Cynomorium Songaricum Herb Extract
Also known as: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., Cynomorium, Desert Thumb, Suo Yang, Cynomorium songaricum
Overview
Cynomorium songaricum is a parasitic plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to tonify kidney function and address age-related symptoms. It contains flavonoids, organic acids, and polysaccharides. The extract is used for cognitive enhancement, anti-aging, and reproductive health support. Research includes animal studies and mechanistic investigations, but human clinical trials are limited. Evidence is mostly preclinical, with animal experiments demonstrating statistically significant effects. It is thought to improve memory, protect neurons, and regulate endocrine function. More human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Benefits
Cynomorium songaricum extract (CSE) has shown potential benefits in several areas, primarily based on animal studies. It improves learning and memory in animal models by enhancing spatial recognition and novel object recognition. This is linked to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The extract also exhibits anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially protecting hippocampal neurons from stress-induced damage. Traditionally, it's used to improve sexual function and regulate endocrine disorders, though clinical data are limited. Preliminary evidence suggests antidepressant effects through neuroinflammation attenuation and neuroprotective pathway modulation. While animal studies show significant effect sizes, human RCTs are needed to quantify clinical effects.
How it works
Cynomorium songaricum extract (CSE) works through several mechanisms. It upregulates BDNF and its receptor TrkB, enhancing synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus, supporting memory and learning. The extract reduces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, protecting neurons from damage caused by chronic stress or aging. It also exhibits estrogen-like activity, potentially contributing to its effects on cognition and sexual function, especially in estrogen-deficient models. Flavonoids and other bioactive compounds interact with neurotrophic signaling pathways, apoptosis regulators, and inflammatory mediators. Bioavailability details are not well characterized, but active constituents include flavonoids and polysaccharides with known neuroactive properties.
Side effects
Animal studies report no significant toxicity at doses used for cognitive and neuroprotective effects. However, human safety data are insufficient. No common or serious side effects have been documented in preclinical studies. Drug interactions and contraindications are not well studied; caution is advised in populations sensitive to estrogenic compounds. Effects have been studied mainly in ovariectomized female rats (modeling menopause) and stressed mice; human data are lacking. Due to the limited human data, it is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Cynomorium songaricum, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Effective doses in animal studies ranged from 40 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg orally in mice and rats over 3 weeks. However, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for humans due to the lack of RCTs. Chronic administration (weeks) was needed to observe cognitive and neurogenic effects in animal models. In research, the extract is typically standardized for flavonoid content. Due to the absence of human studies, it is not possible to recommend a safe or effective dosage for humans. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before considering the use of this supplement.
FAQs
Is Cynomorium songaricum effective for memory?
Animal studies show improved memory and neurogenesis, but human evidence is lacking. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Is it safe to use?
Preclinical data suggest safety at studied doses; however, human safety data are insufficient. Consult with a healthcare professional before use.
How long before effects appear?
Effects in animals appear after several weeks of daily administration. Human studies are needed to determine the timeline for effects in humans.
Does it interact with hormones?
Yes, it exhibits estrogen-like effects, which may influence its benefits and risks. Caution is advised for individuals sensitive to hormonal changes.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6556289/ – This controlled animal study on ovariectomized rats found that Cynomorium songaricum extract (CSE) improved spatial memory and increased BDNF expression. The study also showed a reduction in serum corticosterone levels, indicating stress reduction. While the study is well-controlled, it is limited by being an animal model with a small sample size, and the findings need to be confirmed in human studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10609675/ – This animal study focused on the effects of total flavonoids from Cynomorium songaricum on Alzheimer’s disease model mice. The study found that these flavonoids attenuated cognitive deficits via the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. The study is limited by being preclinical, lacking RCTs, and not including human data, but it provides mechanistic insights into the potential cognitive benefits of the extract.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1239197/full – This animal study used a CORT-induced depression mouse model to investigate the antidepressant effects of Cynomorium songaricum extract (ECS). The study found that ECS showed antidepressant effects by reducing neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection, and it identified active metabolites and targets. The study is limited by being an animal model without clinical trial data, but it is a good mechanistic study with biochemical validation.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9689325 – This study investigates the protective effects of Cynomorium songaricum extracts on learning and memory impairment induced by amyloid-β25-35 in mice. The results suggest that the extract can improve cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and neuronal damage. The study provides evidence for the potential use of Cynomorium songaricum in preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/cynomorium+songaricum+extracts.html – This resource provides a collection of research related to Cynomorium songaricum extracts, highlighting their potential applications in various health conditions. The studies suggest that these extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of Cynomorium songaricum extracts.
