Cistanche: 4 Key Benefits, Dosage & Safety | The Botanical Institute (2024)

Cistanche is a traditional herb with adaptogenic properties that provide many health benefits.

Cistanche has been used for centuries for supporting immune function and brain health, as well as helping with healthy aging.

The Chinese name of this plant is “Rou Cong Rong”. It’s also called desert cistanche.

In this article, we will look at the various cistanche benefits and side effects, its safety, and its history. We’ll also look at how to take cistanche supplements.

What is Cistanche?

Cistanche is an endangered plant in the Orobanchaceae family that’s found in the arid lands and warm deserts of northwestern China.

The scientific name for this herb isCistanches herba. There are two primary varietals of cistanche, including Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola. Both of these types of cistanche are used interchangeably.

You can read our breakdown of the differences and similarities of Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola here.

This herb has many different common names, including desert cistanche and desert ginseng.

As a traditional tonic in Chinese medicine, it’s said that cistanche benefits the body in a variety of different health ways, including chronic renal disease, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse menorrhagia, and senile constipation.

Modern research shows that the benefits of cistanche are tied to improved cognitive function, immune system support, healthy aging, as well as support for sexual wellness (and testosterone production).

Health Benefits of Cistanche:

Cistanche is an herb that has been traditionally used for its adaptogenic properties.

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body deal with external stressors such as toxins, physical and emotional stress, and harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Below we’ll review the top research-backed health benefits of cistanche.

1. May Improve Brain Function

Research shows that Cistanches herba may help to improve brain function and memory retention.

There are three aspects of memory ability that you can impact when it comes to improving cognition:

1. The capacity to learn, especially as it applies to long-term memory storage.
2. The capacity to remember facts and knowledge, often known as consolidation.
3. The ability to recall information stored in long-term memory.

Test tube studies have confirmed that Cistanche tubulosa extract can significantly improve these aspects of cognitive function by preventing the loss of neurons.

Various other animal and cell culture studies have shown the brain-boosting benefits of various species of cistanche.

A specialized cistanche extract (called Memoregain®) was studied for its ability to treat mild Alzheimers. The study noted that individuals with Alzheimer’s showed no obvious aggravation of cognitive function, independent living ability, and overall conditions but were stable throughout the study.

Comparison with other long-term medications with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors suggests that Memoregain® has the potential to be a possible treatment option for mild to moderate Alzheimers.

2. May Support Immune Health

Research shows that cistanche benefits immune health.

Cistanches herba is rich in a phytochemical known as Echinacoside, which is famously found in echinacea. This constituent is known to support the immune system.

A test-tube study showed that an extract of Cistanche salsa, one of the common varieties of this plant, worked to increase antibody production in human lymph node lymphocytes. Antibodies are a key part of the adaptive immune system that works to fight off pathogens.

In an animal study, daily intake of a cistanche extract increased native T and natural killer cells in the blood and spleen, decreased pro-inflammatory IL-6, and increased overall longevity.

3. May Support Healthy Aging

New research shows that cistanche may be able to help with healthy aging by increasing HGH production.

A recent study found that various phytochemicals within C. tubulosa work to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH). The researchers noted that this is thought to be a result of ghrelin receptor activation.

This is an important finding as HGH levels are known to decrease over time. Stimulating HGH production can help to slow aging as it works to increase cell regeneration.

4. May Support Sexual Wellness

Research suggests that cistanche may help to improve sexual wellness (similar to herbs such as tongkat ali and Fadogia agrestis).

Various animal studies have shown that the active components found in cistanche work to improve male sex hormone production (including testosterone).

It’s also been discovered that Echinacoside, a phytochemical found in Cistanches herba, has vaso-relaxing activity. This could be potentially useful in supporting male sexual health through increased blood flow.

It should also be noted that this herb has been used traditionally by multiple cultures to support sexual function.

Best Cistanche Supplement:

The ideal way to supplement with cistanche is by taking cistanche powder or cistanche capsules.

We recommend looking at Lost Empire Herb’s cistanche powder. Lost Empire makes some of the best cistanche supplements that we’ve come across. It’s a potent 8:1 extract, which helps ensure you get all of the key phytonutrients of this herb in a small daily serving.

Lost Empire’s cistanche supplements are independently tested for purity and potency. You can read through the CoA (certificate of analysis) on the product page, which few companies these days provide. They also have a 365-day money-back guarantee.

Lost Empire’s clean, high-quality products are a great way to add this herb to your healthcare routine.

