Eleutherococcus tincture is considered by many to be a cure for a variety of diseases. And this is not surprising, since this product has a truly wide spectrum of action and low price.
The positive effect of taking the tincture manifests itself quite quickly, but experts recommend taking it in a course to maintain the effect. Typically, the course of taking this drug is exactly one month.
Today, pharmacies offer a huge number of nervous system stimulants of synthetic origin. But Eleutherococcus tincture, as a natural remedy, is very popular.
More and more people are choosing herbal remedies with tonic and adaptogenic properties. Such remedies include Rhodiola rosea, ginseng, Manchurian aralia, and a number of other herbs considered medicinal. Eleutherococcus, in comparison with them, has the most gentle effect and gives a minimum of adverse reactions.
The tincture of this medicinal herb can be consumed all year round with short breaks, and there will be no harm to health.
Compound
One bottle of liquid extract of Eleutherococcus (Extractum Eleutherococci fluidum) contains extract of rhizomes and roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus.
40% ethyl alcohol (Spirutus aethylicus) is used as an auxiliary component. To prepare the product, the ingredients are used in a 50:50 ratio. In addition to the dry extract of rhizomes and roots of the plant, which is used as an active ingredient, Eleutherococcus capsules and tablets also contain ascorbic acid (Acidum ascorbinicum).
The following are used as auxiliary components in the dragee:
- ascorbic acid (Acidum ascorbinicum);
- vitamin E (Vitamin E);
- sugar (Saccharum);
- lactose (Lactose);
- stinging nettle (Urtica dioica);
- calcium stearate (Calcium stearate);
- starch syrup;
- food coloring;
- beeswax.
In addition to the active ingredient, the tonic syrup also contains:
- ascorbic acid (Acidum ascorbinicum);
- citric acid (Citricum acidum);
- benzoic acid (50%; Acidum benzoicum);
- rosehip (Rosa majalis);
- sugar (Saccharum);
- water (Aqua).
Release form
Eleutherococcus preparations are available:
- in the form of a liquid extract of Eleutherococcus, which is a dark brown liquid with a peculiar odor and slightly pungent taste (during storage in a bottle with the extract, sediment may form);
- in the form of film-coated tablets Eleutherococcus P;
- in capsule form (produced in the USA by the pharmaceutical company Vitamin Global);
- in the form of Eleutherococcus Plus tablets;
- in the form of tonic syrup.
Creams, herbal tablets, powders, decoctions and lozenges are also made from the plant extract.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Eleutherococcus in the form of dry and liquid extracts has a general tonic effect on the central nervous system and improves the body’s ability to adapt to the adverse effects of aggressive factors.
The general tonic effect manifests itself gradually and is accompanied by an increase in tone and normalization of the body’s vital functions. The mechanism of this action is the activation of metabolic processes , as well as endocrine and autonomic regulation .
The main signs of improving body tone are:
- normalization of appetite;
- improvement of the tone of hollow internal organs;
- increased secretion of the glands of the digestive tract;
- restoration of reduced vascular tone.
With low blood pressure, tincture of Eleutherococcus helps to slightly increase its indicators.
In addition, the drugs slightly reduce blood glucose levels, improve heart function, stimulate the function of the gonads in men and women and stimulate mental activity.
The psychostimulating effect manifests itself in the form of increased performance (physical and mental), a decrease in the severity of symptoms of asthenia (for example, after injuries or somatic diseases ) and signs of fatigue.
At the same time, Eleutherococcus preparations do not provoke mental arousal , including euphoria : both the manifestations of a general tonic effect and the manifestations of a psychostimulating effect are in the range of physiological norms.
The main adaptogenic effects in the pharmacodynamics of drugs are:
- activation of specific and nonspecific immunity and, as a consequence, an increase in the body’s resistance to infections (the use of tincture, liquid extract or tablets of Eleutherococcus during periods of epidemics can reduce the number of sick people and also facilitate the course of the disease);
- improves the body's tolerance to aggressive environmental factors (for example, high or, conversely, low ambient temperature, radiation, intoxication, etc.).
