Rhaponticum

Rhaponticum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The circumscription and status of Rhaponticum have been the subject of taxonomic revision, with several species historically placed in Rhaponticum now treated by some authorities as part of the genus Leuzea. The best-known species is Rhaponticum carthamoides, commonly referred to as maral root, which is frequently listed in classifications as Leuzea carthamoides.

Rhaponticum carthamoides is a herbaceous perennial that grows from a stout, tuberous root. It has erect stems and large, lobed leaves, with flower heads grouped in dense inflorescences at the stem tips. The involucral bracts and the heads are typically purple to pink in color. The plant is adapted to temperate climates and can reach substantial heights in suitable open habitats.

Native range of the genus includes parts of Eurasia, with historical records from the Caucasus, Central Asia, Siberia, and neighboring regions. It typically occupies montane and steppe environments, often on slopes or in meadows where the climate supports long growing seasons.

Uses and research on Rhaponticum carthamoides focus largely on traditional medicine and modern dietary supplements. Extracts contain phytoecdysteroids, such as 20-hydroxyecdysone, and have been promoted for tonic effects and athletic performance. Scientific evidence for clinically meaningful benefits is limited and mixed, and regulatory status varies by country. Safety considerations and potential interactions are not fully established, and products are not approved as drugs by major health authorities.