No benefit adding eleutherococcus senticosus to stress management training in stress-related fatigue/weakness, impaired work or concentration, a randomized controlled study.

K Schaffler, O T Wolf, M Burkart

Journal: Pharmacopsychiatry 2014;46(5):181-90

PMID: 23740477

Full Text on Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New York View on PubMed

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Plant adaptogens are traditionally used for stress-related symptoms, but clinical evidence is inconsistent. This trial explored the effects of 120 mg/day Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract (ES), 2-day professional stress management training (SMT) and a combination of both (COM).

METHODS

144 participants suffering from asthenia and reduced working capacity related to chronic stress were randomized to the treatments. Validated scales and tests were used to investigate cognitive performance; feeling stressed; fatigue and exhaustion; alertness, restlessness and mood; quality of life and sleep; physical complaints and activities; and physiological stress parameters including cortisol awakening response (CAR), at baseline, after 2 and 8 weeks of treatment (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00000692).

RESULTS

Almost all parameters improved significantly over time without group differences. Significant differences were found in mental fatigue and restlessness, both in favor of COM vs. ES. COM was not superior to SMT in any parameter at week 8. An attenuation of the CAR was seen at week 2 without group differences. All treatments were well tolerated.

DISCUSSION

Effects of adding ES to SMT are, if any, negligible.

Address: HPR Dr. Schaffler GmbH, Aschheim-Dornach, Germany. k.schaffl [email protected]

DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1347178

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/herbalmedicine.html

Other Literature Sources:

https://scite.ai/reports/23740477

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

https://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0...

MeSH Terms: Adult, Affect, Asthenia, Combined Modality Therapy, Eleutherococcus, Female, Galvanic Skin Response, Heart Rate, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Satisfaction, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts, Plant Roots, Psychomotor Performance, Psychotherapy, Quality of Life, Saliva, Stress, Psychological, Work Capacity Evaluation