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Cistanche Tubulosa

Also known as: Cistanche tubulosa, Desert Hyacinth, Rou Cong Rong

Overview

Cistanche tubulosa, also known as Desert Hyacinth or Rou Cong Rong, is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily sourced from the deserts of China and Mongolia. It is known for its potential health benefits, including neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects. The primary uses include enhancing cognitive function, improving immune response, and potentially treating conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. The active compounds are phenylethanoid glycosides. It is often consumed as a water extract. Research on Cistanche tubulosa is ongoing, with increasing studies on its pharmacological effects, but more high-quality clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.

Benefits

Cistanche tubulosa has shown potential antitumor effects through apoptosis induction in cancer cells, according to in vitro and in vivo studies. A clinical trial suggests it may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome when combined with Ginkgo extracts. Additionally, it may offer neuroprotective effects and immunomodulation. Some research indicates potential benefits for infertility by regulating sex hormones and reducing oxidative stress. However, specific effect sizes are not well-documented in human studies, and long-term supplementation may be required to observe significant benefits. The strength of evidence varies, with animal models showing promising results, but more human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

Cistanche tubulosa's mechanism of action involves several biological pathways, including MAPK pathways and mitochondria-dependent pathways. It may also affect sex hormone regulation. It interacts with the immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. Key molecular targets include proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. The active compounds, phenylethanoid glycosides, are thought to contribute to these effects. However, limited data is available on human bioavailability, which may affect its overall efficacy.

Side effects

Cistanche tubulosa is generally considered safe, but high-quality human safety data are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal disturbances. Rare side effects are unknown due to a lack of comprehensive safety studies. There is a potential interaction with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised in individuals with severe medical conditions. More research is needed to fully understand its safety profile in various populations.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Cistanche tubulosa is not established. Typical dosages range from 300 mg to 450 mg per day. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined. There are no specific timing recommendations for its use. It is often used as a water extract, and bioavailability may vary based on the extraction method. No required cofactors have been documented. Consult with a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications.

FAQs

Is Cistanche tubulosa safe to use?

It is generally considered safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its safety in various populations. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

How should I take Cistanche tubulosa?

Typical dosages range from 300 mg to 450 mg per day, often as a water extract. There are no specific timing recommendations. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the expected results from taking Cistanche tubulosa?

Results may vary based on individual health status. It is not a substitute for medical treatment without evidence. It may offer benefits for cognitive function, immune response, and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Are there any drug interactions?

There is a potential interaction with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin. Consult with a healthcare provider if you are undergoing chemotherapy or taking other medications.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Cistanche tubulosa?

It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Avoid use during these periods.

Research Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15347354211013085 – This in vitro and in vivo study investigated the antitumor effects of Cistanche tubulosa phenylethanoid glycosides (CTPG). The study found that CTPG inhibits cancer cell growth through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 and BEL-7404 cells, as well as in an H22 tumor mouse model. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for Cistanche tubulosa in cancer treatment, although human clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8662561/ – This clinical trial examined the effects of a botanical product containing Cistanche and Ginkgo extracts on chronic fatigue syndrome. The study involved adults with chronic fatigue syndrome and found that the botanical product may improve symptoms. However, the study had a small sample size and limited duration, indicating that further research with larger and longer trials is necessary to validate these findings.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10042234/ – This review explores the potential benefits of Cistanche for infertility treatment. It suggests that Cistanche may regulate sex hormones and reduce oxidative stress, potentially improving fertility outcomes. However, the review notes a lack of high-quality clinical trials, highlighting the need for more robust evidence to support these claims.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38718638/ – This study investigates the protective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) against titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs)-induced testicular damage. The research found that CTE pretreatment significantly alleviated TiO2 NPs-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testicular cells. These findings suggest that CTE may have potential as a protective agent against testicular damage caused by environmental toxins like TiO2 NPs.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1370264/full – This study investigates the protective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on cognitive impairment induced by chronic sleep deprivation (CSD). The research found that the extract improved cognitive function, reduced oxidative stress, and modulated gut microbiota composition in CSD mice. These findings suggest that Cistanche tubulosa may be a potential therapeutic agent for cognitive deficits associated with chronic sleep deprivation.