Evidence supporting the use of: Maral Root
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Maral Root (Rhaponticum carthamoides) has a history of use in traditional Russian and Eastern European herbal medicine, particularly in Siberia, where it was consumed to enhance strength, stamina, and physical recovery. Folk practices often used Maral Root to help with muscle fatigue, lack of muscle tone, and general physical weakness, especially during convalescence and strenuous labor. The plant contains ecdysteroids (notably 20-hydroxyecdysone), which are plant-derived compounds structurally similar to insect molting hormones. Some preclinical and animal studies have suggested these compounds may have anabolic-like effects, potentially supporting muscle protein synthesis or counteracting muscle atrophy. However, robust human clinical data to confirm efficacy for improving or restoring muscle tone are limited or lacking. Most modern uses for muscle tone are extrapolated from traditional practices or preliminary in vitro/animal research. Therefore, while Maral Root is traditionally used for this purpose and shows some biological plausibility, scientific validation in humans is modest at best, justifying a moderate evidence rating but not higher.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-leucine
L-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Eurycomanone
Egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Fish
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Legume protein
Mineral Blend
Maral Root
Marine Protein
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Phosphocreatine
Premna
Phytoecdysteroid
Phosphatidic Acid
Quinoa Protein
Safed musli
salt
Sida cordifolia
Shilajit
Turkesterone
Ursolic Acid
Withanolides
Xanthine
Xanthophyll
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)