In recent decades, a great number of chemical, pharmacological, and clinical studies on Acanthopanax have been carried out. Several kinds of chemical compounds have been reported, including triterpenoid saponins, lignans, coumarins, and flavones, among which, phenolic compounds such as syringin and eleutheroside E, are considered to be the most active components. Considerable pharmacological experiments both in vitro and in vivo have persuasively demonstrated that Acanthopanax possess anti-stress, antiulcer, anti-irradiation, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effect.

Acanthopanax have been used in China for 2000 years as a folk remedy for bronchitis, heart ailments, and rheumatism. Acanthopanax are effective to improve and restore memory, increase longevity, promote healthy appetite, increase stamina, decrease sugar and cholesterol level in blood, and sharpen sight and hearing and relieve mental stress. Acanthopanax are also used to prevent respiratory tract infections, in the treatment of menopausal problems, and geriatric debility.

- Acanthopanax produce a comprehensive strengthening and toning impact; it has been recommended in treating various neural diseases, impotence, lung ailments, medium forms of diabetes mellitus, and malignant tumors.

- Acanthopanax reduce stress on the body is effective to combat harmful toxins. It has shown a protective effect in animal studies, against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents. Acanthopanax is also effective to reduce the side effects of radiation exposure.

- Acanthopanax have neuroprotective effects against breast (mammary gland) carcinoma, stomach carcinoma, oral cavity carcinoma, skin melanoma and ovarian carcinoma. It is found to have a pronounced effect on T lymphocytes, predominantly of the helper/inducer type, but also on cytotoxic and natural killer cells. Its active ingredients may also be of use in combating herpes simplex type II infections.

- Acanthopanax enhance and support immune response. It is useful as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. Recent evidence also suggests that it may prove valuable in the long-term management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV infection, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune illnesses such as lupus.