You can also click here for a complete overview of the best cistanche supplements.

The Botanical Institute is supported by our readers. We sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Learn more here.

Cistanche Safety:

Cistanche has been considered a safe traditional medicine in China over the past thousand years.

Below is a review of the current safety studies on Cistanches herba.

Safety Class: 1 (can be safely used when consumed properly)

Interaction Class: A (no clinically relevant reactions are expected)

The Botanical Safety Handbook rates cistanche as being in the safety class of 1, meaning it can be safely used when appropriately consumed. It has an interaction class of “A” which suggests that no clinically relevant adverse reactions are expected to occur.

Animal studies suggest that this herb could possibly potentiate barbiturates, hence, caution is advised if using cistanche alongside sedative drugs.

Click here for a more in-depth look into the side effects and drug interactions of cistanche.

Besides that, this herb is generally well tolerated and appears to be safe to consume for most individuals.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Various traditional Chinese medical texts do not indicate any cautions for taking this herb during pregnancy or lactation.

Although no concerns have been identified, safety has not been conclusively established.

Cistanche Dosage:

Standard dosing for cistanche is as follows:

Tincture (1:5): 2–3 mL (40–60 drops), three times per day.

Decoction: Add 1–2 tsp. of the dried, ground herb to 8 oz. water. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, then steep for 45 minutes. Take two cups per day.

Extract Granules (5:1): Take 1000mg one-to-two times daily.

Clickherefor additional information regarding recommended cistanche dosages.

Naming & Taxonomy:

The name “cistanche” refers to a variety of different species of plants in the cistanche family. See the section below that outlines the different species of cistanche.

This herb is referred to as “Desert Ginseng”. This is a nod to its various health benefits.

In the Western world, this herb is often called broomrape, or desert broomrape plant.

Generally, cistanche species distribute in arid lands and deserts in the northern hemisphere, such as the provinces of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and the Ningxia Autonomous Region in China in addition to similar regions of countries such as Iran, India, and Mongolia.

Cistanches herba grows primarily in China, Inner Mongolia and the provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai.

The growth and cultivation of cistanche species require severe environmental conditions: extreme arid climates, depauperate soils, large temperature difference, intensive sunshine, and less than 250mm of annual precipitation.

Species of Cistanche:

Cistanche is a genus within the Orobanchaceae family and includes over 20 different species throughout the world.

Below are the main species:

•Cistanche tubulosa

•Cistanche deserticola

•Cistanche salsa

•Cistanche sinensis

There are many different types of cistanche, so we have put together a helpful article going over the similarities and differences of the two most common types of cistanche:

•Cistanche tubulosa vs. Cistanche deserticola

History & Traditional Use:

The dried succulent stems of the cistanche species were first mentioned in Chinese Materia Medica by Shen Nong, where they were dubbed “cistanche” (Rou Cong-Rong in Chinese).

Among all the tonics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cistanche has been venerated as a superior tonic and is sometimes referred to as “ginseng of the desert.”

Cistanches herba is a popular herb in TCM that is used to cure chronic renal disease, erectile dysfunction, female infertility, severe leucorrhea, metrorrhagia, and senile constipation.

Constituents:

Cistanche contains bioactive compounds such as phenylpropanoids, some of which have been shown to have neuroprotective (tubuloside B), osteoprotective (cistanosides A to L, echinoside), anti-inflammatory (acteoside), and hepatoprotective (isoacteoside) effects.

Actions:

Adaptogen (probable), antioxidant, astringent, hepatoprotective, mild laxative, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Cistanche vs. Other Herbs:

Cistanche is often compared with other herbs. We have put together several helpful articles going over common comparisons.

•Cistanche vs. Ashwagandha

•Cistanche vs. Fadogia agrestis

•Cistanche vs. Shilajit

•Cistanche vs. Tongkat Ali

•Cistanche tubulosa vs. Cistanche deserticola

Read More:

Below, we’ve compiled our articles going over cistanche for additional reading.

•Cistanche Dosage: The Complete Guide

•Cistanche for Testosterone

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Conclusion:

Cistanche is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese practices as an herbal remedy.

In recent years, more research has been done on the plant and its potential benefits to human health. Cistanches herba seems to be generally safe with minimal side effects.

It can help support immune function, brain function, sexual function, and healthy aging if taken regularly over time.

If you’re interested in trying this herb consider looking for it at your local health food store or shop online.

As always, it is highly recommended to speak with a qualified health physician before adding a new dietary supplement or herb to your diet.