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Eleutherococcus senticosus: Studies and effects *

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DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.59205

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http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/health.2013.59205

Eleutherococcus senticosus: Studies and effects*

Aline Arouca, Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse#
Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Stress Study, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas,
Campinas, Brazil; #Corresponding Author: [email protected], [email protected]

Received 13 June 2013; revised 14 July 2013; accepted 19 August 2013

Copyright © 2013 Aline Arouca, Dora Maria Grassi-Kassisse. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.

ABSTRACT ture.
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal sup- Keywords: Eleutherococcus senticosus; Ginseng;
plements in the world. It is a plant widely used in Eleutherosides; Ciwujianosides
folk and traditional medicines for cardiovascular,
immune, nervous and endocrine systems, and
according to the researchers, it has the ability to 1. INTRODUCTION
increase the non-specific resistance state, which Eleutherococcus senticosus, world widely known as
characterizes it as an adaptogenic substance. Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim), belongs to
There are different species of ginseng, such as the Araliaceae plant family, as well as other types of gin-
the American, Chinese, Korean and Japanese seng (Latin name), a generic term given to all species of
ginseng; the Korean species (Panax ginseng) is Panax [1]. It is also known as Siberian or Russian ginseng,
being used for thousands of years as a tonic, ciwujia, eleuthero, eleuthero ginseng, touch-me-not and
prophylactic and “restorative” agent, with power- devil’s shrub [2,3].
ful antioxidant properties. For a long time, its Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal supplements
use was empirical, because people used to beli- in the world [2]. It is a widely used plant in folk and tra-
eve that it was a panacea that promoted longe- ditional medicines for the cardiovascular, immune, ner-
vity, with beneficial effects for the treatment of vous, and endocrine systems, and according to the resear-
physical fatigues. Nowadays, the active compo- chers Brekhman & Dardymov (1969) [4], it has the ability
nents of Eleutherococcus senticosus are well to increase the non-specific resistance state, which charac-
described, however, there are no data on the terizes it as an adaptogenic substance.
quantity of a certain class of these secondary There are other species of ginseng, such as the Ame-
compounds produced in each species. Although rican, Chinese, Korean and Japanese ginseng [5]; the Ko-
the Eleutherococcus senticosus extract may con- rean species (Panax ginseng) is being used for thousands
tain several substances, including vitamins, mi- of years as a tonic, prophylactic and “restorative” agent
nerals, cellulose, and ethanol, the substances (3), with powerful antioxidant properties [6]. For a long
responsible for inducing various physiological time, its use was empirical, because people used to believe
responses are the eleutherosides (in the root) it was a panacea that promoted longevity, with beneficial
and ciwujianosides (in the leaf). As Eleutheroco- effects for the treatment of physical fatigue [7].
ccus senticosus receives great attention by show- The use of Panax as a source of raw materials for phar-
ing that its active components can provide protec- maceuticals was very expensive for many years [2,5].
tion against oxidative stress, among other bene- Therefore, a group of Russian researchers looked for al-
fits, contributing to health and the prevention ternatives, and after the discovery, many years later, at the
and treatment of diseases, such as diabetes, can- end of 1950, Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) was recog-
cer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. nized as a new medicinal plant [2,3]. Despite having been
The purpose of this article is to describe the main, described only in 1950, Eleutherococcus senticosus is a
adverse and toxicological effects of Eleuthero- plant used by the Chinese for over 2000 years. Some re-
coccus senticosus recently related in the litera- ports describe its use as a medicinal remedy for the treat-
ment of infections, resistance to fatigue and for immuno-
*
This study was supported by CAPES. logical improvement [8].

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1510 A. Arouca, D. M. Grassi-Kassisse / Health 5 (2013) 1509-1515

