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Cistanche Tubulosa and Deserticola [In-Depth Benefits Analysis]

Interested in the many health benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa and Cistanche Deserticola?

We’re glad you found us! We’ll take a fun and informative look at not only the health benefits but also look at some reviews, talk about any potential side effects and risks and how to dose the herbal powder supplement to achieve the best results.

Let’s jump right in with a little background information…

Contents

Basic facts about Cistanche

I personally take Cistanche from Lost Empire Herbs and recommend it based on its superior quality and value. Click on the link to see how their extraction process is superior and get 15% off your first order.

Herba cistanche is a parasitic plant that thrives on the roots of Tamarix, its host. The herb has no chloroplasts or roots and therefore it is not photosynthetic.

It survives by absorbing nutrients from the roots of the plants it parasitizes which enables it to beat the desert environment.

It is mainly found in parts of northwest China and has been considered as a necessary tonic in the traditional Chinese medicines where the succulent stems were dried and used for medicinal purposes.

It was utilized in the treatment of various health conditions such as female infertility, kidney deficiency, morbid leukorrhea, senile constipation, and neurataxia, amongst others.

There are two species of interest; cistanche tubulosa and cistanche deserticola that have been collected in the Chinese pharmacopeia.

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - Desert ginsengHowever, there are some two unofficial species that have been used in other parts of China considering the scarcity of the two original species of the herba cistanche. They include the cistanche salsa and cistanche sinensis. These are commonly referred to as desert ginseng.

Several studies have been conducted to establish the possibility of using the latter two species as alternatives of the original species, considering their scarcity. These studies include definite forensic tests used to determine the exact molecular compounds in cistanche salsa and cistanche Sinensis.

It has been found that the primary elements of the two original species are phenylethanoid glycosides that comprise of echinacoside and acteoside that have been used on various occasions as markers to ascertain the quality of the herba cistanche.

Since the two glycosides exist in the four species, it has, however, become difficult to differentiate their sources while using them as markers. A more definite approach has been used that comprise of (HPLC) High-performance liquid chromatography has been used to distinguish them by their origin.

Growing regions and climate for Cistanche

Map of Takla Makan Desert
This map features the Takla Makan desert in Hsin Chiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China

Cistanche plants have been found naturally growing in the Takla Makan desert, Hsin Chiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China. It possesses enormous energy to flower and bear fruits in the severe desert climate.

It survives on a host Tamarix which grows up to six feet tall with small dark pink flowers. This plant forms an important part of the desert environment as it helps to protect against the spread of the yellow sand in the desert regions.

The plant is now considered as an essential part of the healthy rejuvenation of the desserts which is one of the strategies of combating global warming. The Chinese government recommends the plantation and utilization of this plant to spur the local industries.

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - Happy elderly womanAccording to a report by Keiichi Morishita, the Hotan region boasts of having the 4th longest life expectancy records in the world. The number of elderly people that live past one hundred years surpasses that of Okinawa region in Japan by more than three times.

According to the statistics, for every 100,000 persons, 51 of them above hundred years are from Okinawa while 183 people over a hundred years old come from Hotan region in China.

Most of the families in the Hotan region consume cistanche daily by preparing it with mutton or pickling it in tea so as to survive the hostile climate of the dessert. This is one habit that has contributed to the increased life expectancy in the area.

Men’s Sexual Performance Formula: five of the most powerful bedroom performance-enhancing herbs out there: Tongkat Ali, Cistanche, Horny Goat Weed, Mucuna and Shilajit. Click here to find out exactly why it’s called Thor’s Hammer!

Active compounds found in Cistanche

The active ingredients in the herb are the phenylethanoid glycosides as earlier highlighted. Although all the four species have been found to contain echinacoside, one of the glycosides, cistanche, contains higher amounts than any of the four.

Acteoside one of the glycosides is considered to be a very strong antioxidant. Its antioxidative properties are 15 times greater than that of polyphenols found in grapes and more than five times higher than that of vitamin C found in oranges and pepper.

This explains why the people from Hotan can beat the scorching sun of the desert with minimal aging.

Other new compounds such as the kankanoside have also been isolated from cistanche tubulosa and have been reported to have the same effect as other active ingredients. In all the studies conducted on the herb, cistanche tubulosa has been found to have higher amounts of the active ingredients.

