Generality
Eleutherococcus (botanical name Eleutherococcus senticosus ) is a shrub belonging to the Araliaceae family, approximately two meters high and originating from the north-eastern Asian regions.
Active principles of the eleuterococcus
The active principles responsible for the health properties of eleuterococcus are concentrated in the root and belong mainly to the category of glycosides. These substances - also known as eleuterosides and designated by the letters ranging from A to M - have varied chemical nature. There are also saponin compounds (triterpenes and sterols), coumarins, flavonoids and polysaccharides (eleuterans).
With regard to the chemical composition of Eleuterococcus, it was not possible to attribute the adaptogenic action to a single compound; therefore, as often happens in the phytotherapeutic field, this action is synergistic in nature and is attributable to the entire phytocomplex.
Indications
When to use Eleutherococcus?
According to researcher II Brekhman, who first coined the term "adaptogen", plants that enjoy this phytotherapeutic property are useful mainly when the resistance of the organism is diminished or when it is undermined by excessive efforts. In practice, the Eleutherococcus is capable of increasing the resistance and defenses of the organism to stress factors in a non-specific way, counteracting general psycho-physical fatigue.
The main indications of the eleuterococcus are:
- Strengthening of immune defenses, useful for reducing the incidence of complications related to influenza, protecting against episodes of reactivation of herpes simplex type II etc.
- Invigorating and strengthening, indicated for debilitated or convalescent people, and to improve intellectual abilities, attention and memory.
Eleutherococcus and sport
The mice treated with aqueous extracts of the eleuterococco root showed an increase in their ability to swim until exhaustion.
This plant has long been depicted as the dietary supplement responsible for the exceptional sports activities of the athletes of the former USSR. In this regard, the Russian literature of the time is rich in studies that demonstrate the link between taking Eleutherococcus extracts and increasing athletic performances. It should be emphasized, on the other hand, that such researches are scarcely credited by Western scholars and that more recent investigations, such as that conducted by Eschbach LF, Webster MJ, Boyd JC, et al. in 2000, they seem to deny the alleged ergogenic virtues of Eleuterococcus.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefits has Eleuterococco shown during the studies?
Like other adaptogenic plants, eleuterococcus uses the following general properties:
- It is harmless for those who take it (minimal toxicity)
- It has a general or non-specific activity (not concentrated, therefore, on a single organ or on a single function)
- Increases the body's resistance to various types of stressful stimuli (physical, biological or chemical)
- It acts as a stabilizing / normalizing drug for those who take it, respecting the constraint of non-specificity with respect to the disease.
Doses and Mode of Use
How to use Eleutherococcus?
It is suggested to take 2-10 ml of alcohol extract at 33% of root, one to three times a day, or 2-4 grams / day of pulverized root.
The intake should continue for a period varying from 4 to 12 weeks, followed by 15-60 stop days.
Side effects
Eleutherococcus should be used with caution by hypertensive subjects, diabetics and those suffering from insomnia.
In healthy individuals no noteworthy side effects have been documented; the few negative consequences associated with the use of eleuterococcus then turned out to be dependent on the adulteration of the product with other drugs.
The most commonly seen side effects in eleuterococcus consumption are:
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Digestive disorders.
Contraindications
When should Eleutherococcus not be used?
The short-term use of eleuterococcus in the recommended doses and manner of use appears to be harmless for most people. However, some doubts have been raised about its long-term security; some experts advise against using it in:
- Pregnancy
- Feeding time
- Neonatal and pediatric age.
Furthermore, as we will specify in the paragraphs of drug interactions and precautions for use, eleuterococcus could alter the parameters of blood glucose and blood pressure.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of Eleutherococcus?
The risk of interactions between the eleuterococcus and drugs is generally considered low, but there are some doubts about the influence of plants on anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin ®).
Before starting the integration with eleuterococco in case of concomitant drug therapy, it is necessary to consult your doctor.
Precautions for Use
What do you need to know before taking Eleutherococcus?
Some data suggest that eleuterococcus could affect blood sugar and blood pressure.
Before beginning the integration with eleuterococco, in the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension it is necessary to consult the treating doctor.
