Was reading an article on competitor.com about Eluethero and the ability it has to increase VO2 max… Anyone use it or heard anything about it?
No such thing. Newer studies (in the last 10-15 years) haven’t been able to demonstrate any significant increase in Vo2, or other improved parameters of exercise from taking eluethero (aka Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian ginseng). Older studies have reflected improved exercise tolerance, recovery etc but they are often disregarded due to poor design, etc.
That being said, no harm in trying it. This herb, and a group of others are considered ‘adaptogenic’, meaning they assist the body in adapting to, and dealing with stressors. So, lack of evidence in a small group of studies may not always correlate with lack of efficacy (a major hurdle in botanical medicine studies…)
Your best bet for improved performance via the supplement route is Rhodiola rosea. Better, more robust studies on this one.