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(Actual) publications 2006 Siberian Ginseng
| 26-09-2006: | "The Skinny On Siberian ginseng" |
| 08-08-2006: | "Combat stress in modern living with Siberian ginseng" |
| 01-06-2006: | "Eleutherococcus senticosus (Monograph: Eleutherococcus senticosus) " |
The Skinny On Siberian ginseng
2006/09/26 - ginseng is yet another addition to the category of Hot supplement topics. Of course - if there is a naturally occurring substance that helps to stimulate mental and physical energy, decrease incidence of cancer and ward off colds and flu - I certainly want answers! Although I'm still left a bit confused about all the different varieties - Siberian ginseng appears to be a popular, commercially available and beneficial form.
The Claims:
Decrease/Prevent Stress and Stress Related Illness:
Created from the root of the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant native to Siberia, Siberian ginseng has been used as an energy tonic by the Chinese for over 5,000 years. This is exciting news as it appears that ginseng improves both mental alertness and attention to detail. It has been noted in many studies to improve endurance and increase overall energy in many athletes. For me, this begs the question: "Could ginseng be a natural solution to ADD?" It does appear so. And where stress is concerned - in documented patient studies, rates of stress were lower in individuals who supplemented. ginseng has shown promise in both the relief of stress and decreased incidence of stress related diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, by improving circulation and normalizing blood pressure.
Relief of Menopause Discomforts:
Siberian ginseng - in many of the articles and studies I found - works to stabilize hormone levels to decrease or relieve the discomforts of menopause, i.e. emotional instability and hot flashes. Also ginseng is used in much the same way to stimulate the endocrine gland and also assimilate vitamins and minerals.
Increase Male and Female Fertility:
In females - many of the studies suggest - ginseng supports uterine function. This will strengthen the female uterus and aim to make it more fertile. In males, ginseng acts in much the same way by stimulating testosterone levels.
Treatment of Cold and Flu:
In many cases, Siberian ginseng has helped to stimulate the immune system to both decrease the symptoms of cold and flu and support the body by warding off infection of cold and flu, entirely.
Other Noted Pathologies Relieved by Siberian ginseng
- Decreased symptoms of Alzheimer's
- Decreased symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
- Decreased symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Decreased symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- Decrease in general fatigue associated with PMS
The Bad News:
As customary, I always want to know "what's the bad news?" First, my usual disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before beginning any supplementation - in this case especially. ginseng, it's known, could mimic a period in menopausal women. Also check with your doctor about any drug interactions. Other bad news - there has been mild diarrhea in rare cases associated with Siberian ginseng supplementation and - oddly enough - it should be avoided if you have high blood pressure, are menstruating or are pregnant. Otherwise Siberian ginseng appears to be very safe at recommended doses. With high doses, insomnia, nervousness, irritability and anxiety have been reported.
How To:
In everything I've read, the information was consistent: Take ginseng on an empty stomach, before breakfast or 1 hour prior to meals. To decrease risk of insomnia, avoid taking ginseng close to bedtime. Also consistent: Make sure you obtain your Siberian ginseng from a reputable source. Other tips: Be sure the ginseng is "standardized" and contains at least 0.9% of it's active ingredient "eleutherosides."
When supplementing Siberian ginseng - according to my favorite source, Dr. Earl Mindell (see sources below) take 2-3 caps of 100-200mg daily as a preventative. There are many recommendations for different ailments - including rotating different varieties of ginseng. If you have a pathology you think may be helped by ginseng - discuss with your doctor how to treat it accordingly. It is also known that the body likes a breather from ginseng - therefore, according to all sourced noted, be sure to take two weeks off every three months.
In addition to WebMD - my favorite resources (and research sources for this article) Include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
FROM: http://www.market-day.net/article_28457/20060926/The-Skinny-On-Siberian-Ginseng.php
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Combat stress in modern living with Siberian ginseng
2006/08/08 - Many of us will be familiar with the stresses and strains that are part and parcel of modern-day living. From work-related pressure and relationship difficulties, to financial concerns and child-rearing issues, life can sometimes seem like a neverending stream of problems and pitfalls. The challenges that are so inherent in our culture can have profound effects on our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Stress increases the risk of conditions as diverse as colds and flu, heart disease, depression and insomnia. What is more, statistics show there has been a five-fold increase in stress-related illness in the last 40 years alone. One way to mitigate against the effects of stress is to build up the body's internal reserves, enabling it to cope better with the demands life brings. In this respect, natural medicine has much to offer. For literally thousands of years, plant extracts have been used as 'tonics' to enhance the function of both body and mind in times of stress.
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More recently, Siberian ginseng has been the focus of several scientific studies designed to elucidate the precise action of this herb on the body. The evidence suggests that Siberian ginseng can do much to protect us from the effects of stress and enhance our vitality.
