Eleuthero
Eleuthero is the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus, a thorny shrub from northeast Asia. It is also sold as Siberian ginseng, though it is not a true ginseng.
Also listed as Siberian Ginseng, Ciwujia, Acanthopanax Senticosus, Eleutherococcus Senticosus
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is eleuthero?
Eleuthero preparations use the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus. EMA recognizes traditional use for tiredness and weakness, based on long-standing use rather than conclusive clinical trials. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Was the fatigue trial positive overall?
No. The overall comparison with placebo was not significant; the moderate-fatigue subgroup finding needs confirmation. 2
Does it improve the effect of stress-management training?
The German eight-week trial found no additional benefit from combining the extract with training. 3
Can it disturb sleep?
Yes. Insomnia is among the adverse effects reported to EMA. 1
Is it established as safe in pregnancy?
No. EMA advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because adequate data are missing. 4
Sources
- Eleutherococci radix European Medicines Agency
- Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue Psychological Medicine, 2004
- Assessment report on Eleutherococcus senticosus, radix European Medicines Agency, 2014