INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1414
MEDICAL USE OF SALEP (ORCHIS MASCULA L.)
Authors:
Kurbanova Nargiza Ulmasovna,
Author for correspondence:
Umarov Ulugbek Akbar ugli
e-mail:
Abstract;
Orchis mascula L., commonly known as Salep, is a perennial plant belonging to the
Orchidaceae family. Its tuberous root nodules have long been recognized in traditional
medicine for their therapeutic properties. Rich in glucomannan, starch, mucilage, and bioactive
compounds, salep exhibits a wide range of health benefits, including gastrointestinal support,
immunomodulatory, sedative, and neuroprotective effects. This article provides a review of the
medicinal applications of salep based on classical sources and recent findings from scientific
databases. The findings confirm its historical and modern relevance in treating various ailments
and underline its potential in phytotherapy and functional nutrition.
Keywords
: salep, Orchis mascula, medicinal plant, polysaccharides, glucomannan, traditional
medicine
Introduction
Orchis mascula L., also referred to as salep, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the orchid family
(Orchidaceae), typically growing to a height of 30–40 cm. It flowers in vivid shades of purple
during the spring and early summer months (May to June) and is commonly found in high-
altitude mountain meadows across Europe and parts of Asia. Cultivation for medicinal use is
possible under controlled conditions, making it a potential crop for herbal and pharmaceutical
applications.
The plant produces two tuberous root nodules—one being older and shriveled, and the other
fresh, plump, and biologically active. The younger nodule is regarded as the primary source of
medicinal value. Root nodules from all salep species are considered therapeutically equivalent.
These nodules contain a range of bioactive compounds, including starch, proteins, mucilage,
and most notably, glucomannan—a water-soluble polysaccharide known for its high viscosity
and gelling properties when heated. This characteristic contributes to its demulcent action,
making it a popular ingredient in soothing preparations.
Despite its historical use in traditional medicine systems, such as Unani and Persian medicine,
there is limited modern scientific literature summarizing its medicinal utility. The aim of this
study is to compile and analyze available data on the pharmacological applications of salep,
with emphasis on its functional properties and therapeutic value in contemporary healthcare.
Materials and Methods
To investigate the medical uses of Orchis mascula, an integrative literature review was
conducted. Data were sourced from peer-reviewed publications indexed in
Scopus
and
Web of
Science
. Search terms included: "salep", "Orchis mascula", "medicinal orchid", "glucomannan",
and "traditional medicine". Both historical texts and modern scientific studies were included in
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1415
the review. The inclusion criteria focused on clinical applications, pharmacological effects, and
biochemical composition of the plant’s root nodules.
No human or animal experiments were performed by the authors; the study is based on
secondary data and existing literature to assess known medicinal applications and bioactive
mechanisms.
Results and Discussion
Historical data and recent scientific findings affirm that the root nodules of Orchis mascula
have been extensively used in Eastern medicine traditions, particularly in Persian, Indian, and
Central Asian practices. The primary indications include:
Urogenital health
: Used as a remedy for prostatitis, prostate adenoma, and male
infertility (impotence). The mucilage and phytoactive compounds may exert anti-
inflammatory and hormonal modulatory effects.
Respiratory support
: Employed in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis,
and other pulmonary disorders due to its mucilage content, which soothes the mucous
membranes and eases cough.
Gastrointestinal health
: Salep helps regulate digestion and is beneficial in treating
gastritis, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndromes. The glucomannan content acts as
dietary fiber, promoting gut motility and healthy microbiota.
Immune modulation
: A beverage prepared from salep tubers boosts the immune
system, owing to its high levels of natural polysaccharides. These bioactives stimulate
immune cell activity and act as prebiotics.
Neuroprotective and sedative effects
: The B-group vitamins present in the root
nodules support nervous system function. Salep exhibits a mild sedative effect and is
traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and nervous exhaustion.
Energy and nourishment
: The high starch content in salep provides rapid energy,
making it suitable for recovery from weakness and convalescence. Historically, it was
used as a nutrient-rich tonic for children and the elderly.
Its ability to form a thick gel when boiled in water is not only used for therapeutic teas and
tonics but also as a base for traditional foods and desserts, especially in Middle Eastern and
Turkish cuisine.
From a pharmacognostic perspective, salep's therapeutic efficacy is attributed largely to
glucomannan, which has been shown in modern studies to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood
glucose, and promote satiety. These properties position salep as a promising ingredient in
functional foods and phytotherapeutic formulations.
Conclusion
Salep (Orchis mascula L.) has a long-standing history of medicinal use, particularly in Eastern
medicine. Modern scientific data confirm its bioactivity, especially due to its rich
polysaccharide and mucilage content. Its application in urology, gastroenterology, pulmonology,
and neurology is supported both by traditional use and biochemical evidence. However, further
pharmacological and clinical research is needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety for
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1416
integration into modern medicinal systems. As interest in natural remedies and plant-based
therapies grows, salep represents a valuable candidate for future drug development and
nutraceutical applications.
References:
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Orchis species. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 15(3), 213–222.
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Pharmacology, 11, 707.
4. Harborne, J. B. (1998). Phytochemical Methods. Springer.
5. Singleton, V. L., & Rossi, J. A. (1965). Phenolics and polysaccharides: A correlation study.
Journal of Natural Products, 28(4), 742–748.
