Historical source study of Cynomorium songaricum rupr
- VernacularTitle:Улаан гоёо ургамлын эх сурвалжийн судалгаа
- Author:
Turbold T
1
;
Enkhmaa D
2
;
Zesemdorj O
3
;
Tserendagva D
4
Author Information
1. Govi-Altai Medical School, MNUMS
2. Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Bio-Medicine, MNUMS
3. Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, MNUMS
4. MNUMS
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Cynomorium songaricum;
Ulaan goyo;
Traditional medicine;
Phytochemistry;
Pharmacology;
Historical sources
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;95(5):298-301
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., known in Mongolia as Ulaan goyo, is a rare parasitic plant of the Central Asian arid regions that grows on the roots of Nitraria. In Mongolian Traditional Medicine, it has long been used as a tonic to preserve vital essence (semen), tonify the kidneys, enhance sexual vitality, and treat paralysis and limb weakness.
Aim:This study aims to clarify the historical use and medicinal significance of Cynomorium songaricum through source evidence and provide a scientific explanation by integrating these findings with modern phytochemical and pharmacological research.
Materials and Methods:The study was conducted using a Historical Research Design (HRD). Methods included comparative-historical analysis and philological study of traditional sources. Key materials examined were V.I. Grubov’s botanical keys, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1981), and classical medical texts such as Bencao Gangmu and Bencao Yanyi Bu.
Results:Historical records from the 13th-century Yuan dynasty describe the plant’s distribution in the Mongolian Gobi. Traditional texts highlight its ability to tonify “Yin” and increase blood and essence. Modern studies have identified over 90 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, which possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Specific formulations like Goyo-11 have been shown to assist in gastric ulcer healing, while Goyo-4 helps reduce liver cell damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease. Toxicological evaluations have confirmed its safety profile.
Conclusions:1. The traditional therapeutic applications of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., as recorded in 13th-century historical sources, closely align with modern scientific evidence. 2. Traditional medicinal claims are validated by contemporary phytochemistry, which identifies bioactive compounds-such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and steroids-responsible for its proven pharmacological benefits. 3. Recent studies confirm the plant’s favorable toxicological safety profile and highlight its essential ecological role as a vital component of the desert ecosystem. 4. These findings demonstrate the high therapeutic value of C. songaricum, emphasizing the critical need for future clinical trials, cultivation development, and strategic conservation efforts.
- Full text:2026100110274949191Улаан гоёо ургамлын эх сурвалжийн судалгаа.pdf
