Cistanche
Research reviewed: up until 03/2023
Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa) is a dietary supplement with 12 published peer-reviewed studies involving 0 participants, researched for Cognition & Mood, Testosterone & Sperm, Erectile Function and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cognition & Mood
WeakTestosterone & Sperm
WeakErectile Function
WeakHair Loss
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cognition & Mood
To examine the antidepressant effects of Cistanche tubulosa.
Study Type
Animal study (mice)
Purpose
To examine the antidepressant effects of Cistanche tubulosa.
Results
The results showed promising effects as a potential therapy for depression. The mice treated with Cistanche displayed: An improved ability of spatial learning and memory. Downregulated monoamine oxidase activity. It is important to note that monoamine oxidase inhibitors are used as antidepressant drugs. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that serves to inactivate monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Upregulated dopamine concentration in the brain (dopamine is a chemical involved in feelings of pleasure and motivation). Downregulated blood concentration of corticosterone, indicating that the mice had reduced stress levels (corticosterone is a biomarker of stress levels). Conclusion: Cistanche improved markers of depression.
To examine the impact of Cistanche tubulosa on markers of depression.
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To examine the impact of Cistanche tubulosa on markers of depression.
Results
Cistanche tubulosa extract significantly improved depression-like behaviours in rats under chronic unpredictable stress. Cistanche restored levels of serotonin (serotonin plays a key role in mood stabilisation and sleep). Cistanche also restored BDNF protein expression (loss of BDNF is thought to be involved in depression).
To explore the active components of Cistanche tubulosa against depression
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To explore the active components of Cistanche tubulosa against depression
Results
Molecules called glycosides from the stems of Cistanche tubulosa improved depression-like behaviours in rats.
Animal study (Alzheimer’s disease-like rat model) Propose: To evaluate the effect of Cistanche in rats with Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology
Study Type
Animal study (Alzheimer’s disease-like rat model) Propose: To evaluate the effect of Cistanche in rats with Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology
Results
More specifically, Cistanche reversed cholinergic and dopaminergic dysfunction in rats. The results are promising as Alzheimer’s disease is associated with cholinergic and dopaminergic dysfunction. Conclusion: Cistanche reversed dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
To identify potential therapeutic effects of Cistanche on Parkinson’s disease.
Study Type
Animal study (rodent model of Parkinson’s disease)
Purpose
To identify potential therapeutic effects of Cistanche on Parkinson’s disease.
Results
Cistanche had protective effects on dopaminergic neurons in a rodent model of Parkinson’s disease. This is promising as Parkinson’s disease mainly affects the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons. Conclusion: Cistanche treatment resulted in protective effects against Parkinson’s disease.
Testosterone & Sperm
To determine the effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on hormone levels and testicular steroidogenic enzymes in rats.
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To determine the effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on hormone levels and testicular steroidogenic enzymes in rats.
Results
Cistanche tubulosa increased blood levels of testosterone and progesterone. It also increased sperm count 2.3 to 2.7-fold, increased sperm motility 1.3 to 1.4-fold, decreased abnormal sperm 0.76 to 0.6-fold, and increased the expression (activation) of the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP3A4. Steroidogenic enzymes are enzymes that are involved in steroid biosynthesis. Conclusion: Cistanche tubulosa extract decreased abnormal sperm and increased testosterone, progesterone, sperm count, sperm motility and the activation of enyzmes that are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones.
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of echinacoside in Cistanche tubulosa extracts on the reproductive system of male diabetic rats (echinacoside is an active component of Cistanche tubulosa).
Study Type
Cellular and animal study (diabetic rats)
Purpose
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of echinacoside in Cistanche tubulosa extracts on the reproductive system of male diabetic rats (echinacoside is an active component of Cistanche tubulosa).
