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How Are You Healing Today? *Adaptogens*

Siberian Ginseng – Nature’s Adaptogenic Ally to Health & Healing 

Nature is wonderfully brimming with allies to aide us in healing – adaptogenic compounds are one such powerhouse! Adaptogens are found in plants and herbs, and principally help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Adaptogens are also highly supportive of adrenal health and healing by aiding in the regulation of the adrenal stress response and modulating the body’s production of stress hormones such as cortisol. This support assists the body to restore balance.[1] 


 Welcome to the World of Ginseng!

 

Ginseng’s leading attribute is its adaptogenic properties. There are a few types of plants named ginseng, including Panax ginseng (a reference to a group of similar ginsengs including Korean, Vietnamese, and Red ginseng – commonly referred to as a group called Asian ginseng), Siberian ginseng (also known as Eleutherococcus), and American ginseng (also known as Panax Quinquefolis). Asian and American ginsengs both contain active compounds called Ginsenosides. Siberian ginseng, a distant cousin to Asian and American types of ginseng, contains a different active compound group called Eleutherosides.

Ginseng has a long history of use with historical and archaeological records documenting use medicinally as far back as 5,000 years. “A staple in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years, ginseng was a prized possession of Chinese emperors. In North America, Native American tribes like the Cherokee and Iroquois utilized ginseng for various health benefits and life enhancement.”[2] – Earth Discover


It is believed that ginseng’s active compounds, including ginsenosides and eleutherosides, are the reason for its long-established usage. Ginsenosides and eleutherosides can be extracted from the roots, leaves, and stems. These compounds are shown to have multiple health supporting effects, including adrenal and thyroid support, preventing organ damage, reducing inflammatory response in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, protecting the nervous system, helping to improve memory, and supporting the immune system.[3]


Ginsengs are hearty plants, commonly cultivated after at least 3-5 years of growth, which are found to grow successfully in many climates, as we find types grown in Asia, Canada, and the USA.[4]


Which Type of Ginseng is Best? 


Having a look at the three most widely known and available types of ginseng: Asian, American and Siberian, we can see that each offers unique benefits and healing properties:


Asian ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is a group of ginseng types including Red ginseng, Vietnamese ginseng, and Korean ginseng. The Panax group of ginsengs is considered the original ginseng used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The name, Panax, is derived from the word “panacea,” and historically has been thought to be a cure for all diseases, a source of longevity, physical strength and resilience[5]:  


  • Asian ginseng is known for its energizing effects;

  • Asian ginseng’s benefits include increasing physical stamina, improved concentration, improved immunity, greater energy, and may help to increase sperm production, and help resolve erectile disfunction[6];

  • Asian ginseng resembles a human body, in that it tends to grow with shoots projecting off of the root that look like arms and legs. Asian ginseng looks a lot like American ginseng, however it does tend to be a bit darker in colour.



American ginseng, also known as Panax Quinquefolis, grows mostly in North America and has historically been used by Native American peoples for its medicinal effects:

 

  • American ginseng is known for its calming effects[6];

  • American ginseng’s benefits include improving memory, may help with preventing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, helps to relieve stress, and has been used to treat colitis, vomiting and insomnia[6];

  • Studies are showing that American ginseng may have anti-cancer properties, and it is shown to help reduce or prevent the hardening of arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular conditions[7];·      

  • American ginseng resembles a human body, in that it tends to grow with shoots projecting off of the root that look like arms and legs. It’s usually light tan, but can be found in various shades of brown.

 


Siberian ginseng, also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a cousin of American and Asian ginseng. Siberian ginseng root tends to be brown with a woody, wrinkly and twisted shape. It does not contain the ginsenosides of Asian and American ginsengs, instead it contains eleutherosides, which are thought to be more powerful adaptogenic compounds[8]:  

 

  • Adaptogen:

    • Adaptogens are thought to work by normalizing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When there is adrenal disfunction, often it is found that there is suppression of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, as well as suppression of thyroid function, resulting in an interruption of the conversion of T4 (thyroid hormone) to T3 (the most active form of thyroid hormone)[9].

    • As a true adaptogen, Siberian ginseng supports the balance of the adrenal glands, by boosting the secretion of hormones when cortisol levels are depleted, and suppressing cortisol production when secretion is too high. Research suggests that Siberian ginseng can both prevent and treat stress related symptoms such as adrenal fatigue, adrenal stress, thyroid conditions, and insomnia.[10]

        

  • Immune Support:

    • Siberian ginseng is traditionally used as an immune booster, as it helps support T-cell production. Eleuthtrosides are further shown to aide in the prevention and healing of respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia[11];


  • Speeds Healing:

    • By boosting the immune system, Siberian ginseng may improve or speed up the healing process[6];

    • Compounds in Siberian ginseng have also been shown to prevent the formation of ulcers, including diabetic foot ulcers[6];


  • Improving Lymphatic Function:

    • Eleutherosides have been shown to improve the lymphatic function and notably helping reduce edema (swelling caused by a build up of fluid)[12];

 

  • Lowering and Stabilizing Blood Sugar:

    • Eleutherosides have been shown to reduce insulin resistance and may prove beneficial in the management of Type II diabetes[13];  

       

  • Slowing and Stopping Cancer:

    • Studies are showing that Siberian ginseng may have the ability to slow or stop the replication of cancer cells[14];  


  • And More:

    • It is known to help alleviate fatigue, improve athletic performance, improve cognitive function, and as a stimulant it is being studied to aide in increasing low blood pressure[6].


