Naturopathic Information - MICROgenics Siberian Ginseng 3000

The biological response of acute stress is called the General Adaptation Syndrome. This model is broken down into 3 stages.

1. Alarm Stage - This is the stage when the threat or stressor is identified or realised. During this stage some activation of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) occurs and adrenaline is produced in order to bring about the fight-or-flight response.
2. Resistance - If the stressor persists, the body tries to cope with the stress and adapt to the strains or demands of the stressor but cannot keep this up indefinitely, so its resources are gradually depleted.
3. Exhaustion – The final stage where all the body's resources are eventually depleted and unable to maintain normal function. If this stage is extended, long term damage may result as the capacity of glands, especially the adrenal gland, and the immune system is exhausted and function is impaired.

Stress Support

• Siberian Ginseng is traditionally used in Chinese and Western herbal medicine as an invigorating tonic during times of stress, convalescence, fatigue and debility.
• Siberian ginseng assists in maintaining a healthy nervous system. In Traditional Chinese medicine it is prescribed to reinforce the qi (life force) and calm the nerves.
• The biochemical effects of the Siberian Ginseng on the human stress response have been investigated in scientific animal and human studies. Results show that Siberian Ginseng may alter neurotransmitters and hormones involved in the stress response of the hypo-thalamic pituitary axis (HPA). Studies conclude that Siberian Ginseng improves the body’s stress response and is an effective herb to treat nervous exhaustion due to chronic stress exposure.
• Herbalists and Naturopaths class Siberian Ginseng as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are defined as a compound that increases the body’s ability to adapt to environmental factors and stressors, reducing damage to the body caused from stress.
• Like stimulants, adaptogens improve energy and stimulate the nervous system. However, their main difference is the way they exert their effect in the body. Stimulants provide a temporary increase in energy and work capacity, often followed by a decrease in energy. Adaptogens such as Siberian Ginseng work by maintaining energy levels without depleting the body and causing a decrease in energy. Adaptogens continue to maintain improvements in mental and physical capacities supporting overall peak performance.
• Siberian Ginseng also helps cognitive functions including memory, concentration and learning ability.
• A review of the constituents and pharmacological effects of two herbs, one being Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) discussed that Siberian ginseng has been used as tonic and anti-stress herb. The review found that Siberian ginseng exhibited anti-fatigue, anti-stress, immuno-enhancing effect, CNS activity, and mood modulating effects. Their pharmacological activities were mainly due to lignans and iridoid glycosides.

Immune Health

• Siberian ginseng is classed as an immune modulating tonic designed to minimise the effects of stress in those subject to reoccurring illness.
• Siberian ginseng may increase resistance to infection maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Siberian Ginseng aids in the maintenance or improvement of general well-being.