Maral root supplement benefit and side effects, powder herb

Maral root is also known by the botanical names Leuzea carthamoides or Rhaponticum carthamoides. Also known as Maral Root, Rhaponticum carthamoides is an herbaceous perennial growing between 4,500 -6,000 feet above sea level. The plant can be found growing wild in Southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Altai region, and Western Sayani. In Russia and Eastern European countries, maral root herb is used together with ginseng and Rhodiola to improve sports performance.

As of July 2009, we could not find published human studies with maral root. You can find more information on rhodiola herb.

Maral root and cancer
Effects of Leuzea carthamoides on human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells determined by gene expression profiling and functional assays.
Planta Med. 2008 Nov;74(14):1701-8. Gaube F, Wölfl S, Pusch L, Werner U, Kroll TC, Schrenk D, Hartmann RW, Hamburger M. Institute of Pharmacy, University of Jena, Jena, Germany.
Products derived from roots of Leuzea carthamoides Maral root are being promoted as dietary supplements with anti-aging, adaptogenic and anabolic activity, without much scientific evidence. We investigated the effects of a lipophilic Leuzea root extract and the major phytoecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone, in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. Cell proliferation was inhibited by the extract but not by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Genome-wide expression profiling using Affymetrix HG U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays was carried out to analyse effects at the transcriptional level. 241 genes appeared to be differentially expressed after Leuzea treatment, more than after treatment with either 17beta-estradiol or tamoxifen. Transcripts linked to cell cycle regulation and DNA replication were highly over-represented and regulated in an anti-proliferative manner. Genes involved in apoptosis were regulated in a pro-apoptotic manner. Expression levels of several oxidoreductase transcripts were strongly induced, most prominent CYP1A1, known to be regulated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. An XRE-dependent reporter gene assay confirmed the AhR-agonistic activity of the Leuzea root extract, whereas 20-hydroxyecdysone was not active. Leuzea extract also inhibited 5alpha-reductase, type II. While the extract significantly modulates cellular activities, the phytoecdysteroids, are most likely not the active principles of L. carthamoides.

Maral root supplement questions
Q. I have read that maral root is an anabolic agent and helps the body make more lean muscle mass. Is this true?
   A. We have not come across human studies that prove the use of maral root herb supplements help with lean body mass or improve athletic performance.

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