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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Adaptogen, alcohol dependence, antiaging, antiarrhythmic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anxiety/stress, blood thinner, body building, breast cancer, cancer, cardiotonic, erectile dysfunction, estrogenic effects, fatigue, high blood pressure, hormone imbalances, infertility (male), ischemic stroke, memory, ovarian cancer, sexual dysfunction.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for maral root in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to maral root (Leuzea carthamoides), its constituents, or members of the Asteraceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Information on the safety, efficacy, or side effects of maral root is limited to observations from traditional medicine usage or expert opinions. Additional research is needed in these areas.

• Maral root may cause an adverse skin reaction following sun exposure.

• Maral root may affect the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that may affect the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in combination with antidepressants, due to its potential to diminish depressive symptoms.

• Use cautiously in combination with immunosuppressants (compounds that diminish the activity of the immune system), as it may stimulate the immune system.

• Use cautiously in obese persons or in combination with weight loss supplements, due to a potential to increase muscle mass, organ weight, and body weight.

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available safety information.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to maral root (Leuzea carthamoides), its constituents, or members of the Asteraceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Maral root is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

• Preliminary studies have examined the potential toxic effects of maral root on embryos. Further details are lacking.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Maral root may affect the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Maral root may interact with anabolics, antibacterials, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungals, antioxidants, antiparasitics, antiulcer herbs and supplements, antianxiety herbs and supplements, cardiovascular herbs and supplements, erectile dysfunction herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, hormonal herbs and supplements, performance-enhancing agents, and weight loss agents.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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