Cistanche: 4 Key Benefits, Dosage & Safety

Cistanche is a traditional herb with adaptogenic properties that provide many health benefits.

Cistanche has been used for centuries for supporting immune function and brain health, as well as helping with healthy aging.

The Chinese name of this plant is “Rou Cong Rong”. It’s also called desert cistanche.

In this article, we will look at the various cistanche benefits and side effects, its safety, and its history. We’ll also look at how to take cistanche supplements.

What is Cistanche?

Cistanche is an endangered plant in the Orobanchaceae family that’s found in the arid lands and warm deserts of northwestern China.

The scientific name for this herb is Cistanches herba. There are two primary varietals of cistanche, including Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola. Both of these types of cistanche are used interchangeably.

You can read our breakdown of the differences and similarities of Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola here.

This herb has many different common names, including desert cistanche and desert ginseng.

As a traditional tonic in Chinese medicine, it’s said that cistanche benefits the body in a variety of different health ways, including chronic renal disease, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse menorrhagia, and senile constipation.

Modern research shows that the benefits of cistanche are tied to improved cognitive function, immune system support, healthy aging, as well as support for sexual wellness (and testosterone production).

Health Benefits of Cistanche:

Cistanche is an herb that has been traditionally used for its adaptogenic properties.

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body deal with external stressors such as toxins, physical and emotional stress, and harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Below we’ll review the top research-backed health benefits of cistanche.

1. May Improve Brain Function

Research shows that Cistanches herba may help to improve brain function and memory retention.

There are three aspects of memory ability that you can impact when it comes to improving cognition:

1. The capacity to learn, especially as it applies to long-term memory storage.
2. The capacity to remember facts and knowledge, often known as consolidation.
3. The ability to recall information stored in long-term memory.

Test tube studies have confirmed that Cistanche tubulosa extract can significantly improve these aspects of cognitive function by preventing the loss of neurons.

Various other animal and cell culture studies have shown the brain-boosting benefits of various species of cistanche.

A specialized cistanche extract (called Memoregain®) was studied for its ability to treat mild Alzheimers. The study noted that individuals with Alzheimer’s showed no obvious aggravation of cognitive function, independent living ability, and overall conditions but were stable throughout the study.

Comparison with other long-term medications with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors suggests that Memoregain® has the potential to be a possible treatment option for mild to moderate Alzheimers.

2. May Support Immune Health

Research shows that cistanche benefits immune health.

Cistanches herba is rich in a phytochemical known as Echinacoside, which is famously found in echinacea. This constituent is known to support the immune system.

A test-tube study showed that an extract of Cistanche salsa, one of the common varieties of this plant, worked to increase antibody production in human lymph node lymphocytes. Antibodies are a key part of the adaptive immune system that works to fight off pathogens.

In an animal study, daily intake of a cistanche extract increased native T and natural killer cells in the blood and spleen, decreased pro-inflammatory IL-6, and increased overall longevity.