Maral root

Related Terms

1-Beta-hydroxymakisterone, 3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy-6-methoxyflavonol (patuletin), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid), 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone (hispidulin), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavanone (eriodictyol), 6-hydroxykaempferol-7-(6"-acetyl-beta-glucopyranoside), 6-hydroxykaempferol-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside), 14-epi-ponasterone-A22 glucoside, 15-hydroxyponasterone A, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 20,22-acetonides of inokosterone and integristerone A, 24(28)-dehydro-makisterone A, ajugasterone, ajugasterone C, aplotaxene, carthamoleusterone, Cnicus carthamoides, cynaropicrin, cyperene, dehydroxymakisterone, (E)-1-[5-(hept-5-en-1,3-diynyl)-2-thienyl]ethan-1,2-diol, E-3,3-dimethoxy-4,4dihydroxystilbene, ecdisten, ecdysten, ecdysteroids, ecdysterone, eriodictyol, eriodictyol-7-beta-glycopyranoside, geraniol, hispidulin, hydroxyponasterone A 22-deoxy-28-hydroxymakisterone, integristerone A, isorhamnoside-rhamnoside, Leuzea carthamoides, linalool, makisterone C, N-feruloylserotonins, norsesquiterpene-13-norcypera-1(5),11(12)-diene, parkeyl acetate, patuletin, p-caryophyllene, protocatechuic acid, quercetin-5-O-galactoside, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Stemmacantha carthamoides, thiophene polyine (E)-2-[5-(hept-5-en-1,3-diynyl)-thien-2-yl]-ethan-1,2-diol.
Combination product examples: Admax? (ethanol/water extracts of dried roots of Leuzea carthamoides (maral root), Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and fruit of Schisandra chinensis).
Note: The maral plant is called by at least three scientific names: Leuzea carthamoides, Rhaponticum carthamoides, and Stemmacantha carthamoides. Leuzea carthamoides will be used in this summary, in most cases.

Background

The maral plant (Leuzea carthamoides, also known as Rhaponticum carthamoides and Stemmacantha carthamoides) is a perennial herb native to Siberia. Its name was derived from the maral deer that commonly ate its roots to gain strength during mating season.
Although more than 100 active compounds have been found in different parts of the maral plant, its most common extract, ecdysteroids, such as ecdysten, are taken from the root.
Traditionally, maral root has been used to provide relief from overstrained muscles, fatigue from overwork, and weakness from illness. In particular, Russian, Eastern European, and Chinese athletes have used maral root extracts to improve recovery time following intense training, rapidly build muscle mass, and increase strength.
Currently, there is little clinical evidence on the use of maral root for the treatment of any medical condition in humans. Additional studies are needed to confirm any of its proposed health benefits.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary evidence suggests that maral root may decrease symptoms of depression. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that maral root may decrease symptoms of depression. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary results suggest that maral root may increase muscle mass and the ability to perform work. In athletes, it may also improve recovery time following training. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary results suggest that maral root may increase muscle mass and the ability to perform work. In athletes, it may also improve recovery time following training. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that maral root may increase levels of various immune system compounds in athletes and patients with ovarian cancer. Further research is required before conclusions can be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that maral root may increase levels of various immune system compounds in athletes and patients with ovarian cancer. Further research is required before conclusions can be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that maral root may decrease symptoms of giardiasis (parasitic infection commonly associated with diarrhea). Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that maral root may decrease symptoms of giardiasis (parasitic infection commonly associated with diarrhea). Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For depression, four ounces of maral root has been taken by mouth 4-5 times daily for two months or longer.
For giardiasis (parasitic infection commonly associated with diarrhea), five milligrams of ecdysten has been taken by mouth three or four times daily for 10 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Maral root may affect the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Maral root may interact with anabolic agents, antianxiety drugs, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungals, antiparasitics, antiulcer agents, cardiovascular agents, drugs that affect the immune system, erectile dysfunction agents, hormonal agents, performance-enhancing agents, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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