Common Name: Siberian Ginseng

General Information

Eleutherococcus senticosus is an erect, sparingly-branched, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 metres tall. The branches are clothed with dense to scattered, slender, terete, bristlelike prickles[, ].
Siberian Ginseng is a widely used medicinal plant, especially in eastern Asia where the plant is often cultivated as well as being harvested in quantity from the wild. As of 2017, the plant is being increasingly cultivated in Russia and in other countries outside its native range. It is often used as a substitute for ginseng (Panax ginseng) and is often marketed as a general tonic with an ability to boost overall health and the ability of the body to recover from illness[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, eastern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Mixed and coniferous mountain forests, forming small undergrowth or groups in thickets and edges. Sometimes found in oak groves at the foot of cliffs, very rarely in high forest riparian woodland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eleutherococcus senticosus is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when fully dormant. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c if they are sheltered from cold winds[].
Prefers a light warm open loamy humus-rich soil and a position sheltered from north and east winds[, ]. Prefers a well-drained soil and full sun[]. (A surprising report, this species is a woodland plant and we would expect it to prefer shade[]) Tolerates urban pollution and poor soils[].
A highly polymorphic species[].
Siberian ginseng is cultivated as a medicinal plant in Russia and China[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves and buds - cooked[, ].
The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

Siberian ginseng is a powerful tonic herb with an impressive range of health benefits. Unlike many herbs with a medicinal use, it is more useful for maintaining good health rather than treating ill health. Research has shown that it stimulates resistance to stress and so it is now widely used as a tonic in times of stress and pressure[]. This plant is a very commonly used folk treatment in China and Russia where it is used as a ginseng substitute[].
It is a pungent bitter-sweet warming herb that is said to be stronger in its action than ginseng[]. Regular use is said to restore vigour, improve the memory and increase longevity[].

The root and the root bark are adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, tonic and vasodilator. It is taken internally during convalescence and in the treatment of menopausal problems, geriatric debility, physical and mental stress etc[]. It works by strengthening the bodies natural immune system[, , , ]. It has also been used to combat radiation sickness and exposure to toxic chemicals[, , ].
This herb is not prescribed for children, and should not be used for more than 3 weeks at one time[].
Caffeine should not be taken when using this herb[].
The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

Trials have shown that extracts from the leaves are effective for treating hypoglycaemia and for improving fat metabolism due to diabetes[].

Other Uses

An extract of the roots is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[]. It can be slow to germinate. Stored seed requires 6 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification[] and can be very slow to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ].
Cuttings of ripe wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 30cm long in a cold frame[].
Root cuttings in late winter[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season[].