Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Eleuthero root is not consumed as a macronutrient source; it is used as a medicinal herb/adaptogen. Its value lies entirely in its bioactive compound profile. Key bioactive compounds (eleutherosides): • Eleutheroside B (syringin): typically 0.05–0.15% of dried root weight; a phenylpropanoid glycoside considered a primary marker compound for quality standardization. • Eleutheroside E (syringaresinol diglucoside): typically 0.02–0.08% of dried root; a lignan glycoside, the other principal marker compound; often co-quantified with eleutheroside B for pharmacopeial compliance. • Eleutheroside A (daucosterol): a β-sitosterol glycoside present in smaller quantities. • Eleutherosides C, D, F, G: present in trace to minor amounts; include coumarins (isofraxidin glucoside), lignans, and triterpene saponins. Other bioactive constituents: • Phenolic acids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid): variable concentrations, contributing antioxidant activity. • Polysaccharides (heteroglycans, glucans): approximately 2–8% of dried root depending on extraction; shown to have immunomodulatory properties in vitro. • Triterpene saponins (ciwujianosides): minor but pharmacologically relevant; contribute to anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects. • Lignans (sesamin, syringaresinol free form): trace amounts beyond eleutheroside E. • Isofraxidin (a coumarin): present in small amounts; associated with anti-inflammatory activity. • β-sitosterol (free form): trace amounts alongside glycosidic form. Minerals & vitamins: Not a significant source; trace amounts of iron, manganese, zinc, and B-vitamins may be present in whole root preparations but are not clinically meaningful at typical dosing (300–1200 mg dried root extract per day or 2–3 mL liquid extract). Macronutrients per typical dose: Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrate at standard doses. Fiber content of whole dried root is moderate (~10–15% crude fiber) but irrelevant at medicinal doses. Bioavailability notes: Eleutheroside B (syringin) is relatively well absorbed orally and has been detected in plasma after oral dosing in pharmacokinetic studies. Eleutheroside E has moderate oral bioavailability; it undergoes hepatic metabolism and enterohepatic circulation. Polysaccharides are poorly absorbed intact but may exert immunomodulatory effects via gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and modulation of gut microbiota. Standardized extracts are typically standardized to ≥0.8–1.0% total eleutherosides (B + E combined) per pharmacopeial and commercial standards. Alcohol-based (ethanol/water) extracts generally yield higher eleutheroside concentrations than aqueous decoctions.