Salep
OTHER NAME(S): Levant Salep, Marshland Finger Tuber, Orchid Tuber, Sahlab, Sahlep, Salep Orchid, Saloop, Dactylorhiza lancibracteata, Orchis maculate, Orchidaceae
Overview
Salep is a traditional name for orchids grown for their root tubers. The species of orchid used varies by region but may include Dactylorhiza lancibracteata.
Salep flour, which is the orchid root powder, is often mixed with water and consumed as a drink. It contains a mucus-like substance that might help soothe the digestive tract.
People use salep for diarrhea, heartburn, gas, indigestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Salep overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Salep is possibly safe when consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if salep is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Salep is possibly safe when consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if salep is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:There isn't enough reliable information to know if salep is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with amounts found in food.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Salep overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of salep might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Kargar Jahromi H, Pourahmad M, Abedi HA, Karimi M, Kargar Jahromi Z. Protective effects of salep against isoniazid liver toxicity in wistar rats. J Tradit Complement Med 2017;8(1):239-243.
- Pourahmad M, Kargar Jahromi H, Kargar Jahromi Z. Protective effect of salep on liver. Hepat Mon 2015;15(4):e28137.
- Shekoufeh A, Hassanali A, Nazanin SJ, et al. Effect of High Doses of Salep Aqueous Extract on Serum Levels of Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine, Uric Acid, and Kidney Histopathological Changes in Adult Male Wistar Rats. Arch Razi Inst 2023;78(5):1451-1461.