Eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogen but not a true ginseng. It is sometimes called pseudo or Siberian ginseng but it is not actually a ginseng. It has blood sugar lowering effects and has been shown to bind estrogen receptors and stimulate T-lymphocyte activity and natural killer cell production. It is normally taken to increase coping margins and stamina, but it sometimes stimulates in a manner that makes it necessary to observe patients with hypertension carefully before using higher than recommended dosages. In China, this herb is taken by those suffering from bone marrow suppression following chemotherapy and radiation.