All products are characterized as low-toxic. They are well tolerated by the body and cause virtually no side effects.
Like other drugs with adaptogenic effects, Eleutherococcus extract and tablets are prophylactic agents, the effect of their use is manifested when used systematically for a long time.
Plant characteristics
Eleutherococcus is a large shrub. It has a branched cylindrical rhizome, which is often used in folk medicine. In terms of its properties, it resembles ginseng root, which is why the plant has the unofficial nickname “Siberian ginseng.”
The bark of Eleutherococcus is light, the leaves have a palmate-complex shape. They have a rough surface, the main color is green, but there are inconspicuous orange or ocher veins.
As for the above-ground part, it is all poisonous and dangerous to humans
The plant blooms in July or August. The flowers of Eleutherococcus are small, collected in umbels. The color of flowers depends on their gender: staminate flowers are pale purple, and pistillate flowers are yellow.
Separately, it is necessary to say about the fruits of Eleutherococcus. The type of fruit is a drupe; the berries themselves have a spherical shape and a shiny surface. Their color ranges from black to rich dark blue. The fruits appear around September.
If you come across Eleutherococcus in the forest, do not touch its leaves and berries - they provoke allergies in people with sensitive skin.
Eleutherococcus is common in cedar forests, sometimes it is also found in cedar-broad-leaved forests, in the taiga. In the shady broad-leaved forests of Siberia, the plant forms the undergrowth. The plant is also found in floodplain spruce forests in river valleys.
These shrubs can also be found on mountain slopes, but most often the range shifts towards the south. This choice of growth area is due to the fact that Eleutherococcus prefers the southern exposure of the slope. It is important for him to have sufficient solar energy
Indications for use of Eleutherococcus (Tincture, syrup, tablets, cream)
The drug in tablet form is indicated as a dietary supplement. It serves as an additional source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and eleutherosides .
The latter stimulate the synthesis of endorphins , and also provoke the breakdown of fats and their release into the systemic circulation. In addition, these substances accelerate the combustion of carbohydrates, preventing them from turning into fats.
The use of Eleutherococcus tincture, syrup and tablet dosage forms is advisable:
- with asthenic syndrome (including after injuries, surgical interventions, somatic diseases, etc.);
- for chronic fatigue ;
- with decreased libido and erectile dysfunction ;
- with increased fatigue;
- for hypercholesterolemia ;
- in conditions accompanied by general weakness;
- in conditions caused by immunodeficiency ;
- to restore the body after a course of radio or chemotherapy ;
- for obesity ;
- at low pressure.
The use of extract and tablets is recommended to increase immunity during periods of epidemics , to maintain the general tone of the body, normalize performance (including in elderly patients); to accelerate adaptation processes, including to physical and mental overload, sudden changes in living conditions, and exposure to adverse factors.
Also, these remedies can be used to relieve symptoms of neurasthenia and menopausal syndrome , for vegetative neuroses , for menstrual irregularities, for recovery after childbirth, etc.
The drugs provoke dilation of peripheral blood vessels, including the cerebral and coronary arteries, and by increasing the permeability of cell membranes to glucose, they help reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood (this property of Eleutherococcus allows the use of its drugs (with the exception of syrup) in the treatment of mild forms of diabetes mellitus ).
Taking them during the recovery period after surgery activates the processes of normalizing the protein composition of the blood and stimulates faster tissue healing.
Eleutherococcus also effectively relieves redness and symptoms of eye fatigue . As an external remedy, it is used for seborrheic dermatitis and early baldness .
Capsules are used to treat fungal skin infections . In addition, the drug in this dosage form effectively relieves nervous tension, normalizes night sleep and cardiac activity. The use of capsules also allows you to optimize blood composition, normalize blood pressure and cleanse blood vessels.
Cream based on Eleutherococcus is used as an auxiliary therapeutic agent for the treatment of joint diseases of non-infectious origin (including poly- and monoarthritis , gouty arthritis , etc.), osteochondrosis and progressive .