Comparing cistanche tubulosa and cistanche deserticola

Cistanche Deserticola
Cistanche Deserticola

Most of the studies carried out to demonstrate the difference between these two species has adopted in vitro model that involves the use of rodents such as the mice to differentiate them.

The chemical compounds under investigation include echinacoside, acteoside, and cistanosides. From these studies, the following was observed.

i. Cistanche deserticola was shown to reduce anti-fatigue properties in mice. This was achieved through the reduced accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles during rigorous exercises such as mice swimming.

Cistanche tubulosa
Cistanche Tubulosa

ii. Cistanche tubulosa was shown to induce hypocholesterolemic activity in mice.

iii. Another study showed that high doses of both cistanche deserticola and cistanche tubulosa increased the learning capabilities of the mouse and also showed signs of improved memory in rodents. The results were due to the ability of the herb cistanche in regulating the nerve factor.

iv. The glycosides isolated from cistanche deserticola in high doses were found to possess immunomodulatory effects of the mice by activating the phagocytic of the immune cells.

v. High doses of glycosides extracted from both cistanche deserticola and c. Tubulosa affected the biomarkers used to identify aging in mice.

The results from these studies are used to emulate the effects of consumption of the two species of the herb to humans.

The two species are very comparable to each other which has been a major boon to the protection of the endangered deserticola genus, both plants (although they do have significant differences on a chemical level) have similar, appearance, active compounds and effects.

Cistanche deserticola, an endangered species

Haloxylon Ammodendron
A picture of Haloxylon Ammodendron: The host plant that Cistanche deserticola grows on.

Owing to the increased demand for these species, cistanche deserticola is a plant that is heavily at risk of extinction. The use of these plants has not been banned from trade, and therefore it means they are prone to misuse by individuals and manufacturers.

The main problem contributing to the scarcity of this plant is the ever-increasing demand that outweighs the supply. With the increasing demand, the supply of cistanche deserticola has declined significantly for the past few years. Since it is parasitic, the plant takes quite some time to mature.

The other reason for the scarcity of cistanche deserticola is the indiscriminate collection of the host plant that is being used for firewood.

The host plant haloxylon ammodendron is a very popular charcoal-like firewood used by the indigenous people of the region. Reducing the natural host for the cistanche deserticola genus and is believed to be one of the primary causes behind the rapid decline of the medicinal plant species.

There is a need to conserve the plant and develop a sustainable way to grow that has been used for medicinal purposes in parts of China for over 1800 years and now is being used in the whole world as part of the natural herbal medicine.

I personally take Cistanche from Lost Empire Herbs and recommend it based on its superior quality and value. Click on the link to see how their extraction process is superior and get 15% off your first order.

Uses and Health Benefits of Cistanche

Cistanche herb has been used for a long time, but the main methods were inclined towards medical where it was used to treat various health conditions.

However, from modern research, it has been shown that the herb has a lot more physiological functions that are equally beneficial to humans. These are explained in the points that follow.

Improved learning activity

A step-down test was used to evaluate the learning ability of mice in-vivo. From the study, it was reported that mice were able to acquire memory, referred to as learning ability.

They were also able to keep the memory for a longer time, referred to as consolidation. And also they were able to recall the memorized information. The same module can be emulated for humans to achieve the same results.

These active ingredients can achieve this through anti-apoptosis activity, preventing the aging of the brain cells and increasing the number of brain neurotransmitters. They are also capable of preventing cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.

Little wonder that cistanche is gaining popularity among the nootropics community as an effective cognitive enhancer.

Anti-aging properties

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - Healthy elderly womanThe phenylethanoid glycosides are reported to have immense antioxidant properties compared to that of any other plant. The radical hydroxyl present in the herb cistanche has been found to have scavenging effects that help to protect the DNA molecules.

Other radicals that are disease-causing and those that accelerate aging are scavenged out of the system.

Treating arthritis

Hyaluronidase is a type of fluid found in joints, ligaments, under the skin and vitreous bodies. Its main work is to distribute nutrients and keep cells in these regions hydrated and maintained their elasticity.

The amount of this fluid diminishes as one ages, leading to flaky and poorly moisturized skin and poorly lubricated joints. Lack of enough of these lubricant results in painful joints that are described as arthritis.

The dry and poorly moisturized skin accelerates aging. The active glycosides in herb cistanche herb increase to significant amounts levels of hyaluronidase are thereby reversing the effects of arthritis and premature aging.

Anti-fatigue effects

The primary reason muscles get fatigued as a result of lactic acid accumulation. This is mainly caused by anaerobic respiration where the muscles don’t receive enough oxygen to break down glucose into energy+co2+water.

The glycosides in the cistanche tubulosa act by eliminating the excess lactic acid from the muscles thereby reducing their fatigue.

I personally take Cistanche from Lost Empire Herbs and recommend it based on its superior quality and value. Click on the link to see how their extraction process is superior and get 15% off your first order.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Improved sexual activity

Phenylethanoid glycosides that are the essential ingredients of cistanche tubulosa have been reported to induce increased sexual activity also known as the aphrodisiac effect.

The results from a study conducted on mice indicates that the active compounds were able to increase the sexual activity of a stress-induced libido loss.

Another study was conducted on castrated rats and showed that Cistanche deserticola had an improved effect on penis erectile response and actually minimized the negative effects of castration on the rats.

Cistanche tubulosa, having a higher amount of the active ingredient is considered to more efficient. It is responsible for improved fertility among women and also increases male testosterone hormone production through enzymatic actions.

It is also known to influence hormone levels in women, therefore treating cases of irregular menstruation that is a result of hormonal imbalances.

Is Cistanche a PDE-5 Enzyme Inhibitor like Cialis and Viagara?

No, it’s not and it won’t interfere with the functions of Cialis (tadalafil) or Viagra (sildenafil).

Boosting of the immune system

The mice were radiated with cobalt (60) to lower the immune function. They were then given the test samples for 15 days and observed.

A blood sample taken from mice that were given the phenylethanoid glycosides showed the increased diameter of the lymphocytes that are the immune cells.

These active ingredients were also shown to increase the rate through which the disease cells were killed. That’s right, cistanche is also a highly effective immune booster.

Increased metabolism

Health Benefits of Cisanche Tubulosa - Improved metabolismMetabolism is the process through which nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. Cistanche tubulosa has been shown to increase the rate of lipid metabolism that has a significant effect on reducing blood cholesterol in humans.

The herb is also known for its role in reducing cases of constipation among older people.

More Information

Herbs commonly blended with Cistanche

The healing power of herb cistanche can be improved by combining it with other effective herbs. For instance, when used with hemp plant, it can significantly reduce digestion related issues.

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - MorindaIt can also be safely used with other herbs such as herba cynomorii, radix angelicae sinensis, and fructus cannabis to reduce intestinal dryness.

It is also used with radix morindae officinalis to treat muscle weakness and kidney deficiency. When used with radix morindae offcinallis, it has shown signs of reduced impotence and treating premature ejaculation among men.

Lost Empire Herbs makes a “bedroom formula” for men called Thor’s Hammer (almost always sold out due to popularity – just check the reviews) that mixes cistanche with other herbs like Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), Tongkat Ali (long Jack), mucuna pruriens and shilajit. What a combination!

Are there any side effects?

Typically taken in doses of 10g or less, Cistanche has been labeled a safety class 1 herb making it one of the safest herbal products reviewed by the American Herbal Products Association. There are no documented side effects, contraindication or negative interactions associated with the consumption of Cistanche.

Dosage

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - Cistanche powderA healthy daily dose of cistanche extract powder is one-to-two grams, or one-half to one teaspoon. My favorite supplement brand is Lost Empire Herbs.

They might not be the cheapest, but time and time again their quality sourcing, extraction process and delivery are absolutely second to none and this is all verified by third-party independent lab testing. Reviews are usually stellar and they seem to have a passion for holistic alternative herbal health.

Parts of the Cistanche herb that are used for health benefits

Dried Cistanche with barkThe succulent stem of the cistanche herb is collected during the spring, sliced and then dried for medicinal use. The whole stem complete with the bark is considered to be an important part of the medicinal herb hence are consumed together.

