Evidence supporting the use of: Rhaponticum
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

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

Rhaponticum carthamoides (also known as Leuzea or Maral root) has a history of use in traditional Russian and Eastern European medicine as a tonic and adaptogen, but its use in bodybuilding is primarily supported by some scientific investigation. The root contains phytoecdysteroids, especially 20-hydroxyecdysone, which are structurally similar to insect molting hormones. Several animal studies and small-scale human trials suggest that ecdysteroids may promote protein synthesis, increase muscle mass, and enhance physical performance without the androgenic side effects associated with anabolic steroids. For example, a few studies in Russian literature and some more recent trials (e.g., Isenmann et al., 2019, in humans) have shown increases in muscle mass and strength in response to ecdysteroid supplementation, though the sample sizes are small and results are not always consistent. However, the overall body of evidence remains limited, with relatively few high-quality, large-scale human studies. As such, while there is some scientific basis for Rhaponticum’s use in bodybuilding, the evidence is not robust, leading to a moderate-low rating (2/5).

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Other health conditions supported by Rhaponticum

Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Fatigue
Testosterone (low)

Products containing Rhaponticum

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.