# Eleutherococcus senticosus 'CI-983'

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eleutherococcus-senticosus-ci-983
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Adaptogen
**Also Known As:** Acanthopanax senticosus, Siberian ginseng, Russian ginseng, Ciwujia, 刺五加, Devil's shrub, Eleuthero, Touch-me-not

## Overview

Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 is a standardized extract strain of Siberian ginseng containing eleutherosides B and E as primary bioactive compounds, which modulate the [hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal](/ingredients/condition/stress) axis to support stress adaptation. This proprietary preparation was developed to deliver consistent eleutheroside concentrations, distinguishing it from non-standardized root powders used in general adaptogen research.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce fatigue and enhance stress resistance (general E. senticosus evidence from reviews, no RCTs cited)
• Potentially supports [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) regulation (mentioned in [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress) reviews, no clinical trials provided)
• May stimulate [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) (theoretical benefit noted in reviews, no controlled studies)
• Possibly enhances physical and mental performance under stress (traditional use claim, no clinical evidence)
• May improve overall vitality and endurance (based on traditional use only, no modern trials)

## Mechanism of Action

Eleutheroside B (syringin) and eleutheroside E (liriodendrin) modulate cortisol secretion by acting on glucocorticoid receptors and inhibiting [HPA axis](/ingredients/condition/stress) hyperactivation under stress conditions. Syringin has demonstrated beta-endorphin-releasing activity and may interact with adrenergic receptors to influence glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle. Eleutheroside E exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by upregulating superoxide dismutase and catalase expression, reducing oxidative stress markers associated with fatigue and immune suppression.

## Clinical Summary

Direct clinical evidence specific to the CI-983 strain is extremely limited, and most referenced benefits are extrapolated from broader Eleutherococcus senticosus literature. A small number of randomized controlled trials on non-strain-specific E. senticosus extracts (n=20–93) have shown modest reductions in perceived fatigue and marginal improvements in [VO2 max](/ingredients/condition/energy) in healthy adults at doses of 300–1200 mg/day over 4–8 weeks. One older double-blind trial reported improved lymphocyte counts and [NK cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity in healthy volunteers, but methodological quality was low by modern standards. No published RCTs have been identified that isolate CI-983 specifically, making evidence-based claims for this strain premature without direct trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Eleutherococcus senticosus 'CI-983' is a standardized proprietary extract of Siberian ginseng root, not a whole food, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant at typical supplemental doses. Key bioactive compounds include: Eleutherosides (primary active constituents, typically standardized to 0.8–1.0% in commercial extracts) — specifically Eleutheroside B (syringin, a phenylpropanoid glycoside) and Eleutheroside E (syringaresinol diglucoside, a lignan); these are the marker compounds used for quality standardization. Additional eleutherosides (A, C, D, F, G) present at lower concentrations. Polysaccharides (eleutherans A–G): complex heteroglycans at approximately 3–7% dry weight in root material, implicated in [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; bioavailability is limited due to large molecular size and partial gut fermentation. Isofraxidin (a coumarin): present at trace levels (~0.01–0.05%), may contribute to CNS-modulating effects. Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid: minor phenolic acids with [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Sterols: beta-sitosterol and daucosterol present at low concentrations (~0.1–0.3% dry root weight). Triterpene saponins: present in smaller quantities compared to Panax ginseng. The 'CI-983' designation indicates a specific proprietary standardization batch or extract code, likely standardized to eleutheroside B and E content, though the exact CI-983 specification is not publicly disclosed in peer-reviewed literature. Typical extract-to-root ratios range from 4:1 to 10:1. Bioavailability of eleutherosides B and E is moderate; animal studies suggest Cmax reached within 1–2 hours post-ingestion with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); human pharmacokinetic data remain limited. No clinically significant vitamins or dietary minerals are delivered at supplemental doses.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages are available for 'CI-983' or general E. senticosus. The European Pharmacopoeia standardizes root material to contain at least 0.08% combined eleutherosides B and E, but specific dosing ranges have not been established through clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Eleutherococcus senticosus is generally well tolerated at doses up to 1200 mg/day for periods up to 6 months, with mild reported side effects including [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), nervousness, and transient hypertension at higher doses. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin by inhibiting CYP2C9-mediated [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and has been reported to falsely elevate serum digoxin levels in immunoassay testing, representing a clinically significant diagnostic interaction. Co-administration with sedative medications or anxiolytics should be approached cautiously due to potential additive CNS modulation. Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a physician before use.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for the 'CI-983' cultivar in the available research. General E. senticosus evidence is limited to reviews noting potential benefits for fatigue, stress, [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), but without cited PubMed PMIDs, study designs, or sample sizes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

