# Herbal Support for the Nervous System: The Impact of Adaptogens in Humans and Dogs
## 3 Siberian Ginseng (_Eleutherococcus senticosus_
### Aspects and Composition  
_Eleutherococcus senticosus_, also known as spiny eleuthero or Siberian ginseng, is a plant belonging to the Arialaceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, as an adaptoren. In recent decades, scientific interest in this plant has increased due to its potential health benefits [76].  
Siberian ginseng is a perennial, deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 2 to 3 m. It is characterized by thin, flexible stems covered with small spines, which facilitate its identification. The leaves are palmately compound, lancoleate in shape, with finely serrated edges. The plant's flowers are small, yellowish or purple, and grouped in umbels. The fruits of eleuthero are small, spherical, black berries that ripen in late summer or early autumn [77].  
The chemical compounds and biological activity of plants depend on the geographical zone of growth. The natural range of _Eleutherococcus senticosus_ includes Northeast Asia, primarily Russia (Siberia), China, Korea, and Japan. It prefers mixed and coniferous forests, often growing in sandy, well-drained soils. This plant is highly resistant to harsh climatic conditions, including frosts as low as \(-30\,^{\circ}\)C. Due to increasing demand, eleuthero is also cultivated on plantations, especially in China and Russia [76].  
The root of _Eleutherococcus senticosus_ is the most valuable part of the plant in terms of pharmacology and nutrition. It contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including eleutherosides, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins and phytosterols [17; 78] (Figure 3). Eleutherosides are the derivatives of lignans, coumarins, and phenylpropanoids. Main flavonoids include hyperin, rutin, afzelin, quercetin and kaempfer), Compounds isolated from the fruits belong to eleutherosides (eleutherosides B and E) [79].  
The adaptogenic properties of _Eleutherococcus semicosus_ result from the synergistic effects of its active compounds, which support the body's ability to counteract the effects of stress. Eleutherosides modulate the HPA axis, helping to maintain hormonal balance and enhance stress response management. Additionally, polyphenols and flavonoids reduce free radical levels, contributing to neuroprotection by preventing neuronal degeneration [80; 81].  
[PERSON] et al. [82] assessed the in vitro radical scavenging activities of various edible tree sprouts, including Siberian ginseng, using assays such as DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen radical scavenging. Siberian ginseng exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity among the tested plants. Additionally, Siberian ginseng contained the highest amount of stigmasterol (9.99 mg/g extract), a phytosterol associated with antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that this adaptogen possess potent antioxidant activity, supporting their potential use in functional foods or supplements aimed at mitigating oxidative stress. The high antioxidant properties of Siberian ginseng extracts have been confirmed by other authors [83; 84]. Changes in the components and antioxidant activity of _Eleutherococcus semicosus_ have been seen in relation to the harvest time. As shown by [PERSON] et al. [85], the antioxidant activity was higher in July extract samples than in January extracts.