Evidence supporting the use of: Rhaponticum carthamoides
For the body system: Cortisol

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

Rhaponticum carthamoides (commonly known as Leuzea or Maral root) has a long history of use in traditional Russian and Eastern European herbal medicine as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, including physical, chemical, and biological. The traditional use of Rhaponticum centers on increasing endurance, strength, and recovery from fatigue, which indirectly relates to the body’s stress response and potentially cortisol regulation. However, the specific use of Rhaponticum carthamoides to support the "Cortisol body system"—that is, to directly regulate or modulate cortisol levels—has limited scientific validation.

Some animal and in vitro studies suggest that extracts from this plant, particularly its ecdysteroids, may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls cortisol production. However, these effects have not been robustly demonstrated in human clinical trials. Most of the evidence comes from traditional use patterns and a small number of preliminary studies, which is why the rating is 2 out of 5. There is a plausible mechanism via adaptogenic activity, but direct, high-quality evidence of cortisol modulation in humans is lacking. More research is needed to confirm any direct effect on cortisol regulation.

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