Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Russia and China, as an adaptogen—a substance believed to help the body resist stressors and support overall resilience. Traditional practitioners have used Eleutherococcus to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress, which is indirectly linked to the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol, the primary "stress hormone." The rationale is that by supporting the body's ability to handle stress, Eleutherococcus may help normalize or buffer fluctuations in cortisol levels associated with stress responses.

Scientific studies have explored the adaptogenic properties of Eleutherococcus senticosus, with some evidence suggesting modest benefits in improving mental performance under stress and enhancing resistance to fatigue. However, direct evidence showing Eleutherococcus senticosus specifically regulates or lowers cortisol in humans is limited and inconsistent. Most human trials are small, short-term, or involve combinations of herbs. Animal studies suggest possible modulation of the stress response, but extrapolation to humans is uncertain. As a result, its use to "support the cortisol body system" is rooted primarily in tradition and supported by limited scientific evidence, justifying a moderate evidence rating.