In 1982, Baranov [9] concluded that the chronic admi- niferaldehyde. These precursors have shown a significant
nistration of Eleutherococcus senticosus was more advan- antioxidant activity [15].
tageous when compared to Panax, because it does not Although the Eleutherococcus senticosus extract may
cause arousal in patients. It has a more intense protective contain several substances, including vitamins, minerals,
effect on the immune system; in addition, it does not lead cellulose and ethanol [14], the substances responsible for
to the development of a similar stress syndrome. The inducing various physiological responses are the eleuthe-
seasonality influences the effects of these two types of rosides (in the root) and ciwujianosides (in the leaf) [1].
ginseng, but there is not much variation in Eleutheroco-
ccus senticosus (ES) [3]. 3. MAIN EFFECTS OF
ES was recently included in the European Pharmaco- ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS
poeia as a medicine derived from plants and it is, therefore,
Eleutherococcus senticosus, as well as Panax ginseng,
suitable for use in traditional herbal medicines and asso-
seems to have a stimulating effect on the metabolism of
ciations [10].
substrates, as it significantly alters the mobilization and
The 1994 DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and
utilization of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Since the
Education Act) regulation allows a direct commercializa-
metabolism of substrates is essential, different types of
tion of ES as a supplement for consumption in the United
ginseng can have ergogenic effect [5]. Table 1 shows se-
States without the regulation of the FDA (Food and Drug
veral studies performed in humans, using a supplemen-
Administration) [11].
tation made from ES, among other types of ginseng. Ac-
cording to the studies, we may observe that the acute
2. ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF
supplementation has no effect on physical performance,
ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS
whereas chronic supplementation can provide significant
The active components of Eleutherococcus senticosus, changes in various biochemical parameters.
the eleutherosides, were initially coded from A to F [12], Some studies, using the supplementation of Eleuthero-
and years later, Hikino et al. (1986) [13] studied seven coccus senticosus, report an improvement in heart rate
eleutherosides coded as A, B, C, D, E, F and G, and recovery after physical exercise, improvement of the lac-
through acid hydrolysis of these components, obtained the tate removal ability, greater ability to obtain energy from
formation of glycosides, such as rhamnose, arabinose, xy- aerobic metabolism (by increasing the oxygen consump-
lose, mannose, galactose and glucose. tion and utilization of fatty acids as a source of energy)
Based on several studies by Wagner et al. (1994) [14], and, therefore, an improvement of the performance [3,8,
the ES components were rated as phenylpropanes, com- 18-20]. These authors believe that these improvements
pounds, lignans, coumarins, polysaccharides and other are due to the action of eleutherosides, responsible for in-
compounds, such as oleanolic acid, aromatic oils and ducing various physiological responses, which are pre-
sugar [8]. In an attempt to bring order to these chemicals sent in the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus [1].
compounds, ES was divided into two classes: 1. Triterpe- The extracts from different parts of ES have been con-
noid saponins, which are glycosides of oleanolic acid (re- sidered good for health [21]. The ES antioxidant effect is
ferred to as eleutherosides I, K, L and M), and 2. Phenyl- related to improvements in the treatment of diabetes,
propane derivatives (eleutherosides B, B1, D and E), which cancer and inflammatory state, in addition to their immu-
are mostly glycosylated [15]. noregulatory and immunomodulatory property, and anti-
The ES root extract is standardized in 0.6% to 0.8% of microbial and antiviral activity [11].
eleutherosides, depending on the extraction method of so- Six secondary compounds found in Eleutherococcus
lids [16,17]. senticosus have demonstrated antioxidant effects (such as
Unfortunately, there are no data on the quantity of a siringina, caffeic acid, ethyl aldehyde, coniferyl alde-
certain class of these secondary compounds produced in hyde), four had antioxidant effects in cancer (sesamin, β-
each species. These compounds include, but are not limit- sitosterol, isofraxidine), and three had hypocholesterole-
ed to, phenylpropanoids (siringina, caffeic acid, sinapyl mic activities (sesamin, β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol 3-D-
alcohol, and coniferyl aldehyde), lignans (sesamin, syrin- glucoside) [15].
garesinol and its glycoside), saponins (daucosterol, β-sito- Sesamin and siringina demonstrated immunostimula-
sterol, and hederasaponine-B), coumarins (isofraxidine and tory activity, while isofraxidine showed choleretic activ-
its glycoside) and vitamins (vitamin E and beta-carotene) ity. Siringina demonstrated radioprotective property, and
[15]. antibacterial activity of caffeic acid [15].
Eleutherococcus not only synthesizes lignans, but also The hypocholesterolemic activity of sesamin, β-sitos-
siringina, syringaresinol and sesamin; it produces and ac- terol compounds and its glycoside β-sitosterol β-D-glu-
cumulates precursors of lignans, such as hydroxycinna- copyranoside can be explained by their participation in
mic caffeic acid and other intermediate compounds, as co- antioxidant reactions on LDL (low density lipoprotein),

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 A. Arouca, D. M. Grassi-Kassisse / Health 5 (2013) 1509-1515 1511

Table 1. Effects of some types of ginseng on physical performance in humans.

Ginseng Experimental design Results

Standardized extract of Panax ginseng 200
Men, n = 20, data collected-aerobic Increased aerobic capacity, reduced
mg/day, during 9 weeks.
capacity. lactate production and heart rate.
[28]
Improved aerobic capacity, reduced lactate
Standardized extract of Panax ginseng containing
Young men, n = 30, data production and heart rate, there was no
4% or 7% of ginsenosides, during 9 weeks.
collected-aerobic capacity difference between 4% and 7% of the
[29]
content of ginsenosides.

