Environmental influence on the growth and pharmacologically active compounds of Eleutherococcus senticosus stems in Korean cultivation sites

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu (Araliaceae), native to East Asia, has been traditionally used for alleviating rheumatic symptoms, enhancing musculoskeletal strength, supporting hepatic and adrenal functions, and reduce fluid retention [ 1 ] [ 2 ]. These traditional uses are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and diuretic properties [ 3 ]. A total of 104 individuals were sampled from 26 cultivation sites across South Korea. Stem and soil samples were collected in triplicate from each site. Growth characteristics were measured, and meteorological data were obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Quantitative analysis of chlorogenic acid and Eleutheroside E was performed using a validated UPLC method. Climatic conditions, particularly sunlight exposure and temperature, were significantly correlated with plant growth. Interestingly, while stem diameter tended to decrease in more fertile soils, plant height increased, suggesting a trade-off in biomass allocation. Eleutheroside E content was positively correlated with both sunlight duration and stem fresh weight. These findings highlight the critical role of environmental factors, such as soil properties and regional climate, in influencing both the growth and pharmacological quality of E. sessiliflorus [ 4 ] [ 5 ]. Funding This work was supported by the National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS), Korea (Grant No. FP0400-2022-02-2025). Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany