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Alt Med Rev. 1999;4(4):249-265.
8. Koren G, Randor S, Martin S, Danneman D. Maternal ginseng use associated with neonatal androgenization [letter]. JAMA. 1990;264(22):2866.
9. McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. Can Med Assoc J. 1996;155:293–295.
10. Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2200–2211.
11. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:141-144.
12. Ott BR, Owens NJ. Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 1998;11:163-173.
13. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. New York, NY: Churchill-Livingstone; 1999:433-434;531-532;713-717;1385-1386.
14. Sinclair S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5(1):28-38.
15. Vogler BK, Pittler MH, Ernst E. The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;55:567-575.
16. White L, Mavor S. Kids, Herbs, Health. Loveland, Colo: Interweave Press; 1998:22, 40.
17. Williams M. Immuno-protection against herpes simplex type II infection by eleutherococcus root extract. Int J Alt Comp Med. 1995;13:9-12.
18. Winther K, Ranlov C, Rein E, Mehlsen J. Russian root (Siberian ginseng) improves cognitive functions in middle-aged people, whereas Ginkgo biloba seems effective only in the elderly. J Neurol Sci. 1997;150:S90.
19. Wong AHC, Smith M, Boon HS. Herbal remedies in psychiatric practice. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998;55:1033-1044. Review Date: April 2002