Improved O2 uptake, maximum breathing

Standardized extract of Panax ginseng 200 capacity, vital capacity and forced expiratory
High performance athletes, n = 30,
mg/day, during 9 weeks. volume, reduced lactate production and
data collected-O2 uptake.
[30] heart rate; no significant changes for
serum LH, testosterone, and cortisol.

No significant difference on the running time

Glycosides, 2000 mg/day; 1.5%, during 4 weeks. Marathon runners, n = 12, data
to exhaustion, aerobic capacity, heart rate,
[31] collected-aerobic capacity.
VE, and RPE.
In the adult group, there was an improved
Standardized extract of ARM229, 2 capsules per Young people (18 - 21 years), and
performance in the Cooper test (12 min race),
30 days; 1 capsule per 30 days. adults (38 - 70 years), n = 65, data
and in the young group there was no
[32] collected-performance in Cooper Test.
significant difference.
Standardized extract of P. ginseng (G115), 200 High performance athletes, n = 28, Improved O2 uptake, forced expiratory
mg/day, during 9 weeks. data collected-effects on the volume, vital capacity, reaction time
[33] health of athletes. and heart rate.

E. senticosus M, during 8 days. Young men, n = 6, data collected-maximal Significant increase in total work,
[34] work capacity. time to exhaustion

Chinese ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus, Marathon runners, n = 15 (M) and n = 15 (W),
Significant increase in VO2max,
during 6 weeks. data collected-aerobic performance,
physical strength.
[35] physical strength.
Ginseng and fenu-greco 0.5 g twice a day, during Significant increase in the production of
Young men, n = 12, data
15 days. work, significant differences in
collected-strength and muscle fatigue.
[36] the lactate level.
Ginseng and fenu-greco 0.5 g twice a day, during Significant increase in anaerobic threshold,
Well-trained amateur cyclists, n = 14, data
30 days. blood ferritin, work, RER, VEmax,
collected-training, endurance performance.
[37] VO2max; blood lactate is not significant.
Improved the total workload, time to
Standardized extract of P. ginseng, 200 mg/day,
People (21 - 47 years), n = 50, data exhaustion, aerobic capacity, ventilation,
DMAE, vitamins, minerals, during 6 weeks.
collected-work and aerobic capacity. VO2, carbon dioxide production, lactate
[38]
production and heart rate; no significant RER.
Standardized extract of P. ginseng, 400 mg/day
Female triathletes (24 - 36 years, n = 43), Prevented the decrease in the physical
during 20 weeks.
data collected-physical performance. performance after 10 km.
[39]
P. ginseng C.A. Meyer 200 mg/day at 4%
Healthy adult women, n = 19, data No significant difference in the sub
ginsenosides, during 8 weeks.
Collected-Metabolic responses. maximal and maximal exercise.
[40]
People trained in distance running, n = 20, No significant difference in the heart rate,
E. senticosus M 3.4 mL during 8 weeks.
data collected-Maximal and sub VO2, VE, VE/VO2, RER, RPE, time to
[41]
maximal aerobic exercise. exhaustion and lactate level.
P. ginseng C.A. Meyer 200 mg/day at 4% Healthy adult women, n = 19, data No significant difference in the performance of
ginsenosides during 8 weeks. collected-work performance and maximum work, rest, exercise, recovery of O2,
[42] energy metabolism. RER, VE, heart rate, blood lactate levels.
Standardized extract of P. ginseng, vitamins,
Volunteers (18 - 65 years), n = 625, Improved quality of life, preventing
minerals, 200 mg/day during 12 weeks.
data collected-quality of life. weight gain and increased blood pressure.
[43]
P. quinquefolium 8 or 16 mg/Kg/ day during 7 There was no significant difference
Well-trained amateur cyclists, n = 7 (M), n = 1
days. in time to exhaustion, lactate levels and
(W), data collected-exhaustion at 75% VO2 max
[44] glucose, RPE, VE, VO2

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1512 A. Arouca, D. M. Grassi-Kassisse / Health 5 (2013) 1509-1515

