Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Russia and East Asia. Herbalists have historically recommended Siberian ginseng as an “adaptogen”—an agent believed to help the body resist the effects of physical and mental stress. "Nervous exhaustion" is a historical term, often used to describe symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and reduced resilience to stress, and Siberian ginseng was commonly used in Russian and Chinese herbal practice for these complaints.

Modern scientific research on Siberian ginseng’s specific effects on nervous exhaustion is limited. Some clinical studies have explored its potential to improve general fatigue and mental performance, but results are mixed and often involve small sample sizes or lack robust controls. The adaptogenic concept, while popular in herbal traditions, is not clearly defined or universally accepted in biomedical science. Most available evidence supporting its use for nervous exhaustion is therefore historical and anecdotal, rather than rigorously scientific.

In summary, the use of Siberian ginseng for nervous exhaustion is primarily based on traditional practices, with only modest support from preliminary scientific studies. Substantial, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking, so its efficacy for this specific indication remains uncertain.