Dr. Grey AI

Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola)

Cistanche is a parasitic desert plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for vitality, sexual function, and cognition. Contains phenylethanoid glycosides including echinacoside and acteoside. RCT (n=48, 8 weeks): 5g/day Cistanche deserticola significantly increased testosterone, reduced cortisol, improved 1RM squat and muscle endurance (p<0.05). Reduced CRP and CK markers (p<0.01). RCT for chronic fatigue (n=190, 60 days): Cistanche+Ginkgo improved fatigue symptoms. Clinical study (48 weeks, 300mg/day): Improved cognitive function in moderate Alzheimer's patients. Preclinical systematic review (20 studies, n=1696): Strong neuroprotective effects.

Quick Answer

What it is

Cistanche is a parasitic desert plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for vitality, sexual function, and cognition. Contains phenylethanoid glycosides including echinacoside and acteoside.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Testosterone and Hormonal Response
  • Grade B: Muscle Strength and Recovery
  • Grade B: Chronic Fatigue Symptoms (Fatigue)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola)

Quick Facts: Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola)

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Fatigue
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B4
C2
D0
4 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
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B
Testosterone and Hormonal Response
RCT (n=48, 8 weeks): 5g/day Cistanche deserticola significantly improved testosterone levels (p<0.05) and reduced cortisol (p<0.05) in both trained and untrained males during resistance training.
moderate↑Improves
B
Muscle Strength and Recovery
RCT (n=48, 8 weeks): Significant increases in 1RM squat and MVIC (p<0.05). Enhanced post-exercise recovery with reduced CRP and CK markers (p<0.01). Effects stronger in resistance-trained individuals.
moderate↑Improves
B
Chronic Fatigue Symptoms
RCT (n=190, 60 days): Cistanche (300-450mg) + Ginkgo combination improved chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in adults aged 35-60. Double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
moderate↑Improves
B
Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's
Clinical study (48 weeks, 300mg/day): Improved cognitive function in patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease. No exacerbation of symptoms. Preclinical review (20 studies): Strong neuroprotective evidence.
moderate↑Improves
C
Neuroprotection (Preclinical)
Systematic review (20 studies, n=1696 animals): Significant neuroprotective effects in AD models. Mechanisms include reduced Aβ deposition, tau inhibition, antioxidant effects, and synapse protection. Candidate for clinical trials.
large↑Improves
C
Sexual Function
Traditional use for sexual vitality. Animal studies show improved erectile response and testosterone synthesis pathway restoration. Limited human RCT data for this specific outcome.
moderate↑Improves

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