Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Eleuthero Root Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solgar

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

Eleuthero Root Extract is a dietary supplement by Solgar with 2 active ingredients. 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 powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: eleuthero powder and standardized eleuthero extract. Both come from the same plant — a woody shrub used in traditional medicine — and deliver the same active compounds.

The standardized form is processed to ensure a consistent strength. The inactive ingredients are vegetable cellulose (the capsule), vegetable magnesium stearate (a binder), and PhytO2X Blend.

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?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • 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).

The evidence for eleuthero is modest. It's rated possibly effective for genital herpes, based on clinical evidence.

For familial Mediterranean fever, bipolar disorder, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, there isn't enough reliable data to say whether it works or not.

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 over the short term. The most common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, nausea, and hives.

A small number of people in clinical trials reported nervousness — about 7.3% — and some have noted anxiety, irritability, or low mood, especially at higher doses. A few reports mention increased blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, particularly in people with heart disease, though it's unclear whether eleuthero or an adulterant contaminant was responsible.

Long-term safety data is limited, so caution is warranted if you plan to use this for extended periods. The safety data advises against eleuthero during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, 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 this, check your medications against these categories: digoxin, blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin), immunosuppressants, antidiabetes drugs, and drugs metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP1A2 or CYP2C9. If any of these describe your prescriptions, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that it's okay to combine them with eleuthero.

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 be worth considering if you're looking at options for genital herpes, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you take digoxin, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, or any drug your liver metabolizes. The short-term side-effect profile is generally mild, but long-term safety isn't well established.

Use it under guidance from your own healthcare provider.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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 Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Solgar
Barcode (UPC) 033984041462
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 219177
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Halal
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 Extract by Solgar, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
033984041462
IngredientAmount% DV
Eleuthero powder150 mg--
standardized Eleuthero extract150 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, PhytO2X Blend

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.
Formulation

Solgar’s Standardized Full Potency (SFP) Herbs are developed through a unique process that integrates the ideologies of both traditional herbalism and standardized herbal technology.

Standardized Full potency

Gluten, wheat & dairy free

Suitable for vegans

Non-GMO

Free of: Gluten,wheat,dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, preservatives and color.

Formula

To ensure consistent and reliable phytonutrient levels, we isolate a controlled amount of these important active plant compounds. Then, we blend these enhanced, “standardized” compounds with all of the components that occur naturally in the whole herb. The result is a potent, premium-quality standardized herbal extract with all of the synergistic and beneficial qualities found in nature.

(Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Crescent M Halal

PhytO2X is a special blend of antioxidants, the purpose of which is to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Solgar's KOF-K certification #K-1250

PHYTO2X SYSTEM

Brand IP Statement(s)

2015 Solgar, Inc.

General Statements

Solgar since 1947

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Crescent M Halal K Parve (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As an herbal supplement for adults, take one (1) vegetable capsule up to three times daily, preferably with meals or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking any medications or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if outer bottle seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

See for yourself

Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Eleuthero powder

Interacts with
1,140 drugs
150 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 powder monograph & interactions

Standardized Eleuthero extract

Interacts with
1,140 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Eleutherosides E and B

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

Standardized Eleuthero extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, PhytO2X Blend. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Eleuthero Root Extract?

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 Extract 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 powder10 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 Extract, from the product label.

Solgar

See all Solgar products
Name
Solgar, Inc.
Street Address
500 Willow Tree Road
City
Leonia
State
NJ
ZipCode
07605
Phone Number
1-877-765-4274
Web Address
www.solgar.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar: Common Questions

Does Eleuthero Root Extract by Solgar interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Eleuthero Root Extract 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 Extract contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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?
No — the safety data advises against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether eleuthero is right for you in these situations.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, nausea, and hives are the most common. Some people also report nervousness, especially at higher doses. These tend to happen in the short term; long-term safety is less clear.
Can eleuthero actually help with genital herpes?
Eleuthero is rated possibly effective for genital herpes, which means there's some clinical evidence backing it up, but it's not a sure thing. Talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense as part of your treatment.
What is eleuthero and what's it supposed to do?
Eleuthero is a woody shrub used in traditional medicine. The product contains both raw powder and a standardized extract of the plant. It's promoted for energy and immune support, though evidence for some uses is stronger than others.
Why is there a warning about digoxin?
Eleuthero may raise blood levels of digoxin (a heart medication), which could increase side effects. A case report documented a patient whose digoxin level climbed after starting eleuthero and returned to normal once it stopped. If you take digoxin, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
Eleuthero may increase bleeding risk when used with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Don't combine them without confirming it's safe with your doctor or pharmacist, who can monitor you if needed.

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

Not sure if Eleuthero Root Extract 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 Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Eleuthero Root Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Eleuthero Root Extract'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