Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Eleuthero Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Eleuthero Root is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, physical and athletic performance, stress resistance (adaptogen).Based on those ingredients, 1,140 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root extract. Eleuthero is a traditional adaptogenic herb—meaning it's used to help the body manage stress—and has been studied for a range of conditions from fatigue to immune support.

The capsule itself uses vegetable glycerin and water as inactive ingredients, with a vegan capsule shell. There are no other fillers or binders added.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Eleuthero's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Eleuthero for:

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“helps support healthy energy”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Genital herpes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Eleuthero is possibly effective for genital herpes based on available research. For other conditions—chronic fatigue syndrome, familial Mediterranean fever, bipolar disorder, and osteoporosis—the evidence we hold isn't established well enough to rate it.

If you're considering this supplement for one of those other uses, talk with your doctor about whether the current research supports trying it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Eleuthero

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Eleuthero is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but we don't have solid data on long-term safety, so approach it cautiously if you plan to take it for months. The most common side effects in studies are diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, nausea, and skin rash.

Some people also report nervousness, anxiety, irritability, or low mood—these tend to be dose-related and more likely at higher amounts. In children and people with heart conditions, eleuthero has been reported to raise blood pressure or trigger heart rhythm issues, though it's unclear whether eleuthero itself or contaminants in some products caused these effects.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Eleuthero

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Eleuthero.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking eleuthero, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on digoxin (Lanoxin) or any heart medication, blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressive medications, diabetes drugs, or medications metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or P-glycoprotein pathways. The digoxin interaction is documented in a case report; the others are theoretical but carry Moderate severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Eleuthero may help with genital herpes based on current evidence, but it interacts with digoxin and theoretically affects how your body handles several other medication classes. If you take any prescription drugs—especially heart, blood-thinner, diabetes, or immunosuppressive medications—check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Short-term use appears generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data is limited.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Eleuthero Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 751063396721
Net contents 60 Vegan Liquid Phyto-Cap(s)(R)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 210626
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
751063396721
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root extract277 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Water, vegan Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Adults take 1 capsule 2 times daily between meals.

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult your doctor before use.

Store away from children.

Use only as directed on label. Safety-sealed for your protection.

Storage

Keep bottle capped at all times and store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Natural separation may occur. This does not affect product quality.

Helps support healthy energy

Vegan

Gluten-free Soy-free

New look Same formula Helps support healthy energy & stamina Traditionally for maintaining harmony during moments of stress

Energy Support

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

Each capsule contains 1,650 mg dry herb equivalent.

General Statements

Connecting plants & people since 1987 Purity - Keep it clean All products are screened for pesticides, microbes, & heavy metals. Integrity - Keep it real See the proof at meetyourherbs.com, the world's first herb traceability platform. Potency - Keep it strong Concentrated plant extracts are delivered in our patented Phto-Caps technology. Discover our guiding truths at: Facebook Instagram gaiaherbs.com @gaiaherbs

FSC www.fsc.org FPO This carton is made from 100% recycled paperboard, and is one example of how Gaia Herbs makes conscious choices to keep our planet healthy. To learn more about our sustainability efforts, please visit gaiaherbs.com/sustainability.

Integrity Purity Potency Est 1987 USA Gaia Herbs delivers unprecedented traceability by screening every product and sharing the results online. See for yourself, and learn more about your herbs, by entering the unique ID # below at meetyourherbs.com

Seals/Symbols

Certified B Corporation

See for yourself

Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

277 mg per serving

Eleuthero is an herb traditionally used as an 'adaptogen' to fight fatigue, boost energy, and help the body handle stress. The scientific evidence beh...

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Vegan Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Eleuthero Root?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,140Drugs
679 Moderate 461 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Eleuthero Root with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root extract10 drug types · 1,140 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, eleuthero may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that a constituent of eleuthero, dihydroxybenzoic acid, appears to inhibit platelet aggregation. Concomitant use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, eleuthero might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that certain constituents of eleuthero have hypoglycemic activity in both healthy and diabetic animals. A small study in adults with type 2 diabetes also shows that taking eleuthero for 3 months can lower blood glucose levels. However, one very small study in healthy individuals shows that taking powdered eleuthero 3 grams, 40 minutes prior to a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, significantly increases postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with placebo. These contradictory findings might be due to patient-specific variability and variability in active ingredient ratios.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero inhibit CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2C9. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Eleuthero might increase serum digoxin levels and increase the risk of side effects.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male who was stabilized on digoxin presented with an elevated serum digoxin level after starting an eleuthero supplement, without symptoms of toxicity. After stopping the supplement, serum digoxin levels returned to normal. It is not clear whether this was due to a pharmacokinetic interaction or to interference with the digoxin assay. Although the product was found to be free of digoxin and digitoxin, it was not tested for other contaminants.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, eleuthero might interfere with immunosuppressive drugs because of its immunostimulant activity.
Animal and in vitro research shows that eleuthero extracts have immunomodulatory effects, including increasing cellular and humoral activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero can inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. However, it is too soon to tell if this is clinically important. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP2D6. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP2D6 drug metabolism.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, eleuthero might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research suggest that standardized extracts of eleuthero might inhibit CYP3A4. However, research in healthy human volunteers has found that taking eleuthero 485 mg twice daily for 14 days does not inhibit CYP3A4 drug metabolism.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, eleuthero might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by OATP.
In vitro research suggests that eleuthero inhibits OATP2B1, which might reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP2B1. Due to the weak inhibitory effect identified in this study, this interaction is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Eleuthero Root, from the product label.

