
Eleuthero Ginseng Extract (aka Siberian Ginseng Extract) is a part of the regular training diet of European, Soviet, and Chinese athletes for many years. The NBA Sacramento Kings’ conditioning coach currently has the team drinking this to build stamina and endurance.Eleuthero belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant relative of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also known commonly as touch-me-not and devil?s shrub, eleuthero has been most frequently nicknamed Siberian ginseng in this country. Eleuthero is native to the Taiga region of the Far East (southeastern part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and the rhizomes (underground stem) are used.In what conditions might Siberian ginseng be supportive?Alzheimer?s disease, athletic support, chemotherapy support, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold/sore throat, diabetes, fibromyalgia, HIV support, infection, influenza, stress fatigue.Historical or traditional use: Although not as popular as Asian ginseng, eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci wu ju in Chinese medicine, it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections as well as colds and flu. It was also believed to provide energy and vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was originally used by people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase performance and quality of life and to decrease infections.In more modern times, eleuthero?s ability to increase stamina and endurance led Soviet Olympic athletes to use it to enhance their training. Explorers, divers, sailors, and miners used eleuthero to prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.Active constituents: The constituents in eleuthero that have received the most attention are the eleutherosides.1 Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E.2 Eleuthero also