Fighting inflammation naturally: Anti-inflammatory effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract

Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) Maxim., commonly known as Siberian ginseng, is a medicinal plant from the Araliaceae family traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Rich in flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, organic acids, phenolic compounds and polysaccharides, ES has shown various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antifatigue and neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of a commercial ES root extract, authorized for use in supplements by the Italian Ministerial Decree of 10 August 2018. The extract was tested in allergic and non-allergic in vivo murine models of inflammation, including ovalbumin-induced airway sensitization and cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis [ 1 ]. In the allergic model, ES treatment (400 mg/Kg) reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, lung tissue damage (H&E staining) and airway remodeling (α-SMA expression). These effects were associated with decreased plasma IgE and pulmonary tryptase levels, indicating reduced mast cell activation. ES showed beneficial effects also in murine pancreatitis. ES administration decreased pancreatic edema and neutrophilic infiltration, as confirmed by pancreatic histology, along with reductions in circulating amylase and arachidonic acid metabolite (PGE 2 , PGD 2 and TXB 2 ) levels. To explore the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of ES extract, we used an in vitro model of acute inflammation, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774 macrophages. The extract (0.01-1 mg/mL, 2 h before LPS) significantly reduced LPS-induced PGE [ 2 ] production, without effects on COX-2 expression. Furthermore, the ES inhibited also nitrite and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, these findings indicate that ES root extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo , supporting its potential role in managing inflammation. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany