Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Cistanche Tubulosa Extract

Also known as: Cistanche tubulosa, Desert broom, Rou Cong Rong

Overview

Cistanche tubulosa, also known as Desert broom or Rou Cong Rong, is a plant native to the deserts of China and used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. The extract is rich in phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), particularly echinacoside, as well as iridoids, lignans, alditols, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. It has been studied for its potential in treating conditions such as kidney deficiency, impotence, senile constipation, vascular dementia, depression, and cancer-related fatigue. While research shows promise, particularly in animal models, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully establish its safety and efficacy in humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has raised safety concerns based on reported adverse events, emphasizing the need for caution and further toxicological studies.

Benefits

Cistanche tubulosa extract offers several potential health benefits, primarily supported by animal studies. It has demonstrated the ability to modulate the gut microbiome, increasing beneficial lactic acid bacteria and moderating metabolic pathways, which may improve gut health. Studies in rats have shown antidepressant-like effects by modulating the gut-brain axis and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Acteoside, a component of Cistanche tubulosa, has been found to alleviate cancer-related fatigue in mice by regulating metabolic disturbances. Additionally, the extract exhibits neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. While these findings are promising, human studies are limited, and the clinical significance of these benefits requires further investigation. It has been used in China as a prescription drug for treating vascular dementia, although safety concerns have been raised.

How it works

Cistanche tubulosa exerts its effects through several biological pathways. A key mechanism involves the modulation of the gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis, contributing to its antidepressant-like and anti-fatigue effects. It interacts with various molecular targets, including enzymes and neurotransmitters such as BDNF, 5-HT, and NE. The active components, particularly phenylethanoid glycosides like echinacoside, target these biological pathways. It interacts with the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and immune system. The bioavailability and absorption of the extract's components are not extensively studied, but extraction methods suggest that the active compounds can be effectively isolated and administered.

Side effects

The safety of Cistanche tubulosa extract is not fully established, and caution is advised. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has raised concerns based on adverse events reported in human studies, including severe events like cerebral hemorrhage and epilepsy. Common side effects are not well-documented, but the EFSA report indicates that adverse events were reported in clinical trials. Specific uncommon side effects are also not well-documented, highlighting the uncertainty around its safety profile. Due to its potential effects on various biological pathways, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions. It is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women due to the lack of safety data. Patients with underlying medical conditions, especially those related to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, should use the extract with caution. Additional toxicological studies are needed to fully understand its safety profile.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Cistanche tubulosa is not well-established, but studies have used doses ranging from 100 mg/kg to 1,800 mg/day in different contexts. The EFSA proposed a maximum daily intake of 2 g for food supplements and a maximum use level of 10% in foods for special medical purposes, but this is subject to safety concerns. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined due to the limited and concerning safety data. There is no specific guidance on timing, but it is generally recommended to follow the dosing schedule as per the specific condition being treated. The extract can be administered in various forms, including aqueous extracts and ethanol extracts, but the bioavailability and efficacy may vary. The absorption factors are not extensively studied, but the extraction and preparation methods can influence the bioavailability of the active compounds.

FAQs

Is Cistanche tubulosa extract safe?

The safety is a significant concern, and it should be used under medical supervision due to reported adverse events like cerebral hemorrhage and epilepsy.

When is the best time to take Cistanche tubulosa?

There is no specific timing recommended, but consistency in dosing is important for maintaining stable levels of the active compounds.

What results can I expect from taking Cistanche tubulosa?

Expected results vary depending on the condition being treated, but improvements in gut health, mental health, and fatigue levels have been observed in animal models.

Are there any misconceptions about Cistanche tubulosa?

It is not a cure-all and should be used with caution due to potential side effects and interactions. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/4936970 – This animal study investigated the effects of Cistanche tubulosa aqueous extract on gut microbiota in mice with intestinal disorders. The key finding was that the extract modulated the gut microbiome by increasing lactic acid bacteria and moderating metabolic pathways, suggesting potential benefits for gut health. However, the study is limited by its focus on gut health outcomes and the fact that it was conducted on animals.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6346 – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a safety evaluation of water extract of Cistanche tubulosa stems, based on data from 1,076 patients with vascular dementia. The evaluation raised safety concerns due to reported adverse events, leading to a recommendation for additional toxicological studies. This assessment is high quality due to its regulatory nature, but it is limited by the quality of the underlying studies and non-compliance with GLP and OECD guidelines.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00967/full – This animal study explored the antidepressant-like effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract in rats with chronic unpredictable stress-induced depression. The key finding was that the extract reduced depression-like behaviors by modulating the gut-brain axis and increasing BDNF expression. While the results are promising, the study is limited by its focus on antidepressant-like effects in an animal model.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992906/ – This study investigates the protective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on dopaminergic neurons. The findings suggest that the extract has the potential to protect against neurotoxicity, indicating its possible use in treating neurodegenerative diseases. The research contributes to understanding the neuroprotective properties of Cistanche tubulosa.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1370264/full – This research focuses on the anti-fatigue effects of Acteoside from Cistanche tubulosa in a murine model of colon cancer. The study found that Acteoside alleviates cancer-related fatigue by regulating metabolic disturbances associated with cachexia. The results suggest a potential therapeutic role for Acteoside in managing cancer-related fatigue, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans.