Leuzea safflower: history of use
Leuzea, or Raponticum safflower-like, is a perennial herbaceous plant, a gift from the Altai Mountains, Eastern and Western Siberia, although today it is also grown for production purposes in central Russia.
It is also called bologna, stemacantha safflower, as well as deer root and deer grass. The last two names are associated with deer, which eat this root in order to recover from diseases. It is no coincidence that Leuzea was also nicknamed “the root of life”, “Siberian ginseng”. The use of Leuzea safflower from ancient times has taken place in Mongolia, where healers used the “strong root” (another telling name!) to treat 14 diseases and prolong youth and longevity. An interesting Mongolian custom is to give newlyweds a healing root so that their offspring will be numerous and healthy - which means that Leuzea was also valued here as a plant that enhances reproductive functions. Siberian healers used the local root of life as a stimulating and tonic, restoring strength after illness and long-term exhaustion medicine, to improve potency and sexual activity. In Tibet and China, Leuzea has also been revered and used since ancient times. For more than five thousand years, this herb has become a true legend of oriental medicine! For many centuries, it was exported from Northern China through Bukhara and Samarkand to Europe, where they also knew its price.
Water infusions and tinctures of Leuzea
A treasure trove of folk recipes for healing a variety of ailments offers water infusions, tinctures with alcohol and vodka, decoctions and teas with maral root. Moreover, Leuzea was used both as an independent remedy and in herbal collections. In addition to the general strengthening and stimulating properties, people noted the laxative effect of this herb; it was also considered effective for treating alcoholism, relieving hangovers, improving appetite, healing wounds, as well as for food poisoning, kidney diseases, lung diseases, sore throat and jaundice. They used not only the root, but also the leaves, stem, and seeds, but preference was given to the underground part. The optimal collection time is August and September; 3-4 year old plants are richest in nutrients. Having dug up the leuzea, you need to shake it off its roots, clean off the soil, and rinse it briefly (since water takes away the healing elements from it). Drying should be done with good air flow, ideally at a temperature of 50–60 ° C, or in the sun. The result should be black-brown rhizomes, yellowish when broken, with a specific odor.
Official medicine has long paid attention to this herbal medicine. Numerous studies have scientifically, at the level of chemical composition, substantiated and confirmed its unique bioactive properties. Therefore, in 1961, Leuzea safflower was included in the most important regulatory medical document - the State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR, and in 1995 - in the State Register of Medicines of Russia. Today on the shelves of pharmacies you can find various pharmaceutical preparations containing maral root as a single agent and in combination with other substances.
It is worth noting the benefits of the safflower plant not only for people, but also for animals. It is used in livestock farming as a valuable fodder plant that increases the fertility and productivity of livestock and its resistance to infections. Leuzea has also proven itself well in veterinary medicine.
Release forms
Leuzea can be bought in pharmacies in the form of natural preparations for internal and external use:
- tablets: containing crushed roots or extracts from them, supplemented with vitamins and minerals;
- liquid extract: in bottles of 25–100 ml;
- crushed dry raw materials: loose roots in bags weighing 50–100 g.
On the shelves of pharmacies you can also find balms, syrups, medicinal teas, and herbal infusions. Depending on the recommendations in the instructions, liquid preparations should be added to drinks, diluted and consumed with water during or after meals. The recommended time is the morning, as Leuzea has psychostimulating properties. It is advisable to take decoctions, infusions and dietary supplements in courses lasting 1.5–2 months with a regularity of 3–5 times a year.
During treatment, it is important to observe the dosage of drugs; excessive use is fraught with side effects: stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, tachycardia. Lovers of coffee and other energy drinks should be careful with this plant: the stimulating effect when taken simultaneously increases.
Leuzea safflower: healing properties of the root
For what specific pathologies and conditions, for the prevention of what diseases will maral root serve us? The unique properties of Leuzea safflower root will be useful for the prevention and treatment of almost all systems and vital organs.
Leuzea helps the functioning of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Ecdysteroids and other substances reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, improve blood microcirculation in the capillaries and coronary circulation, reducing blood viscosity, increasing the lumen of the vascular bed and relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and organs; help strengthen the walls of blood vessels; normalize pulse and blood pressure (the latter for hypotension). Leuzea is effective for arrhythmia, cardiac ischemia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and vegetative-vascular disorders. The use of this herbal medicine activates hematopoiesis.
The influence of the “strong root” on the reproductive system is multifaceted: activation of the libido of both sexes, restoration of sexual fullness, normalization of potency in men and the menstrual cycle in women, increasing the chances of conception and the birth of healthy children in women.