Despite the herb being an important cure for various life-threatening illnesses, there is still a possibility of being extinct and disappearing out of the earth’s surface.

To save the herb, proper policies need to be put in place to regulate its collection and usage. It has proven through centuries to possess real healing power.

It’s difficult to deny the efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs that anyone can buy. However, there has been an interesting catching-up in the popularity between those tiny bottles and boxes on the shelves behind the desk that separates the buyer and the pharmacist to those packs with fancy Chinese letters and fancy names in the general or produce section of the store.

Although it may not be everyone’s first choice, a lot of people have developed a growing interest in using alternative and herbal medicines as their solution to their everyday health concerns and general wellness. Due to this growing demand for so-called ‘miracle herbs,’ one such herb is the group of plants called Cistanche.

Cistanche is the general term used to refer to a genus of parasitic desert plants found around the world, although it became very popular as a medicine and food in China and the Middle East.

Among the popular varieties of the genus include the cistanche Deserticola, the cistanche Salsa and the cistanche Tubulosa, which are found across Eastern Asia, particularly in the Taklamakan desert of China.

I personally take Cistanche from Lost Empire Herbs and recommend it based on its superior quality and value. Click on the link to see how their extraction process is superior and get 15% off your first order.

Medicinal Value

The plants are very popular in Chinese medicine for their ability to cure and prevent multiple types of ailments including fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease by slowing down the process of apoptosis, or the death of cells; it is also known to improve the general condition of the individual by:

(1) Enhancing neural activity in the brain, thus preventing memory loss and improving an individual’s learning capabilities;

(2) Lowering the level of cholesterol in the bloodstream by quickly breaking down fatty acids;

(3) Preventing or slowing down aging; and

(4) As an aid to improve fertility and the sexual health of its users by increasing their hormone levels.

With the growing demand for the plant, some of the types of Cistanche has been placed on the watch list of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species or CITES, particularly its most popular variety, Cistanche desertiloca, although there have been advancements in the establishment of reserves dedicated to the growth of this particular species as well as other rare types of plants.

This is exactly why there has been a shift of focus in study and use to its more common relative, Cistanche Tubulosa.

Health Benefits of Cistanche Tubulosa - Chinese medicineThe variety of plants is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is often cited in the Chinese book of traditional medicine known as the Shennong Bencao Jing.

Even if it may be hundreds of years old, studies have been conducted that validates the claims of the old Chinese manuscript, and since then have become extremely popular in the world of pharmaceuticals and the development of non-pharmaceutical treatment, often in the form of tablets and emulsions that contain the plant’s extract.

Thanks to tradition, miracle plants such as the Cistanche deserticola and the Cistanche Tubulosa have been extensively studied under the microscope and are currently treating millions of people around the world for their many medical issues.

An herb, which became known as an antiquated type of Viagra, is now being used to solve more dire issues such as cholesterol levels and even Alzheimer’s disease. And who would have thought it would come from what you may call a parasite?

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19610039

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23685247

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11599391

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19610039

http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new01604.html

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/cistanche.htm

American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition (2013): pages 219-220.




Lastly, I want you to know that I personally get almost all of my herbs from Lost Empire Herbs. Their sourcing is the best in the business and many of their herbs are grown in the USA. Click here to learn about their patented Full-Spectrum Extraction process and get 15% off your first order! Tip: Be sure to sign up for their newsletter at the top.

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1 thought on “Cistanche Tubulosa and Deserticola [In-Depth Benefits Analysis]”

  1. Isn’t horny goat weed the same thing that Jamaicans call ‘ram goat dash

    along’? Turnera aphrodisiaca? Or is the the Chinese herb Epimedium

    grandiflorum? There is some confusion in the literature, you know, and they

    both have aphrodisicial properties.

    I’ve studied, but am not familiar with the Chinese herb, because I only

    came across it in an ethnobotanical study I’m not beginning in South

    Florida on Caribbean and MesoAmerican herbs found/used here. The Turnera is

    a common landscape plant here, and both men and women use it to increase

    libido. Actually, the Jamaicans use many, many plants and soups and

    whatevers to increase libido, they’re definitely focused on the lower

    chakras 🙂

    Anya

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