This is one of those supplements that I don’t think we hear about enough. It is an excellent adaptogen for athletic performance, bodybuilding, or simply reducing fat.
Eleuthero regulates the activity of the adrenal cortex in response to stress. It stimulates the immune system, especially during times of strenuous physical exertion and stress, and appears to be particularly beneficial for supporting a healthy mood and mental alertness. The herb is an adaptogen, anti-cholesteremic, mild anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, a nervine and an immune tonic. It is useful when the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is dysregulated. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, tension, neurasthenia, and sore muscles associated with hypo-functioning of the endocrine system, and adrenal exhaustion. A trembling tongue, dark circles under the eyes, and dilation/constriction of the pupils. Eleuthero can reduce these symptoms.
This certain type of ginseng is used by Russian athletes to improve their stamina, reflexes, coordination, and athletic performance.
It is also believed that it helps in controlling the cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced within the body to help it deal with stress; Unfortunately, it also destroys the proteins needed to build and maintain muscle, which leads to excess body fat being stored. More recently, cortisol has come to be known as the “belly fat hormone” because of its effect on the body to store more fat in the abdominal area. If you want to lose belly fat then this supplement is just what you need.
Eleuthero has been shown to increase mental acuity and physical stamina without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products. (1) Research has shown that eleuthero improves oxygen use by exercising muscles. (2) Which makes it an excellent supplement to exercise and weight loss.
Historically, eleuthero has been taken continuously for six to eight weeks, followed by a one to two week break before starting again. Be sure to read the bottle for any contraindications that may apply to you.
1. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Sjoerto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, Volume 1, ed. Wagner H, Hikino HZ, Farnsworth NR. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155–215 [review],
2. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human work capacity. Plant Medical 1986;37:175-7.
Source by Leslie Vasquez
