Eleuthero extract 0.8% | Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleuthero extract 0.8% | Eleutherococcus senticosus

Properties: As a herbal ingredient, eleuthero has been known to Westerners only since the middle of the 20th century. Then, ginseng – “the king of herbs” – became extremely popular. In turn, its price increased while availability harshly dropped. Thus, the eye of the public has turned to a plant known in the East for millennia – and similarly  powerful. When eluethero’s properties were scientifically confirmed, it gained a new nickname that reflects its strength and the plant’s native land – “the Siberian ginseng”. Are these two herbs really so similar?

Both plants are classified as adaptogens. This means that their consumption has a generalized positive influence on the entire organism. That is a fact – scientific studies have confirmed that the supplementation with Eleuthero extract does indeed improve such factors as blood cholesterol level. Clinical tests with the participation of sportsmen have proven that the active compounds contained in its root and rhizome significantly increase the physical performance and the general condition of the organism. Noteworthy, they also benefit the liver – our detoxification center. Supplementation with Siberian ginseng extract not only protects the liver against fattening and improves metabolism of ethyl alcohol which is so harmful to it, but also increases the production of antioxidants that protect the entire body.

When it comes to “protection”, eleuthero has really lots to offer. Its multidirectional influence on the immune system provides a precious support in defending the organism against infections. Metaphorically speaking, the extract of this plant gives our inner army multiple benefits – more soldiers, better communication, and efficient generals. On top of that, eleuthero also supports some “special forces” – compounds that actively block the proliferation of viruses. Even the proper ginseng cannot claim such scientifically proven effectiveness!

Occurrence: Eleutherococcus senticosus is a tiny bush from the Araliaceae family. It is native to Siberia, but also occurs in Manchuria, China, Japan and Korea. Most commonly, it grows in coniferous and mixed mountain forests, where it forms small clusters in thickets and on the banks of watercourses. This plant has a specific woody, densely spiked stem, from which five-fingered leaves grow. The flowers are very tiny, white and grow in large numbers on long stalks, forming spherical inflorescences. When seasons turn, in their place appear spherical, black fruits adhering to each other. Only the underground parts of the plant – root and rhizome – are used as a herbal resource. 

In the traditional Chinese medicine eleuthero has been used for over two thousand years as a remedy to common flu and respiratory infections. Moreover, it is also recommended to uplift the vital energy. The Western world learned about eleuthero only in the middle of the 20th century, when the little availability and high price of proper ginseng sparked a search for its alternative. Then, Russian scientists have identified and confirmed multidirectional properties of eleuthero. Finally, in 1962, this plant earned its place in Soviet pharmacology as a medical herb.

Biochemistry: The substances to which the eleutherococcus owes its properties are primarily eleutherosides. Chemically, they belong to the group of glycosides and are lignan derivatives (eleutherosides B, B4, E and D), coumarins (eleutheroside B1) and saponins (eleutherosides A, I, K, L and M). Although 80% of all the compounds from this group are eleutherosides B and E, the most important are eleutherosides A, B, C, D and E. In addition to them, the plant also contains: triterpene saponins, essential oils, polysaccharides, sterols, glycoproteins as well as micro- and macroelements.

Fun fact: Native inhabitants of Siberia used to chew the roots of eleuthero plants. They noticed its beneficial effects on mood, physical performance, and general condition of the organism – crucial matters to survive long, cold winters.