Eleuthero & Guarana Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Eleuthero & Guarana Glycerite Liquid Extract, Siberian ginseng, eleuthero root, Guarana seed extract, Eleutherococcus senticosus & Paullinia cupana
Overview
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a woody shrub from Northeast Asia, traditionally used as an adaptogen to combat fatigue and enhance stress resilience. Its primary active compounds are eleutherosides (B, E). Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing plant native to the Amazon, well-known for its caffeine-rich seeds, along with theobromine and tannins, which contribute to its stimulant properties. This product is a glycerite liquid extract, meaning the active compounds are extracted into a glycerol-based solvent. Eleuthero's research is moderate, with promising but not definitive human data, while Guarana has a stronger evidence base, including meta-analyses supporting its cognitive benefits. Both are herbal supplements, with Eleuthero functioning as an adaptogen and Guarana as a stimulant and cognitive enhancer.
Benefits
Eleuthero may reduce fatigue and improve endurance, particularly in athletes, though results are mixed. It potentially supports stress adaptation by modulating the cardiovascular response to stress and alleviating burnout symptoms. Some limited human data suggest it could improve cognitive function under stress, reduce edema and inflammation, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Guarana acutely improves cognitive performance, specifically response time, with a small but statistically significant effect size (g ≈ 0.27). This cognitive benefit is more pronounced when ingested as a liquid rather than capsules. No clear dose-response relationship or timing effect post-ingestion has been established for Guarana's cognitive effects. While Guarana's effects are acute, Eleuthero's adaptogenic benefits typically require consistent, repeated dosing over several weeks, often with cycles of administration and rest.
How it works
Eleuthero's adaptogenic effects are primarily attributed to eleutherosides, which modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, thereby enhancing the body's resilience to stress. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may protect tissues and improve metabolic parameters. Enzymatic extraction methods can increase the yield of eleutherosides, potentially boosting their bioactivity. Guarana's mechanism of action is largely due to its high caffeine content, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant by blocking adenosine receptors, leading to increased alertness and improved cognitive function. Other compounds like theobromine and tannins present in guarana may synergistically enhance these stimulant effects. Both eleutherosides and guarana's caffeine are absorbed, with liquid forms potentially enhancing bioavailability and cognitive effects.
Side effects
Eleuthero is generally well-tolerated, with mild adverse events reported in traditional use. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessment noted no serious adverse events at doses up to 6 ml of liquid extract daily for up to 35 days, followed by rest periods. However, caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with autoimmune diseases, due to limited data. Eleuthero may interact with immunosuppressants or anticoagulants. Guarana's safety profile is similar to caffeine, with common side effects including jitteriness, insomnia, and increased heart rate, particularly at higher doses. No serious adverse events have been reported in reviewed RCTs at typical doses. Contraindications for Eleuthero include hypertension and autoimmune diseases, while for Guarana, caution is recommended for individuals with cardiovascular disorders or anxiety disorders. Guarana may also interact with other stimulants or medications metabolized by CYP enzymes.
Dosage
For Eleuthero, traditional doses of liquid extract (1:1; 40% ethanol) range from 0.5 to 6 ml, taken 1-3 times daily for up to 35 days, followed by rest periods of 1-3 weeks. If using powdered root, a typical dose is 500 mg three times daily, which can be increased to 1 g if no effect is observed after two weeks. Guarana's effective cognitive doses vary, with meta-analyses including studies using approximately 37.5 mg to 300 mg of caffeine equivalent. The liquid extract form is generally preferred for cognitive effects. Guarana's effects are acute, making it best taken shortly before cognitive tasks. Eleuthero, being an adaptogen, requires consistent, repeated dosing over several weeks to achieve its full adaptogenic benefits.
FAQs
Is Eleuthero safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for Eleuthero is limited. Traditional use involves cycles with rest periods, suggesting it may not be intended for continuous, indefinite use. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on extended use.
Does Guarana improve memory or just alertness?
Research primarily supports Guarana's ability to improve response time and alertness. Its effects on explicit memory are less clear, though improved alertness can indirectly aid cognitive tasks.
Can these extracts be combined?
While theoretically possible, there are no high-quality studies specifically on the combination of Eleuthero and Guarana. If combined, monitor for potential stimulant effects and interactions, especially given Guarana's caffeine content.
Are liquid glycerite extracts effective?
Yes, liquid glycerite extracts can be effective. They may enhance the bioavailability of hydrophilic compounds like eleutherosides. For Guarana, cognitive benefits are particularly significant when ingested in liquid form compared to capsules.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9865053/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found that guarana significantly improves cognitive response time (g=0.273) in healthy adults when dissolved in liquid. No significant dose or time effects were observed, and moderate heterogeneity was noted.
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-eleutherococcus-senticosus-rupr-et-maxim-maxim-radix_en.pdf – This regulatory assessment report by the EMA concluded that Eleuthero liquid extract is safe at doses of 0.5-6 ml for up to 35 days. It supports traditional use for fatigue relief, though it notes that much of the evidence is based on traditional use rather than large-scale RCTs.