Cistanche Aerial Extract
Also known as: Cistanche deserticola, Herba Cistanche, desert ginseng, Rou Cong Rong, Cistanche tubulosa
Overview
Cistanche aerial extract is derived from the stems and flowers of Cistanche species, primarily Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche deserticola, parasitic plants native to desert regions of China. The extract is typically prepared as an aqueous or hydroalcoholic solution. Traditionally, it has been used in Chinese medicine for its purported benefits in enhancing intestinal motility, providing neuroprotection, modulating the immune system, offering antioxidant support, protecting the liver, and exhibiting anti-aging properties. Its pharmacological effects are attributed to bioactive compounds, predominantly phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), iridoids, and cycloen ether terpenoids. While preclinical studies and some small-scale clinical trials suggest a range of potential health benefits, the overall research maturity is moderate, with a recognized need for more rigorous human trials and systematic reviews to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Cistanche aerial extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. It has shown promise in improving intestinal motility, with aqueous extracts promoting bowel movement in rat models of constipation in a dose-dependent manner (10–40 mg/kg). The extract also exhibited protective effects against simvastatin-induced muscle toxicity in rats, likely through its antioxidant mechanisms. Furthermore, Cistanche tubulosa extract has been observed to restore beneficial lactic acid bacteria and improve intestinal morphology in mice with antibiotic-induced intestinal disorders, suggesting a role in gut microbiota modulation. In vitro studies indicate that phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, pointing to potential anticancer activity. Beyond these primary effects, preclinical research also supports neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and general antioxidant properties. While traditional use suggests benefits for the elderly or individuals with digestive or fatigue-related issues, robust human clinical evidence, including established effect sizes and time courses, is currently limited.
How it works
Cistanche aerial extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways, primarily via its rich content of phenylethanoid glycosides and iridoids. A key mechanism involves its potent antioxidant activity, which helps reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigate oxidative stress throughout the body. It also modulates the gut microbiota composition, promoting beneficial bacteria and improving intestinal health. In the context of its potential anticancer effects, phenylethanoid glycosides have been shown to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells by activating MAPK signaling pathways. The extract interacts with multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal system by influencing motility and microbiota, the muscular system by protecting against toxicity, the immune system through immunomodulation, the nervous system via neuroprotection, and the hepatic system by offering hepatoprotection. While the specific molecular targets are still being elucidated, its broad effects suggest involvement with various enzymes and inflammatory mediators. Detailed pharmacokinetic data on the absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds are still limited.
Side effects
Cistanche aerial extract is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use and limited toxicological data from preclinical studies. However, there are no well-documented common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) adverse effects reported in human clinical studies, primarily due to the scarcity of such trials. Specific drug interactions have not been documented, but its potential antioxidant and metabolic effects suggest caution with medications metabolized by liver enzymes. Contraindications are not well established, but due to insufficient data, caution is advised for pregnant and lactating individuals, as well as pediatric populations. Overall, while no significant safety concerns have been identified, the lack of comprehensive human safety data means that potential side effects and interactions are not fully characterized.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Cistanche aerial extract in humans is not well-defined due to a lack of robust clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized aqueous extracts at doses ranging from 10–40 mg/kg, but human equivalent doses have not been established. Consequently, there are no defined optimal dosage ranges or maximum safe doses for human consumption. Timing considerations for administration are also not specified in current research, though traditional use often suggests daily intake. The form of the extract, such as aqueous or phenylethanoid glycoside-enriched preparations, may influence its effects, but specific recommendations based on form are not available. The bioavailability of its active compounds may be influenced by factors like gut microbiota and extract preparation. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Cistanche aerial extract safe?
Generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies, with no major adverse effects reported. However, human safety data are limited, and more research is needed.
What benefits can I expect?
Preclinical studies suggest potential benefits for gut motility, antioxidant protection, and possibly muscle and liver health. Robust human evidence is currently lacking.
How long until effects appear?
Animal studies show effects within days to weeks. However, human data on the time course of benefits are not available.
Can it be combined with other supplements or medications?
No specific drug interactions are documented, but caution is advised, especially with medications metabolized by the liver, until more data are available.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5763204/ – This animal study investigated the effects of aqueous Herba Cistanche extract on intestinal motility in rats. It found that the extract dose-dependently promoted bowel movement, suggesting its potential as a natural laxative. The study provides mechanistic insights but is limited to an animal model.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-10008-7 – This animal study demonstrated that Herba Cistanche aqueous extract prevented simvastatin-induced muscle toxicity in rats. The protective effect was attributed to its antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential for mitigating drug-induced side effects. The study offers mechanistic understanding but lacks human relevance.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/4936970 – This animal study explored the impact of Cistanche tubulosa extract on gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-induced intestinal disorders. It found that the extract helped restore beneficial lactic acid bacteria and improved intestinal morphology, suggesting a role in gut health and microbiome modulation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10042234/ – This systematic review summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Cistanche species, including neuroprotection, immunomodulation, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. While comprehensive for preclinical data, it emphasizes the critical need for more rigorous human clinical trials to validate these findings.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15347354211013085 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa on hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. It found that these compounds induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, indicating potential anticancer activity. However, as an in vitro study, its direct clinical relevance is limited.