Evidence supporting the use of: Maral Root
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Maral Root (Rhaponticum carthamoides) has a history of traditional use in Russia and Eastern Europe, primarily as a tonic to improve physical performance, stamina, and recovery from fatigue. Its reputation for supporting energy and resilience led herbalists to consider it for "adrenal fatigue," a term used in alternative medicine to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as tiredness and stress. However, the concept of "adrenal fatigue" itself is not recognized in conventional medicine, and there is little direct scientific investigation into the effects of Maral Root on adrenal function in humans.
Traditional uses are based largely on anecdotal reports and historical texts. Animal studies and limited human research suggest that Maral Root contains ecdysteroids (notably 20-hydroxyecdysone), which may have adaptogenic properties—helping the body resist stressors. These findings have fueled its inclusion in some adaptogen blends aimed at supporting the body's stress response. Nevertheless, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically evaluating Maral Root for symptoms attributed to "adrenal fatigue." Thus, while use is justified by tradition and theoretical adaptogenic mechanisms, scientific validation for this specific purpose is minimal, and the evidence is weak (1/5).
Other health conditions supported by Maral Root
Adrenal FatigueAthletic and Exercise Aids
Circulation (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Testosterone (low)