Leuzea has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, emotional state, and helps overcome depression, including post-alcohol depression. Nutritional supplements from maral root neutralize irritability and excessive excitability. There is positive clinical experience in the treatment of neurological disorders and epilepsy with Leuzea drugs as part of complex therapy. Also, when taking it, there is an improvement in the characteristics of such mental processes as memory, attention, and the level of intellectual abilities associated with logic and analytics rises.
The benefit of this herbal medicine for the gastrointestinal tract is to normalize metabolism and, consequently, the digestive system as a whole. In addition, the antispasmodic and analgesic activity of the alkaloids contained in it and the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitoxic effect of its various substances to relieve pain and inflammation in the digestive organs are important.
The ability of ecdysteroids to regulate blood glucose levels makes maral root an effective antidiabetic agent.
For hepatitis, Leuzea can reduce inflammation in the liver.
The plant in question is also useful for bone formation, since ecdysteroids exhibit an antirachitic effect similar to vitamin D3.
Leuzea has found application in cosmetology and plastic surgery due to its anti-inflammatory and pronounced regenerating properties. It accelerates the restoration of cells of the epidermis and cornea, and therefore can smooth out wrinkles, enhance hair growth, preventing early baldness. It can also be used to heal ulcers, wounds and burns.
The effect of Leuzea, regulating hormonal balance and metabolism, improves the functioning of the endocrine system in particular and all systems in total.
The tonic, restorative, restorative, antioxidant, immunostimulating, anti-stress effect of Leuzea is of integral importance for the whole body. Acting as a highly effective adaptogen, it increases human resistance to a variety of pathogenic factors of both natural and social origin. Scientists note an increase in the body’s resistance and immunity after only 5–10 days of taking herbal remedies based on this miracle herb. Therefore, it has proven itself to be excellent for asthenia, exhaustion, mental and physical fatigue, and recovery from serious illnesses. The same qualities of the plant are associated with its use in order to prolong youth and combat premature aging.
Leuzea contraindications
Leuzea preparations have a number of contraindications. People suffering from hypertension, due to the ability of Leuzea to increase blood pressure, those with chronic liver diseases, with high nervous excitability, with epilepsy, and during the acute course of infectious diseases need to be careful. Pregnant and nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age should also abstain. Due to the stimulating properties of Leuzea, preparations with it are recommended to be taken in the first half of the day.
Side effects occur quite rarely when taking maral root; they manifest themselves in the form of allergic phenomena, which may include dry mouth, nausea, headaches, intestinal upset, and irritability. In case of overdose, side effects may intensify. You also need to know that when taking other central nervous system stimulants, such as coffee, at the same time, their effect is enhanced.
Leuzea safflower: application in elite sports
It's no secret that during training and competitive activities, professional athletes subject their bodies to enormous physical stress, often experiencing psychophysiological stress. There are many pharmaceuticals that come to the aid of representatives of big sports. And maral root has gained well-deserved popularity in this sector of pharmacology. The successful use of Leuzea safflower in elite sports is associated not only with the adaptogenic properties of the plant, but also with the anabolic effect of its constituent phytoecdysteroids. The production of proteins in organs and muscles, the rapid growth of muscle tissue, the activation and regulation of metabolism, the burning of excess fat - all this contributes to the growth of an athlete’s sporting achievements. Leuzea helps fight fatigue, quickly restore strength and energy, increases physical performance and concentration at the reflex level. The cardio- and hepatoprotective effect of this herbal medicine is important for athletes, because intense training places additional stress on the heart and liver.
The remarkable thing is that, being a powerful biostimulant, Leuzea has no side effects or detrimental health consequences, unlike many other steroid drugs.
Leuzea for women
Women are recommended to take maral root preparations during the premenstrual cycle, with secondary infertility, frigidity, and during menopause to combat depressive conditions. Leuzea is indispensable for women involved in fitness: it helps to lose excess weight, maintain and build muscles, strengthen ligaments, helps create a more sculpted athletic figure, and does not have the negative side effects of drugs that stimulate testosterone production. It does not worsen the hormonal levels of the female body, but, on the contrary, helps eliminate reproductive problems.
How to grow leuzea
This perennial plant of the Asteraceae family has many other names: bighead, raponticum , stemakantha , and is popularly called “ maral root ”. This happened because hunters once noticed that maral deer were being treated with this herb. It grows wild in Southern Siberia, the Sayan Mountains, and Central Asia, preferring inaccessible mountain meadows and forest clearings. However, it also feels good in central Russia. Today, Leuzea is grown for industrial purposes in the Moscow, Leningrad and Penza regions. This plant does not like low damp places or acidified soils and therefore it is better to choose well-lit hills with a noticeable layer of humus for planting.
For industrial production, the root is mainly used, which contains a beneficial substance - ecdysterone. Note that they begin to collect it only in the third, fourth or fifth year, so that the rhizome has time to accumulate as many useful properties as possible. The collection of raw materials begins in late September - early October. First, the rhizome is dug up, then the above-ground parts are cut off. It is believed that water can wash away biologically active substances, so the roots are washed very quickly. Then the plants are dried in well-ventilated areas at a temperature not exceeding 40-60 degrees.
How to take Leuzea?
Leuzea preparations are available in various forms - adjustment, liquid extract, tablets. Reception is usually carried out in courses lasting 2 months. It is possible to take Leuzea preparations with preparations of ginseng, eleutherococcus, and lemongrass.
Leuzea preparations differ from other adaptogens precisely in their anabolic properties, as well as their ability to increase hemoglobin and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Therefore, maral root preparations are often prescribed for loss of strength, physical exhaustion, and in sports for rapid muscle gain.
Leuzea seeds can be ordered by mail and grown this plant in your dacha or garden plot - it brings many benefits and can be a good support for health.
"Maral root" for men's health
Apparently, people began to use this plant in ancient times. According to some researchers, Leuzea is well known in oriental medicine under the name Loulu. Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan healers have been using it in everyday practice for more than five thousand years. It is believed that maral root is especially useful for men.
In the article “Leuzea sauloridae or the legend of oriental medicine: use as a dietary supplement,” researcher N.P. Timofeev writes: “The generic word itself for Leuzea Rhaponticum is compound and comes from the ancient names of the river Rha - Volga and the sea Ponticum (Pontus Euxinus - Black Sea). Leuzea was very popular as a universal remedy even before our era and was exported from Northern China and Mongolia to Samarkand and Bukhara, and then, through the Black Sea and the Volga River, delivered to Europe.”
The scientist suggested that it was Leuzea that helped Genghis Khan’s troops quickly overcome long distances.
In Siberia, this plant has long been respected; it is used as a stimulant along with Eleutherococcus. Altai herbalists are confident that the plant is a cure for fourteen diseases. The plant is still widely used in folk medicine today – infusions, decoctions, and extracts are prepared from it. “Maral root” is considered an excellent remedy for men who want to prolong youth and sexual activity.
This is an effective remedy against insomnia, mental and physical fatigue, and decreased performance. It is used to recover from illnesses, to regulate blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Dilates blood vessels, normalizes blood composition, therefore indispensable for patients with low blood pressure. The plant will help those who have lost their appetite or depression. It is also an invaluable aid in the fight against alcoholism.
In collections of traditional medicine recipes there is a recipe for an infusion from the flower baskets of Leuzea safflower. It is believed that this medicine reduces blood clotting and relieves pain in women during menopause.
Chemical composition of Leuzea safflower. The effect of phytoecdysteroids on the body
The study of the chemical composition of Leuzea revealed the secret of its phenomenal effect on the human body. It turned out that “Siberian ginseng” contains a whole complex of biologically active substances (saccharides, organic acids, inulin, steroids, phytoecdysteroids, saponins, tannins, essential oil, alkaloids, flavonoids, lipids, vitamins (lots of ascorbic acid and carotene), salts of phosphoric acid, gum, macro- and microelements, etc.).
From this rich set, scientists especially highlight phytoecdysteroids, which have the most obvious effect on the physiological processes of humans and animals. These steroid compounds of plant origin affect the body integrally, immediately on all its systems in their interrelation, including the immune system and metabolism (metabolism). In case of homeostasis disturbances, they are able to activate and balance the body’s self-regulation mechanisms. They act like hormones, without being them, and just by normalizing their ratio, hormonal levels, regulating protein, carbohydrate, fat and mineral metabolism, they contribute to physiological development and growth. Possessing pronounced antiradical, antioxidant and immunostimulating properties, phytoecdysteroids are effective adaptogenic substances. In addition, they increase the production of protein in the muscles, heart, liver, kidneys, and lead to an increase in body weight - that is, they act as anabolics.
The intake of phytoecdysteroids into the body in their combination with other beneficial substances contained in Leuzea is especially useful, therefore, crude plant extracts have greater bioactivity than highly purified preparations.
