Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Siberian
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as Eleuthero, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Russia and China, as an adaptogen—a substance believed to help the body resist physical, environmental, and emotional stress. The concept of "adrenal fatigue" is not recognized as a valid medical diagnosis in conventional medicine, but in alternative and holistic circles, it refers to a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and sleep disturbances, believed to be related to chronic stress and "overworked" adrenal glands.
Traditional herbalists have used Siberian Ginseng to support the body's response to stress and to enhance stamina, which aligns with the goals of addressing so-called adrenal fatigue. Some small-scale studies and animal research suggest Siberian Ginseng may modulate the stress response by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating its effect on adrenal fatigue are lacking. Systematic reviews cite limited and low-quality evidence for its adaptogenic effects in humans.
In summary, the use of Siberian Ginseng for adrenal fatigue is supported mainly by traditional use and anecdotal evidence, with only weak scientific support for its adaptogenic effects in general, and little to no direct evidence for the specific condition of adrenal fatigue.
Other health conditions supported by Ginseng, Siberian
Adrenal FatigueAging (prevention)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Digestion (poor)
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Worry