This month, in the newsletter’s ‘Herb of the Month’ section, we feature the herb that started it all at DuSart Pharma: ginseng. The first product that Dusart Pharma brought to market was a ginseng tonic, with Eleutherococcus senticosus (also known as Siberian ginseng) as its main ingredient. We still stock this product in our range. Although it may suggest otherwise and shares some similar properties, it is not related to Panax ginseng.
Siberian ginseng. Where does it come from?
As the name suggests, Siberian ginseng originates in Eastern Siberia. Its range extends to East Asia, between the Himalayas and Japan. It is a shrub that can thrive in a wide variety of soil types. It grows in sandy, loamy and clay soils, as well as on both depleted and polluted land. The plant grows slowly and has few branches. The branches are covered in spines, from which it derives its name ‘senticosus’. The plant is hermaphroditic and produces aromatic fruits that are blue (almost black).
Which parts of the shrub are used?
The root of the plant is the most commonly used part. It contains the following active components:
lignans
, sesamin (eleutheroside B4)
, syringaresinol
, phenylpropanes
, coumarins
, beta-sitosterol
and daucosterol
. The berries contain antioxidants in the form of various polyphenols, including:
caffeic
acid, vanillic acid
, ferulic acid
, p-coumaric
acid and benzoic acid.
The berries also contain minerals: calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Essential oils can be extracted from the leaves.
Uses of Siberian ginseng
Siberian ginseng is mainly used as a tonic, a stimulant. It is an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a substance that helps the body to increase its resistance to stressful situations and to restore inner calm, without affecting normal bodily functions. An adaptogen can promote relaxation without making you drowsy. Instead, it tends to make you more alert and focused.
Siberian ginseng enhances performance. By increasing physical and mental resilience, it aids learning ability and strengthens memory. It is also used to improve sporting performance.
In these times of stress and high pressure to perform, it can be a valuable addition to your daily life.
Still important
A product that has served as a flagship and formed the foundation of Dusart Pharma will, of course, remain in the range. We continue to supply the potent Ginseng tonic.
As an extract, it is, of course, also ideal for use in products designed to combat stress or to stimulate learning ability.
