Eleuthero Root Extract

BotanicaladaptogenModerate dose evidence

Also known as: Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Acanthopanax senticosus, ci wu jia

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A shrub root from Siberia and northern Asia, marketed for decades as Siberian ginseng even though it is not a true Panax species. It is used in stamina, immune, and stress formulas, and small randomized trials have examined it in older adults for quality of life and in people with chronic fatigue. Evidence is thinner than for ashwagandha or rhodiola, but it is inexpensive and well tolerated, so it appears widely in adaptogen blends.

Research summary

Eleutherosides are proposed to moderate stress-hormone responses and support cellular energy metabolism, though human mechanistic data are limited.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of extract.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
300 mg300–1,200 mg

300 mg per day of a dry extract for eight weeks was used in an older-adult trial; products range up to about 1,200 mg per day, often split. Morning dosing is preferred. Effects on fatigue may take several weeks to appear.

Standardization: ≥0.8% eleutherosides (B and E), product dependent

Source material: root extract

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Mild, slightly sweet-bitter taste; easy in powders and liquids.

Formulation notes

Commonly combined with Panax ginseng, rhodiola, or schisandra. Confirm species identity, since Periploca sepium has been sold as a substitute.

Sources

  1. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus maxim.) on elderly quality of life: a randomized clinical trial. (Cicero 2004)PubMed
  2. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. (Hartz 2004)PubMed

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