Superpure Cistanche Stem Extract
Also known as: Cistanche tubulosa, Cistanche deserticola, Cistanche, Rou Cong-Rong
Overview
Superpure Cistanche Stem Extract is derived from the stems of *Cistanche tubulosa*, a desert plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It is rich in bioactive compounds, primarily phenylethanoid glycosides like echinacoside and acteoside, along with iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides. Traditionally, it has been used as a tonic for kidney-yang deficiency, impotence, infertility, and chronic renal disease. Modern research focuses on its potential neuroprotective, antidepressant-like, and immune-modulating effects, as well as cognitive benefits. The extract is water-soluble and often standardized for its phenylethanoid glycoside content. While preclinical and some clinical studies exist, more systematic reviews and meta-analyses are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans. Current evidence suggests safety, but high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) include antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects. Animal studies show that CTE can improve depressive behaviors by restoring brain serotonin (5-HT) levels and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, suggesting potential benefits for mood disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Preclinical studies also indicate improvements in learning and memory, potentially relevant for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Traditional use and some pharmacological studies suggest benefits in chronic renal disease and immune function enhancement. Most evidence is from animal models, with limited human data suggesting safety and potential utility in populations with depressive symptoms or cognitive decline. Quantitative effect sizes in humans are not well established due to a lack of large RCTs.
How it works
Cistanche tubulosa extract primarily works by modulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT) and neurotrophic factors like BDNF in the brain. It also regulates gut microbiota composition and metabolites, influencing the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The extract interacts with the central nervous system (neurotransmission, neuroplasticity), gastrointestinal system (microbiome), renal system, and immune system. Phenylethanoid glycosides, the main active constituents, may act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and neuroprotective compounds. While water extracts are bioavailable, detailed pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized, and specific receptor targets are not fully elucidated.
Side effects
Superpure Cistanche Stem Extract is considered safe as a novel food ingredient, with no significant toxicity reported in human safety assessments. Common side effects are not well-documented in clinical data. Uncommon and rare side effects are also not well reported. Drug interactions are not documented, but caution is advised due to limited data. Contraindications are not formally established, but caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of data. Safety in children and pregnant women has not been established. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, but more comprehensive human studies are needed to fully characterize potential adverse effects.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose of Superpure Cistanche Stem Extract is not well established in humans; animal studies use doses scaled to body weight. There is no consensus on optimal dosage ranges, and commercial extracts vary in standardization. A maximum safe dose is not defined, but safety evaluations suggest tolerability at typical supplement doses. Chronic administration is likely needed for neuropsychological benefits. Water extracts standardized for phenylethanoid glycosides are typical. Water solubility aids absorption, but the effects of co-administration with food are unknown. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Is Superpure Cistanche Stem Extract safe?
Current evidence supports safety as a novel food ingredient with no significant adverse effects reported in human safety assessments, but more data are needed.
Can it help with depression?
Animal studies show antidepressant-like effects via gut microbiota modulation and neurotransmitter restoration, but human clinical evidence is lacking to confirm these effects.
How long does it take to work?
Benefits in animal models appear after several weeks of consistent administration; human data are insufficient to determine the time course of effects.
Is it effective for cognitive decline?
Preclinical data suggest potential benefits for cognitive function, but clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Are there any drug interactions?
No known drug interactions have been reported, but data are limited, and caution is advised when combining with other medications or supplements.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10042234/ – This systematic review identified key bioactive compounds in *Cistanche* and reviewed its pharmacological activities, including neuroprotection and renal support. It emphasized the potential of *Cistanche* in food and health products, but noted that most data are preclinical and lack large RCTs, highlighting the need for more human studies to confirm these benefits.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00967/full – This preclinical RCT in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress found that *Cistanche tubulosa* extract significantly improved depressive behaviors, restored brain 5-HT and BDNF levels, and modulated gut microbiota and SCFAs. The study demonstrated strong correlations between microbiota changes and neurochemical markers, suggesting a mechanism for its antidepressant-like effects.
- https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6346 – The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a safety assessment of a water extract of *Cistanche tubulosa* stems as a novel food and concluded that it is safe for human consumption under the proposed conditions. The assessment found no significant toxicological concerns, although the safety data were mainly derived from animal toxicology studies and limited human exposure data.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/5/1098 – This study investigates the protective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract on cognitive impairment induced by sleep deprivation in mice. The findings suggest that Cistanche tubulosa extract can improve cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress in sleep-deprived mice, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for sleep deprivation-related cognitive decline.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00041/full – This research explores the neuroprotective effects of Cistanche tubulosa extract against cerebral ischemia in rats. The results demonstrate that Cistanche tubulosa extract can protect against neuronal damage and improve neurological function after cerebral ischemia, suggesting its potential as a neuroprotective agent in stroke and other ischemic conditions.
