Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rhaponticum carthamoides (commonly known as Maral root or Leuzea) has been traditionally used in Russia and Central Asia to support physical performance, recovery, and muscle strength, particularly among athletes and laborers. Ethnobotanical records indicate that extracts of this plant were used to combat fatigue and improve stamina, which is associated with muscle tone and strength maintenance. The root contains phytoecdysteroids, primarily 20-hydroxyecdysone, which are plant analogues of insect molting hormones and are thought to play a role in protein synthesis and muscle metabolism. However, while these traditional uses are well-documented, robust clinical trial evidence in humans is limited. Animal studies and some in vitro research suggest potential anabolic effects, such as increased muscle protein synthesis and improved endurance, but these findings have not been consistently replicated or validated in large-scale human trials. Therefore, while Rhaponticum carthamoides is traditionally used to support muscle tone and physical performance, the scientific evidence supporting these effects remains preliminary, and its use for this purpose is primarily justified by historical and ethnobotanical tradition rather than strong clinical validation.

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