Eleutherococcus senticosus (syn. Acanthopanax senticosus, Hedera senticosa) E. koreanum is used in Korea. Acanthopanax gracilistylus Wu Jia Pi is similar. Eleutherococcus senticosus was previously classed as a variety of A. gracilistylus. Wu Jia Pi in TCM.
2. Warms and Strengthens the Kidneys: -weakness of the Lower back and Knees -Osteoporosis -Failure to Thrive in children, growth retardation -Impotence, has been used as an aphrodisiac -Diabetes (proven hypoglycemic effect)
3. Benefits the Heart and Brain, Calms the Spirit: -Insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, nervousness, restlessness -Poor concentration, Confusion, mild depression, Fear -enhances Memory -Heart deficiency
4. Moves the Blood, Clears the Channels: -Cold extremities from poor circulation -Blood stasis with fixed pain -Vasodilator and circulatory stimulant effect
Dose:
Decoction: 9–30 grams Powder: 600mg–3 grams, up to 5 grams Fluid Extract (1:1): 2–8 mls., up to 16 mls, 1–3 times daily
Comment:
This is closely related to Acanthopanax Wu Jia Pi, principally used in TCM for chronic joint disease and was formerly considered a variety of Acanthopanax Wu Jia Pi. Due to research in the past couple of decades, the adaptogenic properties have caused it to be separated and it is classed as a tonic in the modern Chinese Materia Medica. We have separated them by calling this Eleutherococcus to separate it from Acanthopanax Wu Jia Pi as these are the names typically used in modern Western sources and TCM sources respectively. However, they are both of the same genus.
Main Combinations:
1. Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease: Siberian Ginseng, Ginkgo leaf, Rosemary, Basil, Withania 2. Chronic Fatigue: i. Siberian Ginseng with Astragalus Huang Qi ii. Siberian Ginseng with Bupleurum Chai Hu, Paeonia Bai Shao, Licorice, Citrus Zhi Shi, Gardenia Zhi Zi 3. Failure to thrive in children, enhance growth, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Phlomis umbrosa (see research below) 4. Altitude Sickness: i. Siberian Ginseng with Rhodiola, Dang Gui ii. Siberian Ginseng with Corydeceps 5. Hydrocephalus: Siberian Ginseng with St. John’s Wort, Peppermint, Birch buds, Bilberry leaf (equal parts) as a decoction. (From the Russian medical journal ‘Vrachebnoe Delo’, 1981) 6. Cold extremities, Siberian Ginseng with Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi) 7. Osteoarthritis, Siberian Ginseng, Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Notoginseng San Qi (see research below) 8. Lung Cancer: Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Ginseng, Cantharide (Ban Mao) (used in China as a State-Approved adjunct in Lung Cancer, used as an injection: see research below) 9. Colorectal Cancer, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Ganoderma Ling Zhi 10. Prostate Cancer, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus Huang Qi, Ganoderma Ling Zhi, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Psoralea Bu Gu Zi, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi, Licorice. (See research below) 11. Kidney / Adrenal deficiency: i. Siberian Ginseng with Withania, Ginseng ii. Siberian Ginseng with Mullein, Lobelia, Centella, Hawthorne berries, Cayenne, Ginger (Dr. Christopher’s Adrenal formula) 12. Prostatitis, Siberian Ginseng with Parsley root, Juniper berry, Marshmallow root, Bearberry, Queen of the Meadow, Golden Seal, Ginger 13. Impotence, Aphrodisiac: i. Siberian Ginseng with Tribulus, Withania, Tilophora indica ii. Siberian Ginseng with Epimedium Yin Yang Huo (‘Horny Goat Weed’), Damiana, Withania, Maca
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
1. Caution in Heat diseases and Yin deficiency. 2. Commission E listed high blood pressure as a contraindication.
Drug Interactions:: 1. Suggested to avoid using with stimulants including caffeine, and antipsychotic medication. 2. May increase serum digoxin levels.
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleutherococcus senticosus