The healing properties of the plant extract help relieve neuralgic pain. For preventive purposes, the cream is used in cases where there is a threat of decreased immunity (for example, as a result of severe stress, if there is a sick person in the family, after suffering a serious illness, etc.).
The cream is recommended to be rubbed into the skin and with increased stress on the muscles. However, it should be remembered that only overstressed areas are subjected to this procedure.
For mild frostbite, rub the product with vigorous movements into the affected areas until they turn pink and a slight tingling sensation appears in the skin.
It is important to remember that Eleutherococcus in tablets, capsules, dragees and syrup is not a medicine and is used exclusively as a dietary supplement.
About the benefits of tincture
The positive effect on tinctures is always assessed individually. The value of this remedy lies in the fact that it is distinguished by the adaptogenic properties of the popular medicinal plant, and they are often expressed specifically in the medicinal tincture of Eleutherococcus. It quickly increases resistance to various negative external factors.
Regular intake of the tincture perfectly stimulates the renewal processes of all cells, which occurs due to the formation of nucleic acids.
For women
Representatives of the fair sex are prescribed an alcoholic tincture of Eleutherococcus to normalize reproductive function. To get a pronounced effect, the product must be combined with sage, red brush and, of course, wintergreen.
It helps normalize the menstrual cycle and improve the quality of all maturing eggs.
The product is effective for women over 40 years old, as it reduces the intensity of signs of approaching menopause.
For men
For representatives of the stronger half, an infusion of eleutherococcus with alcohol is also prescribed to improve reproductive function. It improves erectile function and significantly improves sperm quality.
For athletes
Among athletes, Eleutherococcus tincture is recognized as a fairly effective remedy used as a powerful source of energy.
Those who play sports exclusively professionally choose this tincture; it does not have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and has a fairly gentle effect on the body.
For weight loss
Eleutherococcus tincture allows you to reduce weight by improving metabolic processes. Bonus - it prevents the accumulation of dangerous bad cholesterol in the body. Those who take tincture with Eleutherococcus for weight loss note that they gain strength and a desire to exercise.
In addition, the tincture improves mood, which prevents the occurrence of food addiction associated with nervous disorders.
Long-term use of the tincture eliminates the need to go on diets.
Contraindications for Eleutherococcus
Eleutherococcus preparations have both beneficial properties and contraindications. So, they should not be taken:
- people with an overly excitable central nervous system;
- patients diagnosed with hypertension ;
- patients suffering from insomnia ;
- people with high blood pressure;
- for cardiac pathologies that are accompanied by heart rhythm disturbances;
- for epilepsy ;
- in the acute period of infectious diseases ;
- in conditions accompanied by fever ;
- patients who have had myocardial infarction ;
- patients with cerebrovascular pathologies ;
- patients with skin lesions of non-infectious origin ( neurodermatitis , eczema , psoriasis , etc.);
- patients with severe atherosclerosis ;
- pregnant women;
- during breastfeeding ;
- children under twelve years of age.
A contraindication for Eleutherococcus tincture, syrup and tablet forms of the drug is also hypersensitivity to the substances included in their composition.
The drug in the form of a tonic syrup is contraindicated for people with diabetes .
Instructions for use of Eleutherococcus (Method and dosage)
Eleutherococcus tincture, instructions for use
The instructions for Eleutherococcus tincture recommend taking the drug twice a day about twenty minutes before meals. Before taking Eleutherococcus tincture, it must be diluted with water. The optimal ratio is 20-40 drops per 50 ml of water.
The duration of treatment is from two weeks to one month.
The diluted tincture is also used as an external agent in cosmetology: it is used to prepare a variety of compresses and tonic masks.
Liquid extract of Eleutherococcus, instructions for use
Before taking Eleutherococcus liquid extract, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 20-40 drops per 50 ml of water. The medicine is taken for a month about half an hour before meals, twice or thrice a day. The frequency of doses depends on the age of the patient and the purpose of using the extract.
Children over twelve years of age are prescribed to take one drop of the drug for each year of life.
The drug has a systemic effect on the human body. For example, a single dose of the maximum permitted therapeutic dose provokes the development of a pronounced tonic effect.