Forms of storage and administration of Maral root
In the catalog of the online store “Russian Roots” Levzeya is presented as:
- Crushed and dried root. Having gone through a full technological cycle and factory-packed, the root fully retains its healing properties for two years. Based on it you can prepare: Decoction. Pour 1 tbsp into a glass of boiling water. l. raw materials and maintain a simmer over low heat for half an hour. Cool, strain and dilute with water to the original volume. Take the decoction three times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
- Alcohol tincture. Add 50 g of raw materials to half a liter of pure alcohol (70%). Leave for two weeks in a dark place, strain. Take 2-3 times a day, 30-35 drops diluted in a quarter glass of water.
Chemical composition and benefits of Leuzea
Ancient shamans used Leuzea, but did not know why it restored strength. Science now knows that adaptogen contains many biologically active substances. First of all, these are hormone-like compounds phytoecdysteroids (ecdysterone and ponasterone) , the content of which reaches 0.6% in the fall. Leuzea also contains flavonoids, tannins, inulin, carotene, essential oil, chlorogenic and other hydroxycinnamic acids, ecdisthene, alkaloids, sterols . Perhaps the most significant benefit from the use of leuzea was received by athletes due to its anabolic qualities. The thing is that phytoecdysteroids activate protein synthesis and help build muscle mass.
The plant has many beneficial properties, we will try to highlight the main ones. So, Leuzea safflower has the following effect.
- Increases performance, helps with fatigue, loss of strength and stress.
- Has a significant anabolic effect . Improves muscle, heart, liver and kidney function.
- Stimulates sexual function . This happens due to the effect on the nerve centers and increased general anabolism. By the way, Leuzea is not inferior to ginseng as a stimulant of the male reproductive system.
- Has immunomodulatory properties .
- The root of the plant has a general strengthening effect and increases resistance to adverse environmental influences. That is why this plant is so useful for athletes, military personnel, polar explorers, and sailors.
- Helps improve attention, concentration and memory , so Leuzea is indispensable for schoolchildren and students. Helps increase intellectual abilities.
- Activates metabolic processes and improves the functioning of the hormonal system . — The plant’s ability to fight endocrine diseases .
- Reduces blood viscosity, useful for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Scientific research of the plant
Interest in Leuzea safflower grew sharply among scientists at the end of the 20th century. Numerous experiments have shown that it is safer than plant and animal adaptogens. Scientific studies of the plant have proven that even small doses of Leuzea extract have a stimulating effect. However, an overdose does not lead to serious problems.
Experiments on highly qualified athletes were carried out by Russian scientists S.N. Portugalov and R.D. Seifullah in 1995. It turned out that Leuzea powder increases performance, promoting adaptation to stress.
A.S. deserves attention. Vasilyeva “Pharmacological effects of extracts of ecdysteroid-containing plants in conditions of increased blood viscosity” . Its author conducted a study of extracts of Leuzea safflower and Lychnis chalcedony, comparing their effect with the drug EGb 761, which is used to treat brain diseases. The biologist concluded that Leuzea root extract heals the heart and blood vessels, limits the rise of cholesterol, and increases endurance. In his dissertation, the scientist provides interesting statistics. It turns out that today about 170 drugs based on ecdysteroids are produced in the world, more than 30 percent of which include Leuzea safflower . In addition, drugs based on it, which are produced abroad, are expensive and highly valued.
It is unlikely that anyone will dispute the fact that the plant made its contribution to the history of society.
At the same time, he still has great prospects in sports, medicine, and genetic engineering. ABOUT NATURAL FOODS FOR ENDURANCE SPORTS NUTRITION FOR ENDURANCE SUBSTANCES FOR ENDURANCE
Leuzea root is a source of energy and vitality for an exhausted body
The habitat of Leuzea safflower is considered to be the plains and foothills of Altai.
This large wild plant can reach one and a half meters in height, and its stems are crowned with spherical baskets of flowers. Thin roots form a real underground web, fixed on a powerful woody rhizome. With their taste they attract Altai marals (large red deer), especially during the mating season. With their help, animals get rid of diseases and replenish the deficiency of nutrients in the body. Due to such interest in Levzeya on the part of Altai deer, it is often called the Maral root. The maximum concentration of valuable components in the roots of Leuzea is observed when the plant reaches three years of age. They are equally actively used by specialists of both official and traditional medicine. As a result of biochemical studies, it was revealed that the inconspicuous web-like roots and dense rhizome have a rich component composition.
They contain: inulin, carotene, gum, essential oils, tannins, alkaloids, resins, organic acids, vitamins and microelements. These substances have a restorative and tonic effect on the body, weakened due to illness, permanent stress, overwork, and prolonged depression.