The chief organs in the body responsible for dealing with stress are the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete a variety of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which have important roles to play in the body's response to stress. However, the adrenal glands have only a certain capacity to respond to stress, and prolonged demands can cause them to weaken in time. Common symptoms of weakened adrenal glands include fatigue (which is often worse just after stress of physical exertion), dizziness on standing, anxiety and/or depression.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on the physiology of both animals and humans. One of this herb's most important effects appears to be an ability to protect the adrenal glands, increasing their capacity to withstand prolonged stress. In animals, Siberian ginseng has been shown to protect against the effects of a wide range of potential stresses, including heat, cold, surgery, blood loss and infection.
Studies on humans have shown that Siberian ginseng can be of benefit in a diverse array of work settings: explorers, sailors, deep sea divers, rescue workers, truck drivers, pilots and factory workers have all been shown to respond positively to this herb. In one study published in 1997, proofreaders were found to work more quickly and make fewer mistakes when taking Siberian ginseng.
Another of Siberian ginseng's specific effects is that it appears to enhance the action of the immune system. This, coupled with its general strengthening effects may explain why long-term use of this herb has been shown to reduce the rate of infection and absenteeism in workers. A study performed in 1 000 Siberian factory workers found that taking Siberian ginseng for just 30 days reduced days lost due to absenteeism by 40% over the next year. General illness rates for the same period were cut by half.
In the 1950s, Russian scientists became interested in Siberian ginseng's potential to enhance athletic performance. There is certainly some evidence which supports Siberian ginseng's use for this purpose. In a Japanese study published in 1996, Siberian ginseng was found to increase maximal work capacity by almost a quarter, while individuals taking inactive medication (placebo) saw a modest rise in output of only 7.5%. Siberian ginseng was consistently used by Soviet athletes in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and some believe that their success in the era was at least in part due to the supportive effects of this herb.
It seems that, in addition to helping combat the effects of long-term stress, Siberian ginseng also has the capacity to enhance performance and vitality in healthy individuals. Siberian ginseng is widely available in health food stores. The normal dose is 1 - 4 g of dried herb per day, or 2 - 8 ml of a liquid extract per day. Sometimes, Siberian ginseng products will be standardised to the content of one of its active ingredients, a compound known as eleutheroside E. - 1.25 g tablets containing 0.7 mg of eleutheroside E should be taken 1 - 3 times a day.
Traditionally, it is recommended that Siberian ginseng be taken over a period of six weeks, interspersed with breaks of two weeks. Siberian ginseng appears to be safe to take in the long term.
Health information issued by The Health Products Association of Southern Africa in the interests of better health for the whole population.
FROM: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-148424514.html
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Eleutherococcus senticosus (Monograph: Eleutherococcus senticosus)
2006/06/01 - Eleutherococcus senticosus (also known as Acanthopanax senticosus or Ciwujia, and previously known as Siberian ginseng) is an approximately two-meter high, hardy shrub native to the far eastern areas of the Russian taiga and the northern regions of Korea, Japan, and China. (1)
Active Constituents
The active ingredients of this plant are typically concentrated in the root and mainly consist of chemically distinct glycosides called eleutherosides A-M. (2) Other phytochemicals found in the root structure include ciwujianosides (minor saponins), eleutherans (polysaccharides), beta sitosterol, isofraxidin (a coumarin deriva tive), syringin, chlorogenic acid, (3) sesamin (2) (lignans), and friedelin (triterpene). (2) Eleutherosides I, K, L, and M have also been identified and isolated from the leaf of the plant. (2)
Mechanisms of Action
Eleutherococcus is primarily known as an adaptogen. This term, coined by researcher I.I. Brekhman, suggests such a plant has four general properties: (1) it is harmless to the host; (2) it has a general, rather nonspecific, effect; (3) it increases the resistance of the recipient to a variety of physical, chemical, or biological stressors; and (4) for the user, it acts as a general stabilizer/normalizer. (4) Using animals to test this theory, researchers found Eleutherococcus decreases adrenal hypertrophy and the subsequent depletion of adrenal vitamin C levels in stressed rats. (5) Moreover, animals treated with an aqueous extract from the stem bark of this herb were able to increase their swimming time to exhaustion, confirming original research that mice exposed to Eleutherococcus have more stamina. (5,6)
In addition to its anti-fatigue and anti-stress effects, the plant also exhibits immunomodulatory effects. One study found intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of an extract (primarily eleutherosides B and D) increased the cytostatic activity of natural killer cells by 200 percent after one week. (7) Another in vitro study confirmed a liquid extract of the root inhibits replication of RNA viruses (human rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza A virus), but not cells infected with DNA viruses such as adenovirus or Herpes simplex, type 1. (8)
Eleutherococcus affects cytokine expression. A fluid extract, at doses of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL and 0.03-1.0 mg/ mL, induced and enhanced the actions of IL- 1 and IL-6, respectively, but not IL-2 in vitro. (9)
Studies using an animal model of cerebral ischemia demonstrated an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. Eleutherococcus markedly inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and decreased cerebral ischemia in rats with induced cerebral artery occlusion. (10)
Other pharmacological actions associated with Eleutherococcus root include prevention of bone resorption during experimental, steroid-induced osteoporosis, (11) protection against experimentally-induced fulminant hepatic failure (possibly via apoptosis or antioxidant mechanisms), (12) radioprotection of the hematopoietic system in mice exposed to lethal radiation, (13) inhibition of histamine release from rat peritoneal cells, and inhibition of systemic anaphylaxis in rats. (14) Other research has noted the stem bark not only increases the concentration of biogenic amines (noradrenalin and dopamine) in the rat brain, (15) but also prevents stress-induced gastric ulcerations in rats (16) and induces apoptosis in human stomach cancer KATO III cells. (17)
Clinical Indications Athletic Performance
Eleutherococcus has been touted as the herb that builds Russian athletes. In his review of the Russian scientific literature, Farnsworth notes a single 4 mL dose of a 33-percent ethanolic liquid extract given to five male skiers 1-1.5 hours before a 20-50 kilometer race increased skier resistance to hypoxemia and enhanced their ability to adapt to increased exercise demands. (18) In another summary of the Russian studies, Halstead cites research on runners given either 2 mL (n=34) or 4 mL (n=33) of the extract 30 minutes before participating in a 10-kilometer race. The results were compared to 41 participants who did not take the herb (control). Those who took either 2 or 4 mL of the extract completed the race in an average time of 48.7 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively, compared to 52.6 minutes for the control group. (19)
After establishing baseline maximal work loads (control) using bicycle ergometry, six healthy male athletes (ages 21-22) were given 2 mL (150 mg of the dried material) of a 33-percent ethanol extract of Eleutherococcus or a comparable placebo in the morning and evening 30 minutes before meals for eight days. Compared to control, individuals who took the herb had significant increases in overall work performance, including maximal oxygen uptake (p
Other research, however, has not been able to reproduce the athletic-enhancing actions of Eleutherococcus. In a double-blind study involving nine endurance cyclists, 1,200 mg of a crude extract was taken daily for seven days prior to a simulated 10kilometer time trial. Supplementation did not significantly alter the physiological responses of the athletes (e.g., oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange, heart rate, plasma lactate, plasma glucose, or perceived exertion) compared to placebo. (21)
Immune Deficiency
A few studies have examined the effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus on the immune response.
In a controlled trial, 36 subjects were randomized to receive 10 mL Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract or placebo three times daily after meals for one month. A flow cytometric evaluation of lymphocyte subpopulations was made before and after administration of the herb or placebo. After four weeks of therapy, those in the active group had a significant increase in total lymphocyte (p
Russian research on Eleutherococcus confirms the herb's immunomodulatory effects in healthy controls. Compared to placebo, 838 children utilizing the fluid extract on a daily basis for two months had a 25-percent increase in T-lymphocytes, a 20-percent increase in B-lymphocytes, a 10-percent reduction in overall infections, and a 60-percent decrease in the incidence of pneumonia. (23) However, this improvement in lymphocyte subsets was not confirmed in a subsequent placebo-controlled study in athletes using 8 mL of a 35-percent ethanolic extract (equal to 4 g crude Eleutherococcus) daily before breakfast for six weeks. (24)
Chronic Stress
In a double-blind study, 45 healthy volunteers (20 men, 25 women; ages 18-30) were randomized to receive two vials of Eleutherococcus senticosus or placebo for 30 days. Patients were subject to the Stroop Colour-Word (Stroop CW) test in order to assess their stress response, along with heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, before and after treatment. Unlike placebo, those employing the herb had a 40-percent reduction in heart rate response to the Stroop CW stressor. Moreover, in females but not males, the use of Eleutherococcus accounted for a 60percent reduction in systolic blood pressure response to the cognitive challenge test. These facts together suggest Eleutherococcus may be helpful for stress adaptation. (25)
Chronic Fatigue
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial involving 96 patients with diagnosed idiopathic chronic fatigue evaluated the effectiveness of an Eleutherococcus extract compared to placebo. The extract was standardized to contain 2.24 mg eleutherosides per four 500-rag capsules (daily dose); 49 subjects received the herb and 47 received placebo. At the end of the two-month trial, 20 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 76 evaluable subjects. After two months, a subset of subjects with mild-to-moderate fatigue demonstrated statistically significant improvement in Rand Vitality Index (RVI) scores compared to placebo. For the group as a whole, however, there was significant improvement in RVI scores at one month, but that improvement was not maintained for the duration of the study; after two months, RVI scores were not statistically different between treatment and placebo groups. These results might be expected, as adaptogens are not best suited to continual use but are typically more effective if given in a pulsed manner. Although this study used an imprecise, subjective measurement of fatigue, the results demonstrate a possible therapeutic benefit and additional studies are warranted. (26)
Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions
A few studies have found Eleutherococcus senticosus in conjunction with other botanicals is beneficial for treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). (27,28)
URTI/Sinusitis
The efficacy of a botanical combination product, Kan Jang, was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial involving 185 individuals (mean age 32) with acute URTI, with or without sinusitis. Kan Jang, a combination of 85 mg standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata and 10 mg Eleutherococcus senticosus extract, has been used in Scandinavia for over 20 years as a treatment for uncomplicated URTI. The duration of the trial was five days with 95 subjects randomized to the treatment group and 90 to the placebo group. Typical symptoms of URTI were scored and used as outcome measures. Compared to the placebo group, subjects in the treatment group demonstrated a highly significant improvement (up to 83%) in symptomology, including headache, nasal and throat symptoms, sinus symptoms, and general malaise. (27)
Acute Nonspecific Pneumonia
A botanical combination comprised of Eleutherococcus senticosus (24.4%), Rhodiola rosea (27.6%), and Schisandra chinensis (51%) was investigated for its therapeutic benefit as an adjuvant to standard treatment in acute, non-specific pneumonia. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, 60 patients (ages 18-65 years) received standard treatment consisting of cefazolin (antibiotic), bromhexine (mucolytic agent), and theophylline (bronchodilator); 30 subjects also received the botanical combination and 30 received placebo. All medications were taken twice daily for 10-15 days and outcomes measured were duration of both antibiotic therapy and acute phase of disease, mental performance on a psychometric test, and self-evaluation for quality-of-life (QOL). Patients receiving the botanical combination required fewer days (5.67) of antibiotics than those in the placebo group (7.53 days), and also demonstrated a significantly higher level of performance on the psychometric tests. In addition, mean QOL scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than for those in the placebo group. (28)
Other Potential Clinical Indications
Animal studies demonstrating specific pharmacologic actions of Eleutherococcus senticosus indicate it may be of therapeutic benefit in prevention of bone resorption in steroid-induced osteoporosis. (11) Eleutherococcus also provides protection against fulminant hepatic failure. (12) Other in vitro research demonstrates Eleutherococcus possesses endotheliumdependent, nitric oxide-mediated vascular relaxation properties, (29) indicating a potential use in conditions characterized by endothelial dysfunction such as peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, coronary ischemia, and erectile dysfunction. A study in rats indicates the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of E. senticosus may have therapeutic application in cases of cerebral artery occlusion and ischemia. (9)
Drug-Botanical Interactions
One case report indicated oral use of Eleutherococcus concomitantly with digoxin might result in dangerously high blood levels of digoxin. (30) However, it is likely the product used was adulterated with a botanical, often confused with Eleutherococcus (Ci-wuj-iia), called Wu jia (Periploca sepium), (31) a plant known to contain digitalis glycosides that could account for the adverse drug effects A more recent study in mice demonstrated no digoxin-like immunoreactivity of Eleutherococcus senticosus when measured by five separate serum-digoxin assays. (32)
Eleutherococcus increases the action of hexobarbital given i.p. to rats and increases the efficacy of the antibiotic medications monomycin and kanamycin in humans treated for Shigella-positive dysentery and Proteus-induced enterocolitis. (33)
Diabetics should monitor blood glucose levels and adjust medication accordingly, due to the herb's reported hypoglycemic effects in animals. (34)
Research has demonstrated standardized extracts of E. senticosus at generally recommended dosages do not significantly alter the metabolism of medications dependent on the cytochrome hepato-detoxification pathways, CYP3A4 or CYP2D6. (35)
Side Effects and Toxicity
The oral [LD.SUB.50] of the 33-percent ethanolic extract is estimated to be 14.5 g/kg(330 The extract is not considered to be teratogenic in mice at 10 mg/kg. (33) Safety in human pregnancy has not been established.
Dosage
In adults, dosage of the 33-percent ethanolic root extract is 10 mL three times per day. (21) Dosages of other extracts include the crude extract of the root at a dose of 2-3 g daily and extracts standardized to eleutheroside B and E at a dose of 300-400 mg daily. Any of these dosing regimens should be taken daily for 6-8 weeks, followed by a two-week pause before continuing. (36)
References
FROM: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-148424514.html
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