It should be noted, however, that this effect lasts for a limited period of time. The use of the maximum dosage is indicated for prolonged stress, prolonged depression, etc. To achieve a lasting result, a longer course of treatment is required.
Before drinking eleutherococcus, the bottle with the extract should be shaken well.
Eleutherococcus tablets, instructions for use
Tablets and dragees Eleutherococcus P should be taken orally at 100 or 200 mg (1-2 tablets/dragées per dose) twice a day with food. The duration of treatment can vary from 14 to 21 days; if necessary, it is repeated after 7-14 days.
The manufacturer recommends taking the capsules with meals. The optimal daily dose is two to four capsules.
Well known, but not scientifically proven
The fact that Eleutherococcus is beneficial to health and has an invigorating effect has been known for hundreds of years. But, nevertheless, there have been no large-scale international medical studies of its effect, so it is believed that everyone who takes it acts at their own peril and risk.
The European Medicines Agency believes that sufficient evidence has not yet been collected to reliably confirm the effectiveness of the use of eleutherococcus for any purpose.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been using this unique thorny shrub for over a thousand years. But it is not evidence-based - that is, long-term studies covering hundreds of patients are not conducted to substantiate any fact. Therefore, Western medicine does not consider its conclusions reliable.
But although Eleutherococcus is an untested remedy, its use is not prohibited. Moreover, it can be used in the food industry, and everyone who has tried the famous carbonated drink “Baikal” has experienced the invigorating effect of its essential oils and glycosides.
It is known that Eleutherococcus can interact with digoxin (a medicine prescribed for chronic heart failure) and hexobarbital (this substance is included in some sleeping pills, and in its own form is used for non-inhalation anesthesia), but the mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood.
Herbalists say that, if desired, Eleutherococcus can be supplemented with ashwagandha (Indian ginseng). This tonic has also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It relieves anxiety well, improves sleep, and increases stamina.
Some researchers believe that ashwagandha may help fight Alzheimer's disease. But taking medications based on it must be agreed with your doctor.
special instructions
According to Wikipedia, Eleutherococcus senticósus is a plant from the genus of spiny shrubby perennials. It appears in reference books under different names. It is most often called wild pepper, prickly freeberry, netronnik, devil's bush, and also Siberian ginseng.
The plant's generic name comes from the Greek words "eleutheros", which translates as "free", and "kokkos", which translates as "nut". In the Latin version, "senticosus" is translated as "covered with thorns."
In the photo, Eleutherococcus senticosus is a bush with straight vertical stems and a powerful root system. The main root is a modified underground shoot of a cylindrical shape, from which a large number of adventitious roots radiate in all directions. The length of the root system can reach 30 meters.
Under optimal conditions, the bush can reach four meters in height. The photo of the plant also shows that its shoots are densely covered with long thin spines, which are directed obliquely and downwards.
Growing and caring for Eleutherococcus
Under natural conditions, wild pepper bushes grow mainly in the Far Eastern regions of Russia, Japan, the northeastern regions of China and Korea.
However, since the plant is characterized as unpretentious, it is not difficult to grow it in our garden plots: it adapts well to various soils, has good shade tolerance (the shrub can be planted under the canopy of fruit-bearing trees) and successfully tolerates the rather harsh conditions of our often snowless winters.
The shrub propagates by seeds, green cuttings of summer shoots, or layering and root shoots (the latter, as practice shows, take root best).
Despite its unpretentiousness to the soil, wild pepper still grows and develops better on loose soil rich in humus. Caring for the plant comes down to removing dried and broken branches. Poor soils require irrigation using organic and mineral fertilizers (they should be applied in spring and summer).
Eleutherococcus begins to bloom and bear fruit from the fourth year of life, but the largest amount of valuable substances is contained in the roots of a plant that is 5-6 years old.
Preparing Eleutherococcus tincture at home
In addition to pharmaceutical preparations of eleutherococcus, tincture of eleutherococcus has also found wide use. To prepare it, 100 grams of dry crushed medicinal raw materials are placed in a hermetically sealed glass container and then poured with 500 ml of vodka (without flavoring additives) or alcohol (40%).