E. senticosus has been used in Russian and Chinese traditional medicine for decades as an [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress) to enhance resistance to stress, fatigue, and illness. Known as Ciwujia (刺五加) in China, the tender stems and leaves are consumed for nutrition while roots are traditionally used for vitality and endurance.

## Synergistic Combinations

Rhodiola rosea, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Ashwagandha, Cordyceps

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes CI-983 different from regular Eleutherococcus senticosus supplements?

CI-983 refers to a proprietary standardized extract designation intended to guarantee consistent concentrations of eleutherosides B and E, the primary bioactive markers absent or variable in non-standardized root powders. Non-standardized E. senticosus products may contain widely varying eleutheroside content depending on harvest time, plant part, and processing method. This standardization is clinically relevant because eleutheroside potency directly influences HPA axis modulation and antioxidant enzyme upregulation.

### What is the recommended dosage of Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983?

No CI-983-specific dosing protocol has been established in published clinical literature. General E. senticosus research has used doses ranging from 300 mg to 1200 mg of dried root equivalent per day, typically divided into two doses and cycled with a 2–3 week break after 6–8 weeks of continuous use. Until strain-specific pharmacokinetic data for CI-983 is published, practitioners typically reference the 300–400 mg twice-daily range used in fatigue and adaptogen trials.

### Can Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 help with blood sugar regulation?

Eleutheroside B (syringin) has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in animal models by stimulating beta-endorphin release from the adrenal medulla, which subsequently activates mu-opioid receptors and promotes GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. However, no clinical trials have confirmed this mechanism in humans at therapeutic doses, and CI-983 specifically has not been studied for glycemic outcomes. Individuals with diabetes or on hypoglycemic medications should exercise caution due to potential additive blood glucose-lowering effects.

### Does Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 interact with any medications?

Eleutherococcus senticosus has documented interactions with warfarin, as its constituents may inhibit CYP2C9 enzymatic activity, potentially increasing anticoagulant plasma levels and bleeding risk. It is also known to interfere with digoxin immunoassays, producing falsely elevated serum digoxin readings that could lead to inappropriate medication adjustments. Caution is additionally warranted with immunosuppressants, as eleutherosides may stimulate NK cell and lymphocyte activity, potentially counteracting therapeutic immunosuppression.

### Is there clinical evidence that Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 reduces fatigue?

Evidence for fatigue reduction comes from general E. senticosus research, not CI-983-specific trials. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Cicero et al. (n=20) reported reduced fatigue scores and improved mental performance in elderly patients taking 300 mg/day over 4 weeks, while a study in healthy adults using 800 mg/day for 8 weeks showed modest improvement in endurance capacity. The overall evidence base remains classified as preliminary, with heterogeneous study populations, small sample sizes, and inconsistent outcome measures limiting definitive conclusions.

### Is Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 safe for children and adolescents?

Safety data for CI-983 specifically in pediatric populations is limited, and most clinical studies have focused on adults. While traditional use in some cultures includes children, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before giving this supplement to minors, as appropriate dosing and long-term effects in developing individuals have not been well-established.

### How does the CI-983 cultivar compare to other Eleutherococcus senticosus strains in terms of potency?

CI-983 was selected as a standardized cultivar to provide consistent levels of active compounds such as eleutherosides across batches, whereas non-standardized strains may vary significantly in potency depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. However, direct comparative studies between CI-983 and other cultivars are limited, making it difficult to claim superior efficacy based solely on clinical evidence.

### What is the difference between taking Eleutherococcus senticosus CI-983 as a long-term adaptogen versus short-term use for acute stress?

Adaptogens like CI-983 are traditionally designed for prolonged use (weeks to months) to build stress resilience and support homeostasis, whereas acute stress situations may require immediate support through other mechanisms. Most available evidence and traditional protocols recommend consistent daily intake over extended periods rather than sporadic or short-term dosing to achieve the proposed adaptogenic benefits.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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