ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS FOR INCREASED PHYSICAL FITNESS

Extract from Karate News May 1991

Athletes and those who like to keep fit, realise that a good balanced diet is necessary to reach maximum physical fitness.

Japan

Research at the Institute of Health and Sports Sciences, in Japan, has found that a plant called Eleutherococcus Senticosus (ES), when taken over a period of time, enables a person to reach higher levels of fitness by helping the body to adapt to adverse circumstances. The experiment involved six male baseball players, aged between 21-22, who were given a measured dose of an extract of ES (the equivalent of 150mg of dried root). They were compared to a control group who had been given a placebo or a 'dummy pill'. The group taking ES found that they were able to exercise for longer, before reaching exhaustion point. The conclusion from these tests, carried out over an 8-day period, was that the effect was due to the improved heart muscle function and also to increased oxygen uptake by the body. The higher levels of oxygen in the blood meant that activity in the heart muscle increased, leading to better physical performance.

Other studies carried out have shown that ES has such a marked effect on the human body, particularly under stressful conditions, that the Russian Sports Ministry recommend it for their Olympic squad. It is non-addictive and non-stimulating. A further plus point is that it is not considered by the Sports Council to be a banned substance, and can be used as a supplement to the diet in training in the same way as vitamins, minerals and protein supplements. It has been shown that, when taken regularly, ES improves stamina, concentration and energy levels. This suggests that it is a supplement which has possible health benefits, not only for the sports person but has wider appeal and could help anyone who is under stress, physical or mental or whose energy levels need boosting.
ES has been available as a supplement for many years, but just recently a new product containing a standardised extract of ES, obtained from the dried root, has become available. A standardised extract guarantees that levels of the active ingredients are consistent in each capsule, taking away one of the main criticisms of herbal products.

The above should not be considered as medical advice or claims.