However, more research is needed to prove these effects.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
But people might use eleuthero for various reasons.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
These clinical trials suggest that eleuthero may decrease mortality (death) rates and complications from the flu.
Another review of older studies stated eleuthero may decrease complications and mortality rates in people with viral lung infections.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
While research sounds promising, additional, larger research is still necessary to better assess eleuthero’s effects.
In the treatment group, each capsule contained 400 milligrams (mg) of the herbal mixture.
These future studies may also help determine if the herbal mixture can prevent or treat osteoarthritis.
Additional research will also assist in evaluating the effects of each herb, including eleuthero.
High Cholesterol
Eleuthero may help cuthigh cholesterol, according to a small study.
In the clinical trial, there were 40 postmenopausal people assigned female at birth.
These study participants were assigned to receive eithercalciumor calcium plus eleuthero for six months.
What’s more, there were fewer signs oflymphocyte(a jot down ofwhite blood cell)DNAdamage.
Free radicals are substances that can damage thingslike DNA.
Although the results appear promising, additional, extensive research with larger and longer-term clinical trials is still necessary.
What Are the Side Effects of Eleuthero?
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with eleuthero.
Common Side Effects
There is little information about eleuthero’s common side effects.But it’s generally well-tolerated.
However, a severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication.
They may recommend avoiding eleuthero.
Breastfeeding: There is limited information about the effects and safety of eleuthero onbreastfeedingparents and nursing infants.
Eleuthero may also raise blood pressure and blood sugar.
They may recommend avoiding eleuthero.
For this reason, people in this age group should take eleuthero with caution.
VWD is a condition that runs in families.
People with VWD have a problem with their von Willebrand protein that prevents the blood from clotting appropriately.
Breast cancer: For certain types ofbreast cancer, endocrine (hormone) therapy is typically used after surgery.
Dosage: How Much Eleuthero Should I Take?
If you choose to take eleuthero, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label instructions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Eleuthero?
There is little information about eleuthero toxicity and overdoses in humans.
But according to the NLM, taking eleuthero for up to six weeks is typically safe for teenagers.
For adults, it’s usually safe to take for up to three months.
Symptoms of overdoses with eleuthero are likely similar to its potential common and serious side effectsbut excessive and severe.
If you suspect you’re experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Interactions
In general, there is limited information about possible medication interactions with eleuthero.
Most data are based on eleuthero’s potential uses, case reports, and laboratory studies.
Healthcare providers may want to monitor you closely and adjust your medications accordingly.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) substrate medications: CYP450 is a family of proteins in the liver.
They’re responsible for breaking down medications.
Examples of cholesterol medications arestatin drugs.
Heart rhythm medications:Digoxinisheart rhythmmedication, which is also sometimes used inheart failure.
Eleuthero may increase digoxin levels, raising your risk of side effects.
Healthcare providers may want to monitor you closely and adjust your medications accordingly.
Store in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet.
Visit the FDA website to learn where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eleuthero is available in a few different dosage formswith capsules being the most common.
There are eleuthero products made by U.S. manufacturers.
They can also ensure youre giving eleuthero a good trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Eleuthero & What to Look For
There are different sources of eleuthero.
Eleuthero Supplements
Eleuthero comes in several forms, including capsules and tablets.
You may also see eleuthero in combination with other herbs.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects.
Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form.
So, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
Eleuthero is a woody shrub from theEleutherococcusgenus (group) of the Araliaceae family.
It might be used for viral infections, osteoarthritis, and high cholesterol.
But similar to many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are still possible.
Before taking eleuthero, involve a pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
2020;13(9):236. doi: 10.3390%2Fph13090236
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Eleuthero.
2008;375(1):44-48. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.07.097
LactMed.Eleuthero.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
American Cancer Society.Hormone therapy for breast cancer.
McRae S.Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng.CMAJ.
1996;155(3):293-295.
2014;14:1. doi: 10.1186%2F1472-6882-14-1
ScienceDirect.Cytochrome P450.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.7 things you should know about dietary supplements for osteoarthritis.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.8 tips: What you should know about high blood cholesterol.
United States Department of Agriculture.Classification for kingdomPlantaedown to speciesEleutherococcus senticosus.
Qi LW, Wang CZ, Yuan CS.Gensenosides from American ginseng: chemical and pharmacological diversity.Phytochemistry.
2011;72(8):689-699. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.phytochem.2011.02.012
ScienceDirect.Ginseng.
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products.
February 12, 2018
National Insitutes of Health.
“Ginseng, Siberian: MedlinePlus Supplements”.
