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Cistanche

CistancheCistanche is a species of plant that grows in highly arid and desert-like conditions. It is a unique plant in the way that it lacks chlorophyll and thus is holoparasitic, meaning that it depends on other plants for nutrients. Unfortunately, it is now among the endangered species due to high harvesting in the wild.1

It is thought to be originally native to North-West China and parts of Mongolia. However, it is also found in other arid regions of the world, like in the desert areas of India. It has a long history of use in Chinese Traditional TMedicine, first mentioned in classical texts more than 2,000 years ago. However, the western world has just started to study its health benefits. Many of the health benefits of Cistanche are due to its content of unique essential oil and non-volatile compounds like iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides. At present, there is limited research in the west, and most understanding is from traditional Chinese texts or experimental studies.1

Health Benefits of Cistanche

Below are some of the well known benefits of Cistanche:

  • Antioxidants

    Cistanche is a rejuvenating herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many of its health benefits in various chronic ailments may be due to its high content of antioxidants. Cistanche may also help prevent lipid peroxidation and therefore lower the risk of atherosclerosis.2

  • Antidepressant and Cognitive Improvement

    In China, Cistanche is accepted as a potent mental rejuvenator. Modern experimental studies show that this “ginseng of the desert” may help improve mood, focus, learning and help a person to feel energised. Experimental studies suggest that Cistanche may also help a person to overcome mild to moderate depression. However, it should be noted that these findings are based on animal studies and traditional experience with herbs in China.3

  • Hepatoprotective

    Most broad-spectrum tonics help boost mood and improve health by removing body toxins. It appears that Cistanche may protect liver cells from damage and enhance their function. Cistanche may also have a role in protecting the liver from the toxic effect of medications in those living with chronic ailments.4

  • Alleviate Fatigue

    Stress and associated fatigue is a frequent issue these days. Additionally, older adults living with chronic ailments are also more likely to complain about fatigue. However, there are few options in modern medicine for alleviating fatigue. Some early studies suggest that Cistanche may help a person stay active for longer and alleviate fatigue.5

  • Vascular Health

    Cistanche may not be a very potent antihypertensive, but its prolonged use may help prevent vascular diseases. Researchers have identified numerous compounds in the Cistanche plant that help relax blood vessels.6

  • Erectile Dysfunction

    Cistanche is generally accepted as an aphrodisiac. It means that it boosts libido in both men and women. Additionally, Cistanche seems to increase Nitric Oxide levels and therefore help men living with erectile dysfunction.7

  • Diabetes

    Early studies in animal models show that Cistanche may help lower blood glucose levels and bad cholesterol. Cistanche does not increase insulin levels. This means that Cistanche works by improving insulin sensitivity.8

  • Pain and Inflammation

    Cistanche extract may help suppress inflammation and reduce pain sensation. Use of Cistanche may help with arthritis and other painful chronic conditions.9

  • Improves Kidney Function

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cistanche is used to boost kidney function and reduce renal inflammation. However, most of this evidence comes from traditional Chinese texts. There are no modern studies currently to confirm or negate such effects.1,10

Side Effects of Cistanche

There are no known side effects of Cistanche. However, it does not mean that it is entirely safe. It is mainly due to the lack of any large-scale clinical trials in humans. Therefore, it is suggested to show care when using it regularly.

Properties

  • Anti-Inflammatory2
  • Antioxidant2
  • Aphrodisiac7
  • Arthritis9
  • Atherosclerosis6
  • Cholesterol6
  • Concentration3,5
  • Depression3
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar8
  • Fatigue5
  • Hypertension6,10
  • Kidney Support1,10
  • Libido & Sexual Performance7
  • Liver Health4
  • Mood Stabilising3
  • Pain Relief9
  • Toxin Removal1,10 

References:

  1. Li Z, Lin H, Gu L, Gao J, Tzeng C-M. Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong-Rong): One of the Best Pharmaceutical Gifts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:41. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00041
  2. Xiong Q, Kadota S, Tani T, Namba T. Antioxidative Effects of Phenylethanoids from Cistanche deserticola. Biol Pharm Bull. 1996;19(12):1580-1585. doi:10.1248/bpb.19.1580
  3. Wang D, Wang H, Gu L. The Antidepressant and Cognitive Improvement Activities of the Traditional Chinese Herb Cistanche. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:e3925903. doi:10.1155/2017/3925903
  4. Xiong Q, Hase K, Tezuka Y, Tani T, Namba T, Kadota S. Hepatoprotective Activity of Phenylethanoids from Cistanche deserticola. Planta Med. 1998;64(2):120-125. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957387
  5. Cai R-L, Yang M-H, Shi Y, Chen J, Li Y-C, Qi Y. Antifatigue activity of phenylethanoid-rich extract from Cistanche deserticola. Phytother Res. 2010;24(2):313-315. doi:10.1002/ptr.2927
  6. Yoshikawa M, Matsuda H, Morikawa T, Xie H, Nakamura S, Muraoka O. Phenylethanoid oligoglycosides and acylated oligosugars with vasorelaxant activity from Cistanche tubulosa. Bioorg Med Chem. 2006;14(22):7468-7475. doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2006.07.018
  7. Goel B, Maurya N. Aphrodisiac Herbal therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. 2020;11:1-6.
  8. Xiong W-T, Gu L, Wang C, Sun H-X, Liu X. Anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Cistanche tubulosa in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):935-945. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.027
  9. Lin L-W, Hsieh M-T, Tsai F-H, Wang W-H, Wu C-R. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity caused by Cistanche deserticola in rodents. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;83(3):177-182. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00147-2
  10. He W, Shu X, Zong G, Shi M, Xiong Y, Chen M. [Kidney reinforcing and yang supporting action of cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma before and after preparation]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi China J Chin Mater Medica. 1996;21(9):534-537, 575.