What Is Siberian Ginseng? A UK & EU Ingredient Guide

Despite the name, Siberian ginseng is not a "true" ginseng at all. Also known as eleuthero, it is a hardy shrub with a long history of traditional use, and it often appears in daily wellness formulas sold across the UK and Europe. In this ingredient guide we explain what Siberian ginseng is, how it differs from Korean ginseng, what research is exploring, and why it sits alongside green tea, zinc and chromium in MetActive Complex.

What is Siberian ginseng?

Siberian ginseng is the common name for Eleutherococcus senticosus, a thorny shrub native to north-east Asia, including the Russian Far East, northern China, Korea and Japan. The root is the part traditionally used.

It belongs to the same broad plant family (Araliaceae) as Korean and American ginseng, which is where the name comes from. However, it is a different genus and contains different compounds, often referred to as eleutherosides, rather than the ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng.

Siberian ginseng vs Korean ginseng

• Botanical name: Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus; Korean ginseng is Panax ginseng.
• Key compounds: eleutherosides vs ginsenosides.
• Traditional use: both have a long history in traditional practice, but they are not interchangeable.

When you read a label, the botanical name tells you which plant you are getting.

Traditional use and what research is exploring

Siberian ginseng has been used traditionally in Russia and East Asia, where it became popular in the twentieth century as a general tonic. In Europe, the European Medicines Agency's herbal committee has published a monograph for eleutherococcus root based on long-standing traditional use.

Researchers have studied eleuthero in areas such as everyday energy and physical performance, but results have been mixed and many studies are small. Importantly, there are no authorised health claims for Siberian ginseng in food supplements in the UK or EU, so we describe it as a traditional botanical rather than claim specific benefits.

The supporting cast in MetActive Complex

MetActive Complex is a 30-capsule formula for men and women. According to the product page, each capsule contains zinc 10 mg, chromium picolinate 50 µg, alpha-lipoic acid 50 mg, cayenne / green tea 75 mg, silymarin 50 mg, berberine 40 mg, hot pepper 5 mg and Siberian ginseng root extract 10 mg.

Zinc

• Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism.
• Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids.
• Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.

Chromium

• Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.
• Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Learn more in our chromium ingredient guide.

Green tea

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains natural polyphenols called catechins, as well as caffeine. It has been widely researched, but there are no authorised health claims for green tea extract. Note that EU rules restrict high daily amounts of the green tea catechin EGCG in food supplements following a safety review by EFSA; the amount of green tea in MetActive is modest, but it is worth counting all your sources if you take several products.

Berberine and alpha-lipoic acid

We have covered these in detail elsewhere: see what is berberine? and what is alpha-lipoic acid?

How to use MetActive Complex

• The suggested use is 1 capsule daily with morning food.
• Take it at the same time each day to build a habit.
• Because it contains green tea and hot pepper, people sensitive to caffeine or spicy ingredients may prefer to take it with a full breakfast.
• Use it as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with regular movement.

Who should take extra care?

• People taking medication, including for blood sugar, blood pressure, heart conditions or blood thinning.
• Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding – berberine-containing products are not recommended.
• People sensitive to caffeine.
• Children – MetActive Complex is intended for adults.

Frequently asked questions

Is Siberian ginseng a stimulant?

It is not a caffeine-type stimulant. However, MetActive Complex also contains green tea, which naturally contains caffeine.

Is eleuthero the same as ginseng?

No. It is a related but different plant, with different natural compounds.

Can I take MetActive with my Blood Sugar Complex?

Both formulas contain chromium and overlapping botanicals, so check the labels and speak to a pharmacist before combining them. Never use supplements in place of prescribed medication.

When is the best time to take it?

With morning food, as stated in the suggested use.

Safety note

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use. Keep out of reach of children. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Where to buy

MetActive Complex (30 capsules) is available from VNK Supplements for customers in the UK and Europe, priced at £20 in the UK (approx. €23 in Europe). You may also want to read our morning metabolism routine.

Food supplement. Not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.