Cistanche is an adaptogenic herb that has been growing in popularity in recent years.
Research suggests that cistanche benefits the body in a number of ways, especially for physical vitality and stress reduction.
In this article, we’ll review the best cistanche supplements and help you find the ideal product for your needs.
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#1. Editor's Choice
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#2. Best Tablet Option
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#3. Best Budget Option
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- 3rd-Party Tested
- Potent 8:1 Extract
- Organically Grown
- Gluten-Free
- Paleo & Vegan Friendly
- Easy-to-Take Tablet Form
- Lab-Tested
- Made in the USA
- Vegan
Table of Contents
Best Cistanche Supplements:
We’ll get into my top picks for the best cistanche supplement below. Our reviews are based on real-world feedback.
1. Lost Empire Herbs
We recommend Cistanche by Lost Empire Herbs as the best overall cistanche supplement.
Lost Empire Herbs cistanche extract is a high-potency form of cistanche. It’s organically grown and harvested on the Tibetan plains. Lost Empire also provides a testing assay that shows the purity and potency of this product.
From our experience, this product has been highly effective and easy to take. In our eyes, it’s the best cistanche supplement on the market.
Lost Empire Herbs cistanche extract is an 8:1 dual extract. This means that you are getting 8 times the cistanche than a typical whole cistanche powder. This is beneficial because it allows you to get your daily dose of cistanche with a small teaspoon of powder.
If you’re looking for a high-concentration Cistanche supplement – then this product by Lost Empire Herbs is for you. As an added bonus, they provide transparent 3rd party lab documentation so you can be sure the product is pure and potent.
Pros:
- Thoroughly tested for contaminants
- Easy-to-take powder
- Potent 8:1 extract
- Gluten-Free, Paleo Friendly, Vegan Friendly
- 3rd party tested for purity and safety
Cons:
- Strong bitter flavor
- Not certified organic (this may not be possible where this herb is grown in Tibet)
- This comes in a powder form, sometimes it’s nice to be able to simply swallow a capsule
2. Nootropic Depot
We recommend Cistanche Tubulosa by Nootropic Depot as the best cistanche option in tablet form.
Nootropic depots cistanche tablets are an easy way to add cistanche to your daily routine. This formula is standardized to contain verbascosides, which have been shown to be beneficial for brain health. Nootropic Depot’s products are made in the USA and ship fast (with free shipping on orders over $50).
This product is standardized to contain a minimum 50% Echinacoside + 10% Acetoside. These key phytochemicals are thought to be the active ingredients in cistanche. In particular, echinacoside has been found to benefit the body in a variety of ways, from boosting the immune system to increasing sperm counts.
Pros:
- Easy-to-Take tablets
- Standardized to contain bioactive compounds
- Lab-tested for purity and identity
- Made in the USA
- Vegan
Cons:
- Plastic bottle
- No reference as to where this herb was grown
3. Life Extension
We recommend Standardized Cistanche by Life Extension as the best cistanche budget option.
Life Extension’s cistanche capsules work to promote longevity and provide immune support. Life Extension is a trusted supplement company.
This is an affordable cistanche extract, however, it should be noted that this formula is made with cistanche stem and leaf. Most other products contain just the stem, which is the most potent part of the cistanche plant. Life Extension recommends this formula for immune support and healthy aging.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Bottled and tested in the USA
- Thoroughly tested for contaminants
- Non-GMO Verified, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian
- Bottles are made from recycled plastic
Cons:
- Made from cistanche stems & leaf
- Plastic bottle packaging
- Not organic
What Are the Benefits of Cistanche Supplements?
There are many benefits to taking cistanche supplements. As detailed in our article on the health benefits of Cistanche, this herb may help in the following ways:
1. Sexual Health
Cistanche has been found to improve sexual health through a variety of different mechanisms.
Animal studies have shown that phytochemicals found in cistanche can help to improve testosterone production. Echinacoside, a plant compound found in Cistanche, has been found to help improve blood flow.
2. Healthy Aging
Research indicates that cistanche may have anti-aging properties.
A study found that plant compounds in cistanche extract work to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH), a key anti-aging hormone.
3. Brain Health
Research shows that Cistanche helps to improve brain function.
Lab studies have confirmed that Cistanche extract can support brain health by protecting against neuron loss.
Additionally, a cistanche formula (called Memoregain®) was studied for its ability to treat mild Alzheimers. It was found to support overall brain health and function.
4. Immune Health
Research indicates that cistanche benefits the immune system.
Cistanche contains a phytochemical known as Echinacoside, which is also found in echinacea. This plant compound is known to support the immune system.
A lab study showed that cistanche extract helped to increase antibody production, a key component of the body’s immune defense system.
Who May Not Benefit From Cistanche?
From a herbal standpoint, cistanche is considered a “slow, building” supplement, meaning that it doesn’t provide instantaneous results. It’s best when taken consistently for 1-2 months.
If you are looking for more of a fast-acting, energizing supplement, then you may consider Tongkat Ali.
How We Select Supplements:
For this review, we looked at the top cistanche supplements available on the market. We then reviewed the products and tried them. We built our recommendations off of our personal experience with trying a variety of the top cistanche brands,
What To Look For In Cistanche Supplements:
There are a handful of traits to look for in cistanche supplements (and really all supplements).
Brand: is the brand that makes the product trustworthy? Do they do 3rd party testing? Do they have a track record of making supplements?
Independent Testing: Another key thing to look for in supplements is whether the product has been third-party tested. Many companies skimp on testing due to high costs. Avoid these brands.
Source: Is the product made with pure ingredients? Are they sustainably sourced? Does the brand have a direct relationship with growers and suppliers?
Cistanche FAQ:
How much Cistanche Should I Take?
Take 1-2 grams of cistanche extract daily.
Is Cistanche Safe?
Cistanche is commonly considered a safe traditional medicine. It has been used in China for over a thousand years. Common cistanche side effects are typically mild and include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
When Should I Take Cistanche?
Cistanche can be taken at any time of day. That said, many individuals note that taking it before bed gives an added boost to their sleep.
Should Cistanche Be Cycled?
Not necessarily. In traditional Chinese medicine, cistanche was used for extended periods of time. Thus it appears to be safe for continued long term use. That said, some users prefer to cycle it for 2 months, take 1 month off, then repeat. Either approach is acceptable.
Conclusion:
Taking a cistanche supplement is a great natural way to support your health. Consider adding this herbal supplement to your daily routine.
When buying a cistanche supplement, make sure to look for a high quality product that is tested for purity.
