In Russia, eleuthero was widely used as an adaptogen, which is a substance taken to help alleviate either physical or mental stress, or provides the ability to adapt to otherwise adverse external conditions. It was also used to boost physical performance and as an alternative treatment to reduce infections.
Cosmonauts in Russia used it as a training aid during rigorous exercise, and athletes in the Olympics used it to help maximize their physical potential. In ancient China, it was used traditionally to increase vitality, as a preventative for respiratory tract infections and for colds and flu.
The eleutherosides contained in Siberian ginseng, those which are not found in other forms of true ginseng, are thought to stimulate the immune system.
Some clinical studies on its benefits suggest it can be used to treat infections and help to keep fatigue at bay. Also, when Eleutherococcus senticosus is combined with Andrographis paniculata, it forms an herbal product known as Kan Jang.
Together they are effective in fighting the severity and duration of influenza. It is also suggested that as an independent herbal remedy, it is perhaps more effective than conventional antiviral medications.
Eleuthero has also been seen to stimulate metabolism, having the ability to significantly increase the utilization and mobilization of fatty acids and carbohydrates. It is therefore considered an ergogenic aid, maximizing high-intensity physical exercise.
Regular use of the herb has been shown to aid physical performance in several ways, such as improve heart rate recovery, ability to remove lactate and the faster energy extraction from fatty acids, via aerobic metabolism. Again it is the eleutherosides present in the root that are thought to be responsible for these benefits.
A study by Kuo, in 2010, of physically fit males, over an eight week period, indicated that eleuthero supplement significantly enhanced their endurance times when exercising. It was able to elevate their cardiovascular function, increase free fatty acid and glucose metabolism.
Due to its effect on glucose, and insulin metabolism, eleuthero has been shown to have a significant effect on weight decrease in a study of mice, as well as a reduction in plasmatic cholesterol.
At least 6 secondary compounds found in eleuthero have been shown to demonstrate some health benefits. Those compounds are sirigina, caffeic acid, ethyl aldehyde, and coniferyl aldehyde.
While some play antioxidant roles in cancer prevention, others reduce cholesterol, stimulate the immune system, increase the livers output of bile, play a role in cholesterol re-synthesis, affect cholesterol structure, have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as remedies for reducing fevers.
While this is now quite dated study, Williams in 1995, looked at the effect of taking eleuthero by subjects with herpes, simplex virus type 2, which can lead to genital herpes.
93 people were observed during the study and it was found that Siberian ginseng was able to reduce the number of outbreaks, and also help lessen their severity and duration.
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