Gaia Herbs

See all Gaia Herbs products
Name
Gaia Herbs, Inc.
Street Address
101 Gaia Herbs Dr.
City
Brevard
State
NC
ZipCode
28712
Web Address
www.gaiaherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Eleuthero Root by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Eleuthero Root has a known interaction with 1,140 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Eleuthero Root contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is eleuthero safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to recommend eleuthero during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The safety data we have advises against it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in these situations.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones are diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, nausea, and rash. Some people report nervousness, anxiety, or irritability—especially at higher doses. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, eleuthero might raise your blood pressure further, so mention it to your doctor.
Does eleuthero actually work?
It's possibly effective for genital herpes based on available studies. For other conditions like chronic fatigue, bipolar disorder, osteoporosis, or familial Mediterranean fever, we don't have enough evidence yet to say whether it works.
Why shouldn't I take eleuthero long-term?
It's generally well tolerated for short-term use, but we simply don't have good safety data for long-term or ongoing use. If you're thinking about taking it regularly for months, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I take eleuthero if I'm on blood thinners or diabetes medication?
Theoretically, eleuthero might increase your bleeding risk with blood thinners and add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of diabetes drugs. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting—they can watch for any changes and adjust your doses if needed.
What is eleuthero used for?
Eleuthero is a traditional adaptogenic herb meant to help your body manage stress. It's possibly effective for genital herpes; for other uses, the evidence isn't solid enough yet to confirm it works.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Eleuthero Root is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Eleuthero Root label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Eleuthero Root's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 24 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Eleuthero 24 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. CMAJ 1996;155:293-5.
  3. Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng toxicity may be case of mistaken identity (letter). CMAJ 1996;155:1237.
  4. Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
  5. Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Zhou L, et al. Effects of Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) on c-DNA-expressed P450 drug metabolizing enzymes. Alt Ther 2001;7:S14.
  6. Hikino H, Takahashi M, Otake K, Konno C. Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of eleutherans A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: glycans of Eleutherococcus senticosus roots. J Nat Prod 1986;49:293-7. PubMed
  7. Yun-Choi HS, Kim JH, Lee JR. Potential inhibitors of platelet aggregation from plant sources, III. J Nat Prod 1987;50:1059-64. PubMed
  8. Donovan JL, DeVane CL, Chavin KD, et al. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) Effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Activity in Normal Volunteers. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:519-22.. PubMed
  9. Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R et al. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. Psychol Med 2004;34:51-61. PubMed
  10. Sievenpiper JL, Arnason JT, Leiter LA, Vuksan V. Decreasing, null and increasing effects of eight popular types of ginseng on acute postprandial glycemic indices in healthy humans: the role of ginsenosides. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23:248-58. PubMed
  11. Dasgupta A, Wu S, Actor J, et al. Effect of Asian and Siberian ginseng on serum digoxin measurement by five digoxin immunoassays. Significant variation in digoxin-like immunoreactivity among commercial ginsengs. Am J Clin Pathol 2003;119:298-303. DOI
  12. Takahashi T, Kaku T, Sato T, et al. Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus HARMS extract on drug transport in human intestinal cell line Caco-2. J Nat Med. 2010;64(1):55-62. PubMed
  13. Fuchikami H, Satoh H, Tsujimoto M, Ohdo S, Ohtani H, Sawada Y. Effects of herbal extracts on the function of human organic anion-transporting polypeptide OATP-B. Drug Metab Dispos 2006;34:577-82. PubMed
  14. Friedman, J. A., Taylor, S. A., McDermott, W., and Alikhani, P. Multifocal and recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an herbal supplement containing natural coumarins. Neurocrit.Care 2007;7(1):76-80. PubMed
  15. Molokovskii, D. S., Davydov, V. V., and Tiulenev, V. V. [The action of adaptogenic plant preparations in experimental alloxan diabetes]. Probl.Endokrinol.(Mosk) 1989;35(6):82-87.
  16. Schmolz, M. W., Sacher, F., and Aicher, B. The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in human whole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots. Phytother.Res 2001;15(3):268-270.
  17. Huang, D. B., Ran, R. Z., and Yu, Z. F. [Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus injection on the activities of human tumor necrosis factor and natural killer cell in blood in the patients with lung cancer]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2005;30(8):621-624.
  18. Niu, H. S., Hsu, F. L., Liu, I. M., and Cheng, J. T. Increase of beta-endorphin secretion by syringin, an active principle of Eleutherococcus senticosus, to produce antihyperglycemic action in type 1-like diabetic rats. Horm.Metab Res 2007;39(12):894-898
  19. Watanabe, K., Kamata, K., Sato, J., and Takahashi, T. Fundamental studies on the inhibitory action of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms on glucose absorption. J Ethnopharmacol. 10-28-2010;132(1):193-199. PubMed
  20. Bazaz'ian, G. G., Liapina, L. A., Pastorova, V. E., and Zvereva, E. G. [Effect of Eleutherococcus on the functional status of the anticoagulation system in older animals]. Fiziol.Zh.SSSR Im I.M.Sechenova 1987;73(10):1390-1395.
  21. Kaloeva, Z. D. [Effect of the glycosides of Eleutherococcus senticosus on the hemodynamic indices of children with hypotensive states]. Farmakol.Toksikol. 1986;49(5):73.
  22. Martinez, B. and Staba, E. J. The physiological effects of Aralia, Panax and Eleutherococcus on exercised rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1984;35(2):79-85. DOI
  23. Medon, P. J., Thompson, E. B., and Farnsworth, N. R. Hypoglycemic effect and toxicity of Eleutherococcus senticosus following acute and chronic administration in mice. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue.Bao. 1981;2(4):281-285.
  24. Freye E, GLeske J. Siberian ginseng results in beneficial effects on glucose metabolism in diabetes type 2 patients: a double blind placebo-controlled study in comparison to panax ginseng. Int J Clin Nutr. 2013;1(1):11-17.

See these in context on the Eleuthero monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring