Primary Key Points
Stress and Fatigue Reduction: Eleuthero is an adaptogen that helps combat stress and fatigue by supporting adrenal function and energy levels.
Cognitive Improvement: Eleuthero enhances memory, focus, and learning by improving circulation and protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
Inflammation Reduction: Eleuthero has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pain, swelling, and allergic reactions.
Physical Stamina Support: Eleuthero boosts athletic performance by improving muscle oxygen delivery and enhancing endurance.
Safe and Well-Tolerated: Eleuthero is generally safe with no significant side effects when taken in recommended doses.
What is Eleuthero?
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus, Siberian Ginseng) is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress by acting on the adrenals and mediating your body's stress response. Adaptogens are generally well-tolerated, non-allergic, and can be taken long-term.
Eleuthero is a native habitat of the Far East, especially in China, Korea, and eastern Russia.
It has nervine action and offers cognitive support. It aids the immune system's health and can support healthy cholesterol levels and heart health during stressful times.
In addition to being a good everyday adaptogen, eleuthero is excellent for athletes because it supports endurance, shortens recovery time, and protects the immune system during hard training.
Eleuthero also supports sleep quality without causing drowsiness during the day and helps lower blood sugar levels.
Eleuthero Benefits
1 - Combating Stress And Fatigue
As mentioned, eleuthero is an adaptogen, meaning it's generally a well-tolerated herb that mediates the stress response. In addition, it supports adrenal gland function, the gland responsible for cortisol and other stress hormones, when you experience stress.
Eleutherosides activate Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), which speeds up the metabolism and breaks down fats to produce energy.
Eleuthero may also activate the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which increases the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons in the brain and nervous system. [1]
Studies have shown that it can have anti-fatigue, neuroprotective, and antidepressant effects. [2]
In other words, Eleuthero root can act as a tonic herb and a mild stimulant, impacting fatigue immediately and continuing to work overtime to restore energy.
2 - Improving cognition
Eleuthero increases circulation, and better circulation increases blood flow to the brain, improving mental functions such as memory and focus.
Researchers found that compounds in eleuthero improve learning and memory because they help the body recycle choline and synthesize more acetylcholine in the hippocampus.
In a study of 30 elderly people treated for high blood pressure, eleuthero modestly improved brain function. [3]
In studies concerning Alzheimer's disease, high doses of eleuthero improved memory and learning. Eleutherosides B and E increased acetylcholine in the brain's hippocampus, improving neuron communication. [4]
High levels of stress damage the brain's ability to learn, form new memories, and retrieve existing memories. The stress-reducing effects of eleuthero may help restore memory deficits caused by stress. [5]
Eleuthero's antioxidants help improve memory by combating oxidative stress, affecting short- and long-term memory. [6]
Other studies show the potential of eleuthero as a general neuroprotective for disorders like Parkinson's disease. Eleuthero was especially effective in preventing Parkinson-associated slow movements and certain seizures.
3 - Reducing Inflammation
Eleuthero is a promising agent for preventing inflammation.
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that increases inflammation and pain. Commonly used Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) mainly work by blocking it. The extract of eleuthero fruit activates an enzyme called heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), which blocks COX-2 and thereby reduces inflammation. [7] [8] [9]
Within four hours of taking eleuthero, healthy women had reduced swelling in their lower legs. Eleutheroside E appears to activate a receptor called Tie2, which stabilizes lymph vessels and improves the function of the lymphatic system. [10]
Eleuthero may also reduce allergy symptoms. Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for most allergic reactions; eleuthero reduced the activity of mast cells. [11]
4- Supporting Physical Stamina
Eleuthero is often promoted as an athletic performance enhancer.
The plant shows remarkable protective benefits under conditions of oxygen deprivation, like intense training.
Researchers attribute this to Eleuthero’s ability to boost cardiorespiratory fitness and fat metabolism by enhancing oxygen delivery to recovering muscles. [12]
Safety and Side Effects
Eleuthero is generally well-tolerated; recent clinical studies didn’t report any side effects. Several governmental agencies recognize and approve its medicinal use.
If you follow the recommended dosage, you should be able to enjoy the herb’s all-natural health improvements, including better energy and antioxidant effects.
Conclusion
Eleuthero, also called Siberian Ginseng, is an East Asian adaptogen that increases the body's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune defenses.
It is well-tolerated and has protective effects that can support the body and the brain.
FAQ
What is Eleuthero?
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is an East Asian adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and supports overall health.
How does Eleuthero reduce stress and fatigue?
Eleuthero supports adrenal function and activates AMPK, which boosts metabolism and energy, helping the body handle stress and reduce fatigue.
Can Eleuthero improve cognitive function?
Yes, Eleuthero improves blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and focus while protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
Does Eleuthero help with inflammation?
Eleuthero reduces inflammation by blocking COX-2, an enzyme responsible for pain and swelling, and can also help reduce allergy symptoms.
Is Eleuthero beneficial for physical stamina?
Yes, Eleuthero enhances athletic performance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles, supporting endurance, and aiding recovery during intense exercise.
Is Eleuthero safe to use?
Eleuthero is generally well-tolerated with no significant side effects when taken in recommended doses.
Additional Readings
You May Also Like
The Health Benefits Of Tongkat Ali
5 Science-Backed Benefits of Guayusa Tea
References
[4]The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory - PMC (nih.gov)
[5]Acute stress selectively impairs learning to act - PMC (nih.gov)