The container is sealed and left to infuse in a dark place at room temperature, shaking vigorously from time to time. After three weeks, the finished tincture is filtered through a piece of gauze folded in several layers. It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.
Eleutherococcus or ginseng - which is better?
Eleutherococcus and ginseng are medicinal plants that have a similar mechanism of action on the body. However, having properties similar to ginseng, Eleutherococcus roots also have a number of benefits.
Preparations in which it is used as an active ingredient “work” somewhat slower than ginseng preparations. Recovery of the body occurs gradually, but the effect of using Eleutherococcus lasts slightly longer than the effect of using ginseng.
Unlike ginseng, it can be used at any time of the year and from an earlier age (ginseng is not recommended for persons under 16 years of age). In addition, natural reserves of Eleutherococcus are much greater than those of ginseng, which allows the production of sufficient quantities of preparations containing it.
Consumption of Eleutherococcus can approximately halve the levels of glucose in the blood and increase the glycogen content in the liver. Also, when compared with ginseng, it has a much stronger effect on carbohydrate metabolism.
According to research, preparations of wild pepper roots reduce the time of dark adaptation (or, in other words, changes in the sensitivity of the human eye when moving from bright light to complete darkness), which turns out to be very useful during periods of seasonal depression .
These medications also help improve visual acuity. If you take them for a month, you will notice a significant improvement in hearing acuity.
A few days after starting daily doses of the drug in various dosage forms, both healthy and sick people's appetite normalizes. In addition, these drugs also have an anabolic effect (laboratory animals that received wild pepper preparations daily for at least two weeks gained weight).
Why are liquid extracts and tablet forms of the drug taken in sports?
The use of wild pepper preparations is advisable not only in extreme conditions, but also in sports.
Christopher Hobbs's book, Ginseng: The Energy Plant, states that Russian Olympic team doctors prescribe Eleutherococcus for athletes who participate in sports that require increased endurance.
Eleutherococcus is most widely used in bodybuilding and athletics. Like other plant adaptogens, it is very important for athletes - training while taking this drug allows you to achieve a more pronounced post-workout opening of the so-called “carbohydrate window”. of amino acids is also activated .
Eleutherococcus preparations are often taken by climbers, sailors, factory workers engaged in hazardous industries, as well as astronauts, for whom it is especially important to speed up the processes of adaptation to the radically different conditions of outer space.
The benefits and harms of Eleutherococcus
The most valuable are the following effects of Eleutherococcus:
- improvement of metabolic processes;
- increasing the adaptive properties of the body;
- normalization of blood sugar levels;
- increasing the body's resistance to stressful situations.
However, despite the huge number of indications for the use of wild pepper preparations and their low toxicity, in some cases they can harm your own body.
For this reason, Eleutherococcus is not recommended for use in conditions that are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, with some cardiac disorders, high blood pressure and in the acute period of infectious diseases.
About the harm
The tincture is usually well tolerated even with long-term use. If you do everything according to the instructions, then it is almost impossible to harm the body by taking this herbal remedy. The drug is dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription.
For all the time that people have been using eleutherococcus tincture, the following undesirable reactions have been recorded:
- hypoglycemia;
- swelling;
- diarrhea;
- increased blood pressure;
- discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
Increased pressure
Eleutherococcus during pregnancy
During pregnancy , it is not recommended to use any medications unnecessarily. Eleutherococcus preparations are no exception: the instructions prohibit their use during pregnancy.
However, in some cases, by the decision of the attending physician, they can still be prescribed.
During pregnancy, Eleutherococcus is used for chronic pyelonephritis , low blood pressure, to treat herpes , relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue and treat asthenic syndrome .
For pregnant women, the drug is prescribed exclusively according to doctor's indications and in minimal dosages. The duration of treatment should also be minimal.
Overdose
If you use the tincture correctly, it only brings benefits. If you abuse this dietary supplement, various negative reactions may occur from all body systems:
- pressure changes;
- swelling;
- diarrhea;
- sleep problems;
- nervousness;
- increased excitability;
- headaches, dizziness.
