Acanthopanax senticosus (Wu Jia Pi), also known as Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero, is a powerful adaptogenic herb renowned for enhancing physical endurance, mental performance, and immune function through its unique eleutherosides.
Alternative Names: Acanthopanax senticosus, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Wu Jia Pi, Ci Wu Jia, Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Russian Root, Devil’s Shrub, Touch-me-not, Wild Pepper, Kan Jang, Taiga Root
Categories: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Adaptogenic Herb, Immune Modulator, Performance Enhancer
Primary Longevity Benefits
- Stress adaptation and resilience enhancement
- Physical endurance and stamina improvement
- Mental performance and cognitive function
- Immune system strengthening
- Energy and vitality boost
- Recovery and healing acceleration
Secondary Benefits
- Cardiovascular health support
- Blood sugar regulation
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antioxidant protection
- Mood stabilization
- Sleep quality improvement
- Athletic performance enhancement
- Anti-fatigue effects
- Liver protection
- Hormonal balance support
Mechanism of Action
Primary Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Description | Pathway | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPA Axis Modulation and Stress Response | Eleutherosides modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, improving stress adaptation | HPA axis regulation → cortisol optimization → enhanced stress resilience | Improved stress tolerance, Reduced fatigue, Enhanced recovery |
| Immune System Enhancement | Polysaccharides and eleutherosides boost immune cell activity and cytokine production | Immune cell activation → enhanced pathogen resistance → improved immunity | Stronger immune response, Reduced infection rates, Better recovery |
| Energy Metabolism Optimization | Improves cellular energy production and utilization for enhanced physical performance | Mitochondrial enhancement → improved ATP production → increased energy | Enhanced endurance, Reduced fatigue, Better performance |
Bioactive Compounds
| Compound | Concentration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Eleutherosides (A, B, C, D, E) | 0.8-2.5% in dried root | Primary adaptogenic compounds |
| Polysaccharides | 5-15% in dried root | Immunomodulatory effects |
Optimal Dosage
Disclaimer: The following dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications.
Traditional Dosages
Dried Root
- 6-15 grams per day
- 9-12 grams per day
- Decoction or powder
Modern Standardized Dosages
Eleutherosides Standardized
- 300-1200 mg per day
- 600-900 mg per day
- Minimum 0.8% eleutherosides
Dosage By Condition
Stress Adaptation
- 600-900 mg standardized extract
- 4-12 weeks
Athletic Performance
- 900-1200 mg standardized extract
- 2-8 weeks
Immune Support
- 300-600 mg standardized extract
- 2-12 weeks
Bioavailability
Overview
Acanthopanax compounds have moderate to good bioavailability with eleutherosides being well-absorbed.
Absorption Characteristics
Eleutherosides Bioavailability: 40-70% oral bioavailability
Peak Plasma Time: 2-4 hours after administration
Safety Profile
Overall Safety
Acanthopanax is generally safe with a good safety profile when used appropriately.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Severe hypertension
- Acute infections with high fever
- Autoimmune diseases (use with caution)
Potential Side Effects
- [“Mild insomnia (if taken late in day)”,”Slight increase in blood pressure”,”Mild digestive upset”]
Special Populations
- {“safety”:”GENERALLY SAFE”,”considerations”:”May be particularly beneficial for age-related fatigue”}
- {“safety”:”GENERALLY SAFE”,”considerations”:”Popular for performance enhancement”}
Regulatory Status
Overview
Acanthopanax is widely accepted as a dietary supplement globally.
United States
Fda Status: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Classification: Dietary supplement
International Standards
Pharmacopoeia Status
- Russian Pharmacopoeia
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia
Synergistic Compounds
Traditional Combinations
| Herb | Synergy | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Ginseng | Enhanced adaptogenic effects | Complementary stress adaptation pathways |
| Rhodiola | Superior stress resilience and performance | Different but complementary adaptogenic mechanisms |
Modern Synergies
| Compound | Synergy | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| B-Complex Vitamins | Enhanced energy metabolism | Supports cellular energy production |
Antagonistic Compounds
Overview
Acanthopanax has few antagonistic interactions but some considerations exist.
Pharmaceutical Antagonists
| Drug Class | Mechanism | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressants | May counteract immunosuppressive effects | Consult healthcare provider |
Lifestyle Antagonists
| Factor | Mechanism | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Caffeine | May cause overstimulation | Monitor for excessive stimulation |
Cost Efficiency
Overview
Acanthopanax offers excellent cost efficiency as a well-researched adaptogen and performance enhancer.
Current Market Pricing
Raw Dried Root
- $0.40-1.00 (9g daily dose)
- $12-30
Standardized Extract
- $1.00-2.50 (600mg daily dose)
- $30-75
Value Proposition
Primary Benefits
- Well-researched adaptogen
- Performance enhancement
- Stress resilience
Cost Advantages
- Competitive pricing
- Extensive research validation
- Multiple benefits
Stability Information
Overview
Acanthopanax compounds are moderately stable when properly stored.
Active Compound Stability
Eleutherosides
- 2-3 years
Storage Recommendations
Optimal Conditions: Cool, dry place, Protected from light
Shelf Life: 2-3 years under proper conditions
Sourcing
Botanical Sources
| Species | Quality | Distribution | Harvest Part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleutherococcus senticosus | Primary species for Siberian ginseng | Siberia, Northern China, Korea | Root and rhizome |
Geographic Sources
| Regions | Quality Factors |
|---|---|
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Historical Usage
Ancient Origins
First Recorded Use: Over 2000 years ago in China and Russia
Traditional Name: Wu Jia Pi (五加皮)
Meaning: Five-addition bark
Traditional Uses
Chinese Medicine: Strengthening tendons and bones, dispelling wind-dampness
Russian Folk Medicine: Enhancing endurance and vitality
Modern Research: Extensively studied in Soviet Union for athletic performance
Scientific Evidence
Overview
Acanthopanax has extensive scientific evidence supporting its adaptogenic and performance-enhancing effects.
Adaptogenic Evidence
Evidence Level: Strong
Key Studies:
| Study Type | Findings | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical trials | Improved stress tolerance and reduced fatigue | Multiple high-quality studies |
Performance Evidence
Evidence Level: Strong
Key Studies:
| Study Type | Findings | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic performance studies | Enhanced endurance and recovery | Well-controlled studies |
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.