Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Adaptogen · Endurance · Stress

Formerly called Siberian ginseng (no longer permitted by regulation as it is not a true ginseng). Used extensively by Soviet athletes during the Cold War for endurance and stress resilience. A few small trials show modest improvements in fatigue and endurance. Different active compounds from Panax ginseng. Generally well tolerated. Evidence base is weaker than Rhodiola or Ashwagandha for similar claims.

Dose: 300–400 mg/day standardised extract (0.8% eleutherosides); weaker evidence than Rhodiola