If these symptoms occur, you must stop taking the drug to prevent toxic poisoning.
Reviews about Eleutherococcus
Numerous reviews of the liquid extract of Eleutherococcus emphasize the high effectiveness of this product and its good tolerance by patients. Reviews of Eleutherococcus tincture are also positive. The product is recommended by more than 95% of people who have used it to treat certain conditions.
The main advantages of the drugs - reviews of the dry extract of Eleutherococcus and liquid dosage forms of this plant are confirmation of this - their availability, low price, ease of use (this applies to syrup, tablets, and liquid extract) and a wide range of applications.
Most people consider the main disadvantage to be the presence of contraindications.
How long does the positive impact last?
Reading reviews about Eleutherococcus for children, one cannot find a definite answer as to how long the product retains its positive effect. Most note the effect for a couple of months after the course, although some talk about the baby’s passivity after a month. There is no general rule here; the result is influenced by the individuality of the body, the presence of chronic pathologies, and other diseases in the anamnesis.
It is strictly prohibited to prescribe Eleutherococcus extract to a child on your own. Children should not be given homemade tinctures from this medicinal plant.
Eleutherococcus price, where to buy
The price of Eleutherococcus in tablets on the Russian pharmaceutical market is 100-130 rubles, the average price of Orihiro Eleutherococcus Plus 240 tablets is 2,200 rubles. You can buy drops at a pharmacy for an average of 20-40 rubles.
The price of Eleutherococcus tincture in Ukrainian pharmacies varies from 10 to 14 UAH per 50 ml bottle. The average price of dry extract produced in the form of Eleutherococcus P dragees is 195 UAH.
The cost of herbal teas, which contain wild pepper extract in combination with other medicinal plants, is 20-30 UAH. Dry extract tablets will cost an average of 170 UAH.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
ZdravCity
- Dragee Eleutherococcus biocor 100 pcs
Biocor 143 RUR order - Eleutherococcus extract fl. 50ml Camellia LLC
54 RUR order
- Eleutherococcus extract liquid for internal use. approx. 50mlVifitech JSC
41 rub. order
- Eleutherococcus extract liquid for internal use, bottle 50 ml JSC Tatkhimfarmpreparaty
56 RUR order
- Dr. vistong eleutherococcus syrup (with sugar) fl. 150mlVIS LLC
250 rub. order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Eleutherococcus extra. (flask 50ml) Camellia
37 RUR order
- Eleutherococcus-P (other 200 mg No. 50 (Vit. C)) Parapharm LLC
56 RUR order
- Eleutherococcus syrup dr. vistong (bottle 150ml)VIS LLC
186 RUR order
- Eleutherococcus extra. (tablet p/o 100 mg No. 30) Vifitech CJSC
84 rub. order
- Eleutherococcus dragee No. 50Biocor Firm
70 rub. order
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Pharmacy24
- Eleutherococcus extract 50 ml TOV DKP Pharm.Fabrika, Ukraine
12 UAH order - Eleutherococcus extract 50 ml Ternopharm TOV, Ternopil, Ukraine
13 UAH order
- Eleutherococcus extract 50 ml TOV "Eurasia", Ukraine
10 UAH.order
- Eleutherococcus extract 50 ml PrAT FF"Viola", Ukraine
11 UAH order
PaniPharmacy
- Eleutherococcus extract 50ml Ukraine, Zhytomyr FF LLC
12 UAH order
- Eleutherococcus extract 50ml Ukraine, Ternopharm LLC
14 UAH order
- Eleutherococcus extract 50ml Ukraine, Lubnyfarm PJSC
13 UAH order
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Drug interactions
With simultaneous use of Eleutherococcus liquid extract:
- Central nervous system stimulants: may enhance their effect;
- neuroleptics, barbiturates, anxiolytics, antiepileptics and other drugs that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system: the extract antagonizes these drugs, as a result of which they weaken their properties;
- Digoxin: there is a risk of increasing the concentration of digoxin in the blood plasma;
- hypoglycemic agents, including insulin, anticoagulants: the effect may be enhanced.
