Cistanche Tubulosa Stem Extract
Also known as: Cistanche tubulosa, Desert hyacinth, Rou Cong Rong
Overview
Cistanche tubulosa is a parasitic desert plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Its stem extract is valued for potential anti-aging, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation benefits. The extract contains bioactive compounds, primarily phenylethanoid glycosides like acteoside, believed to mediate its effects. Research explores applications in cholesterol management, gut microbiota modulation, anti-tumor activity, and immunomodulation. The evidence base includes in vitro studies, animal models, and limited human biochemical data. The research maturity is moderate, with several preclinical studies and some controlled animal experiments, but lacking large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses in humans. It is available in aqueous or ethanol extracts.
Benefits
- **Hypocholesterolemic effects:** Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) at 400 mg/kg for 14 days significantly suppressed serum cholesterol elevation in mice fed a high cholesterol diet. This effect was linked to upregulation of genes involved in cholesterol transport and metabolism. Acteoside, a major constituent, enhanced these gene expressions in HepG2 hepatocytes, suggesting a molecular basis for cholesterol lowering. Evidence is based on animal studies. - **Gut microbiota modulation:** An aqueous extract of C. tubulosa modulated gut microbiota composition in mice with intestinal disorders, indicating potential benefits for gut health and associated systemic effects. This was demonstrated in a controlled animal study showing changes in microbial populations, which may contribute to intestinal protection. Evidence is based on animal studies. - **Anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects:** Phenylethanoid glycosides from C. tubulosa (CTPG) inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and BEL-7404) via mitochondrial and MAPK pathway activation. In a mouse tumor model, CTPG combined with cisplatin enhanced tumor growth inhibition and reduced cisplatin side effects. Additionally, CTPG promoted splenocyte proliferation and reduced apoptosis induced by chemotherapy, indicating immunoenhancement. Evidence is based on in-vitro and animal studies.
How it works
Cistanche tubulosa's mechanism of action involves several pathways. For cholesterol metabolism, it upregulates mRNA expression of cholesterol transporters (apolipoprotein B, VLDL receptor) and metabolic enzymes (cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme), facilitating cholesterol clearance and metabolism. The aqueous extract alters gut microbial populations, potentially restoring balance in dysbiotic states, which may influence systemic inflammation and gut barrier function. CTPG induces apoptosis through mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. It also activates MAPK signaling pathways, leading to cell cycle arrest. It enhances splenocyte proliferation and reduces chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, suggesting a protective effect on immune cells.
Side effects
Preclinical studies do not report significant toxicity at tested doses in animals. The combination with chemotherapy appeared to reduce side effects in mice. However, human safety data are sparse. No detailed reports of common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans are available from the reviewed studies. No specific interactions documented; caution advised when combined with chemotherapy due to immunomodulatory effects. No data available for special populations; further research needed. Due to the limited human data, caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and those taking medications. Monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur.
Dosage
Effective doses in mice are typically around 400 mg/kg of extract (aqueous or ethanol) for cholesterol and gut microbiota effects. Human dosing is not established due to a lack of clinical trials. Aqueous and ethanol extracts standardized to phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., acteoside) are commonly used in research. Acteoside and related glycosides have moderate bioavailability; metabolism and gut microbiota interaction may influence effects. Due to the lack of human studies, a safe upper limit is not defined. Until human data are available, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase while monitoring for any adverse effects.
FAQs
Is Cistanche tubulosa extract effective for cholesterol?
Animal studies show significant cholesterol-lowering effects linked to gene regulation, but human evidence is lacking. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Can it help with cancer?
In vitro and animal studies suggest anti-tumor activity and immune support, but no human clinical trials confirm efficacy. These findings are preliminary and require further investigation.
Is it safe?
Preclinical data suggest safety at tested doses; human safety data are insufficient. Caution is advised until more human studies are conducted.
How long before effects appear?
In animal models, effects were observed after 14 days of administration. The timeframe for effects in humans is currently unknown.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10042234/ – This systematic review summarizes the chemical composition and biological activities of Cistanche, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and metabolic effects. It highlights the potential benefits but emphasizes the need for more clinical trials to validate these findings in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294959/ – This study investigates the protective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage in mice. The results suggest that the extract can alleviate intestinal injury and improve gut microbiota composition, indicating potential benefits for mitigating chemotherapy side effects.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/4936970 – This research explores the anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa in hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings indicate that these compounds can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, enhance chemotherapy efficacy, and reduce side effects in a mouse tumor model.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15347354211013085 – This study investigates the effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on cognitive function and oxidative stress in a rat model of vascular dementia. The results suggest that the extract can improve cognitive performance and reduce oxidative damage in the brain, indicating potential neuroprotective benefits.
- https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0192415X09007545 – This controlled animal study with gene expression analysis found that Cistanche tubulosa extract (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum cholesterol and upregulated cholesterol metabolism genes in mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Acteoside was implicated as an active compound contributing to these effects.