 

Ready to Add Siberian Ginseng to Your Health-style?


Siberian ginseng is most commonly used in supplement form (capsule, powder, tincture). It is also available as a dried root, which can be brewed into teas. When exploring Siberian ginseng supplements know that products do vary in concentration of eleutherosides and potency. A good benchmark is to look for products with .08% standardization of eleutherosides[6].


Explore these websites for easy recipes using Siberian ginseng:


Thinking of growing your own ginseng? Check out this site for tips for optimal growing, including how to grow it at home in pots:



Are There Any Concerns or Cautions?


Siberian ginseng is “likely safe” for adults when used short-term. Siberian ginseng may increase blood pressure in high doses, and although indicated as rare, potential side effects including drowsiness, anxiety, and muscles spasms may occur[15].


It is important to consider the following: 

o   Be mindful if you have allergies or sensitivities to Siberian ginseng, and avoid this in food or supplement form;

o   Eleutherosides may lower blood sugar, slow blood clotting and may induce sleepiness or drowsiness. Caution is advised, especially if taking medications with similar effects[6];  

o   Siberian ginseng may act like estrogen in the body, so women who have a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers or uterine fibroids should consult with their trusted healthcare practitioner before taking Siberian ginseng[15];

o   Siberian ginseng may interact with pharmaceutical medications including anticoagulants, corticosteroids, digoxin, lithium, diabetes medications, sedatives, and immune suppressants, so it is important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner if taking such medications and considering taking Siberian ginseng[15];  

o   There is insufficient information available regarding safe use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding[15].  


*It is always important to consult with your trusted healthcare practitioner prior to making any major lifestyle changes, especially if taking any medications.

 



 

 

 

References:

1.     Article: “A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide”. PubMed. Authors: Lian-ying Liao, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6240259/

2.     Article: “Ginseng: The Ancient Herb for Health and Vitality”. Earth Discover. https://earthdiscover.net/power-of-herbs/ginseng/

3.     Article: “Ginsenosides: are any of them candidates for drugs acting on the central nervous system?”. PubMed. Authors: Seung-Yeol Nah, et.al.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18078425/

4.     Article: “How to Grow and Care for Ginseng”. The Spruce. Author: Peg Aloi. https://www.thespruce.com/ginseng-plant-profile-4801472   

5.     Article: “Different Types Of Ginseng And Their Incredible Health Benefits”. Cure Joy. https://curejoy.com/content/different-types-of-ginseng/

7.     Article: “Effect of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on arterial stiffness in subjects with type-2 diabetes and concomitant hypertension.”. Semantic Scholar. Authors: Iva Mucalo, et.al. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effect-of-American-ginseng-(Panax-quinquefolius-L.)-Mucalo-Jovanovski/c3413cdaec9f6d9ff6d25375192126dbb0b03990  

8.     Article: “Eleuthero”. University of Michigan Health. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2084007#hn-2084007-how-it-works

9.     Article: “How Do Adaptogenic Herbs Benefit Hashimoto’s?”. thyroidpharmacist.com. Author: Dr. Izabella Wentz, Pharmd. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/adaptogenic-herbs-benefit-hashimotos/

10.  Article: “Biological Activities of Ginseng and Its Application to Human Health”. NIH. Authors: Jae Joon Wee, et.al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92776/

11.  Article: “All you need to know about flu”. Medical News Today. Author: Yvette Brazier. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107

12.  Article: “Antiedema effects of Siberian ginseng in humans and its molecular mechanism of lymphatic vascular function in vitro”. Science Direct. Authors: Kaedeko Fukada, et.al. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531716000531

13.  Article: “Siberian Ginseng Results in Beneficial Effects on Glucose Metabolism in Diabetes Type 2 Patients: A Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Study in Comparison to Panax Ginseng”. Science and Education Publishing. Authors: Freye Enno, et.al. https://pubs.sciepub.com/ijcn/1/1/2/

14.  Article: “Proliferative and Inhibitory Activity of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Extract on Cancer Cell Lines; A-549, XWLC-05, HCT-116, CNE and Beas-2b”. Europe PMC. Authors: SA Cichello, et.al.  https://europepmc.org/article/MED/26107240 

15.   Article: “Siberian ginseng”. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/siberian-ginseng 

 
 
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