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Herbs & Supplements
Acanthopanax senticosus
Scientific Name: Eleuthero
Other Names: Ci Wu Jia, Devil's Bush, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Russian Root, Shigoka, Siberian Ginseng, Taiga, Thorny Pepperbush, Touch-Me-Not, Wild Pepper
When should I be careful taking it?
In clinical studies of both humans and animals, eleuthero has increased heart rate, blood pressure, or both. Because these effects may worsen many types of heart conditions, individuals who have heart disease, including high blood pressure and previous heart attacks, should not take eleuthero without supervision from a healthcare professional.
Even though eleuthero appears to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding, some of the other plants commonly mistaken for eleuthero are known to be harmful to developing babies or small children. Because the exact contents of eleuthero products cannot always be guaranteed, young children and pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid the use of eleuthero.
Precautions
Individuals who use insulin or take oral medications to control diabetes should avoid using large amounts of eleuthero because it can lower blood sugar levels unpredictably, potentially resulting in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Indications of low blood sugar include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