Continued
P. ginseng C.A. Meyer 200 ou 400 mg/day, Healthy adult men, n = 31, data No significant difference in maximal
during 8 weeks. collected-psychological and and submaximal O2 uptake, RER, VE,
[45] physiological responses. blood lactate, heart rate and RPE.
Well-trained amateur cyclists, n = 7 (M) and There was no significant difference in
Ginseng not especified 3 g/day, during 13 days.
n = 4 (W), data collected-aerobic maximal heart rate, VO2max, workload,
[46]
exercise maximum. RER.
P. ginseng 200 mg/day, 7% ginsenosides, during Moderately trained healthy young adults, There was no significant difference in VO2,
3 weeks. n = 20 (M) and n = 8 (W), data workload, exercise time, lactate, levels of
[47] collected-maximum aerobic performance. hematocrit, heart rate, RPE.
E. senticosus 1200 mg/day, during 7 days before Well-trained men, n = 10, data
No significant difference in VO2, RER, RPE,
data collection collected-substrate utilization,
rate, heart rate, level of lactate and glucose.
[3] maintenance of performance.
P. ginseng C.A. Meyer 400 mg/day, during 8
Healthy adult women, n = 24, data There was no significant difference in the
weeks.
collected-aerobic capacity, fatigue. supramaximal work of short duration.
[48]
Healthy volunteers (n = 50, W and M), Significant reduction in total cholesterol and
Extract fluid of Taiga Wurzel-25 drops 3 x/day (1
data collected-total cholesterol, LDL LDL cholesterol levels, reduction of free
mL equivalent to 1 g root) during 30 days.
cholesterol, free fatty acids, fatty acids, triacylglycerol, blood glucose,
[8]
triacylglycerol, glucose, VO2max. and significant increase in peak VO2max.
Panax not ginseng Young adults, n = 29, data collected-aerobic Significant improvement in endurance,
1350 mg/day, during 30 days. capacity, endurance, mean arterial time to exhaustion, decrease in the mean
[49] pressure and VO2. arterial pressure and VO2.

Significant increase in peak VO2, heart rate

Men in recreational cycling training, n = 9, and improvement in endurance time. The
Standardized extract of E. senticosus
data collected-aerobic capacity, maximum production of free fatty acids in the plasma
800 mg/day, during 8 weeks.
heart rate, VO2, RPE, RER, free fatty acids was increased, and the glucose level
[20]
and glucose in the plasma. decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in 30 min
within 75% of peak VO2.

Panax ginseng Recreational athletes racing (n = 9, 25 - 32

200 mg, 1 hour before running on a treadmill, years), data collected-aerobic capacity, VO2, Acute supplementation did not affect any
acute study. heart rate, body temperature, RPE, glucose, of the parameters analyzed in the study.
[50] lactate, plasma insulin, free fatty acids.

Significant decrease in creatine kinase and

interleukin 6 in the group supplemented
Korean ginseng extract, 20 g, mixed with 200 mL Male college students, n = 18, data
with ginseng, and a significant decrease in
of water 3x/day, during 7 days before the test, and Collected-Exercise-induced muscle
plasma insulin and glucose, suggesting
four days after the test. damage, inflammatory response,
reduced muscle damage and decreased
[51] insulin sensitivity.
inflammatory response, resulting in
improvements in insulin sensitivity.

W = women; M = men; O2 = oxygen; RER = respiratory exchange ratio; RPE = rate of perceived exertion; VE = expiratory volume; VEmax = forced expiratory
volume; VO2 = oxygen uptake; VO2max = maximum oxygen uptake; LH = luteinizing hormone, n = number of volunteers. Reference number between [ ],
Source: Adapted and updated from Barke & Morgan [2] and Bucci [52].

and also, the sesamin has a direct effect on cholesterol ES, which was significantly reduced, besides demon-
re-synthesis. β-sitosterol also has an important effect on strating a significant reduction in the plasmatic choles-
the cholesterol structure, reducing its absorption (as de- terol concentration. One hypothesis for this important ef-
monstrated in humans) and the ability to reduce insulin fect in reducing weight could be explained by the action of
concentrations, as well as and antioxidant effects regard- ES on glucose and insulin metabolism [20], besides the ef-
ing cancer. β-sitosterol also has anti-inflammatory and fect of lower concentrations of corticosterone in rats [11,23].
antipyretic activities [15].
The antihyperglycaemic action of β-sitosterol and its
4. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF
glycoside can be explained by the competitive enzyme in-
ELEUTHEROCOCCUS
hibition in glucose breakdown, but it does not end the
SENTICOSUS
possibilities for this property [15]. A case was reported on the use of Eleutherococus sen-
The study by Rhie and Won (2004) [22] demonstrated ticosus in a man who used digoxin and who had high
the potent effect on body weight gain of mice treated with plasmatic concentration (digoxin). When the supplemen-

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 A. Arouca, D. M. Grassi-Kassisse / Health 5 (2013) 1509-1515 1513

tation was interrupted, the plasmatic concentration de- [7] Atelle, A.S., Wu, J.A. and Yuan, C. (1999) Ginseng phar-
creased [24]. Diabetics who use ES should monitor blood macology, multiple constituents and multiple actions. Bi-
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doi:10.1016/S0006-2952(99)00212-9
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[8] Szolomicki, J., Samochowiec, L., Mójcicki, J. and Droz-
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5. TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS Eleutherococcus senticosus on cellular defense and phy-
The safety and efficacy of the ES supplement were sical fitness in man. Phytotherapy Research, 14, 30-35.
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R543>3.3.CO;2-M
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