Results
Rats treated with various concentrations of echinacoside in Cistanche tubulosa extracts exhibited higher levels of testosterone than the non-treated diabetic rats. Similarly, the results of the cellular study indicated that eichinacoside restored the testosterone synthesis pathway. Echinacoside also improved blood sugar levels, insulin resistance (the responsiveness of cells to insulin), leptin resistance (the body’s responsiveness to leptin, a hormone that signals the brain to stop eating when enough body fat has been stored), and lipid peroxidation (a process that causes oxidative deterioration of lipids, the fundamental building block of cells). Summary: Cistanche tubulosa and echinacosides increased testosterone and displayed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
To investigate the proactive effects of Cistanche tubulosa and echinacoside (an active ingredient of Cistanche) against testicular and sperm toxicity.
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To investigate the proactive effects of Cistanche tubulosa and echinacoside (an active ingredient of Cistanche) against testicular and sperm toxicity.
Results
Cistanche tubulosa and echinacoside normalised blood testosterone and reversed abnormalities in sperm characteristics and testicular structure. Cistanche and echinacoside also increased steroidogenic enzymes (enzymes involved in the production of steroid hormones), indicating that testosterone production was improved. The results are especially interesting as the testicular toxicity was induced in the rats via a toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) which has been used to make many plastics such as food containers since the 1950s. BPA is known to be an endocrine-disruptor, meaning that it interferes with the body’s hormones. Studies have indicated that BPA has estrogen-like activity and exhibits inhibitory effects on testosterone synthesis and developmental toxicity in the reproductive organs. Daily BPA exposure is unavoidable for most people. This study indicated that Cistanche may help to protect against the potential effects of daily BPA exposure. Conclusion: Cistanche tubulosa and echinacoside improved testicular and sperm damage in rats.
To investigate the protective effects of echinacoside (echinacoside is an active component of Cistanche tubulosa) against infertility in rats.
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To investigate the protective effects of echinacoside (echinacoside is an active component of Cistanche tubulosa) against infertility in rats.
Results
Echinacoside increased sperm quantity and protected against oligoasthenospermia (low sperm count and sperm motility, a primary cause of male infertility). Echinacoside blocked androgen-receptor activity (the binding sites of testosterone) in the hypothalamus, thereby increasing testosterone. Conclusion: Echinacoside increased sperm quantity and protected against low sperm count and low sperm motility. It also increased levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone.
Animal study (rats)
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Results
Eichanoside from Cistanche tubulosa stimulated growth hormone secretion via activation of the ghrelin receptor. Note that the ghrelin receptor is the target of performance-enhancing drugs and SARMS (drugs similar to anabolic steroids). Conclusion: Eichanoside from Cistanche tubulosa stimulated the secretion of growth hormone.
Erectile Function
To examine the effects of Cistanche deserticola extract on penis erectile response.
Study Type
Animal study (rats)
Purpose
To examine the effects of Cistanche deserticola extract on penis erectile response.
Results
The findings indicated that Cistanche deserticola shortened erectile latency and prolonged erectile duration to minimise the negative effects of castration. The results also indicate that Cistanche deserticola regulated the blood concentration of luteinizing hormone to normal levels. In men, luteinizing hormone stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This acts to support sperm production. Conclusion: In castrated rats, the results indicated that Cistanche deserticola decreased the time taken to get an erection and increased the duration of erections.
Hair Loss
To investigate the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica in preventing hair loss and promoting scalp health. Number of participants: 94
Study Type
Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica in preventing hair loss and promoting scalp health. Number of participants: 94
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Researchers observed a statistically significant increase in the hair density of the test group after 16 weeks of Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica. Researchers also observed a statistically significant increase in hair diameter in the test group compared to the control group at week 16. The test group also experienced greater improvements in dandruff compared to the control. Conclusion: Cistanche tubulosa extract was associated with improvements in patterned hair loss, dandruff and inflammation of the scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cistanche research
There are currently 12 peer-reviewed studies on Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa), involving 0 total participants. Research covers Cognition & Mood, Testosterone & Sperm, Erectile Function and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study, 11 animal studies), and reported outcomes.
Cistanche has been researched for: Cognition & Mood, Testosterone & Sperm, Erectile Function, Hair Loss. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 12 studies are human trials. The remaining 11 are animal studies. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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