Research Snapshot
Cistanche tubulosa
A synthesis of the peer-reviewed evidence for Cistanche tubulosa across testosterone, immune, cognition and oxidation, graded by scientific consensus and reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Board.
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TestosteroneDoes Cistanche tubulosa affect hormone regulation?
Evidence from 5 studies
What the research shows
Cistanche tubulosa affects hormone regulation by enhancing the biosynthesis of testosterone and stimulating growth hormone secretion. These effects are mediated through the up-regulation of steroidogenic enzymes and activation of the ghrelin receptor, highlighting its potential as a natural agent for improving reproductive and growth-related functions.
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Pharmaceutical Biology | T. Wang et al. | 28 | 2016
Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal
Cistanche tubulosa ethanol extract increases serum levels of progesterone and testosterone in rats.
Journal of ethnopharmacology | Z. Jiang et al. | 44 | 2016
Animal Trial
Cistanche tubulosa (CT) and echinacoside (ECH) treatments normalized serum testosterone and enhanced testosterone biosynthesis in rats exposed to bisphenol A-induced testicular and sperm toxicity.
Quality indicators | L. Gu et al. | 18 | 2013
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal , Controlled experimental study
Cistanche deserticola decoction alleviates testicular toxicity induced by hydroxyurea in male mice, potentially improving reproductive health.
Journal of ethnopharmacology | Q. Wang et al. | 9 | 2019
Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study
Cistanche tubulosa's phenylethanol glycosides improve reproductive dysfunction by regulating testicular steroids through the CYP450-3β -HSD pathway.
ImmuneCan Cistanche improve immune function?
Evidence from 10 studies
What the research shows
Cistanche exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects, primarily through its polysaccharides and glycosides, which enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses. These findings support its potential use as an immune booster and in anti-aging therapies. Further research could solidify its role in clinical applications for immune enhancement.
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Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | Ke Zhang et al. | 23 | 2014
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal
Cistanche deserticola extracts can extend life span and increase naive T and natural killer cells in blood and spleen cell populations.
Journal of ethnopharmacology | Shuangshuang Feng et al. | 8 | 2021
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial
Aqueous extracts from cultivated Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma (AECCD) can promote immune responses by facilitating dendritic cell activation.
PLoS ONE | Ailian Zhang et al. | 27 | 2018
In Vitro Trial , Rigorous Journal
Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides can modulate immune responses and improve IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a titers, and enhance T and B cell proliferation.
Frontiers in Pharmacology | Caimei Gu et al. | 39 | 2016
Literature Review
Cistanches Herba's bioactive compounds demonstrate neuropharmacological activities against various complex nervous system diseases, including improving immunity function.
CognitionDoes Cistanche tubulosa improve cognitive function?
Evidence from 10 studies
What the research shows
Cistanche tubulosa shows promise in improving cognitive function, particularly in age-related decline and cognitive function, through mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction, neurotransmitter regulation, and amyloid beta inhibition. However, further research, especially large-scale human trials, is necessary to fully establish its efficacy and safety for cognitive enhancement.
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Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM | D. Wang et all | 21 | 2017
Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal
Cistanche tubulosa decoction improved spatial learning and memory in mice.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology | L. Fan et al. | 24 | 2021
Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal
Cistanche tubulosa's total glycosides alleviate depression-like behaviors through a bidirectional interaction of phytochemicals and gut microbiota.
Frontiers in Pharmacology | Y. Li et al. | 40 | 2018
Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study
Cistanche tubulosa extract significantly improved depression-like behaviors and restored gut microbiota homeostasis in rats under chronic unpredictable stress.
Food & function | L. Fan et al. | 3 | 2022
Animal Trial
Cistanche tubulosa extract has a stronger antidepressant effect than Cistanche deserticola extract.
OxidationDoes Cistanche tubulosa have antioxidant properties?
Evidence from 6 studies
What the research shows
Cistanche tubulosa exhibits notable antioxidant properties through its polysaccharides, volatile constituents, and various extracts. These components contribute to its potential use in treating oxidative stress-related conditions. The plant's antioxidant activity is supported by multiple studies, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antioxidants.
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Clinical Nutrition Research | J. Seok et al. | 16 | 2015
Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Very Rigorous Journal
Cistanche tubulosa extract has anti-oxidative properties, which may promote hair growth and treat dandruff and scalp inflammation.
Nutrients | Z. Kong et al. | 34 | 2018
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial , Very Rigorous Journal
Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenesis effects.
The FASEB Journal | Yuhao Ding et al. | 2 | 2023
Non-Randomized Control Trial , Animal Trial
Echinacoside from Cistanche tubulosa protects against ethanol-induced liver injuries by alleviating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis by increasing the activity of Nrf2.
Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry | Xiao-Tong Liu et al. | 1 | 2023
In Vitro Trial
Cistanche tubulosa has antioxidant activities, with peak A6 being the most decisive component in its antioxidant-related diseases treatment.
Reviewed by Experts
Every research snapshot is checked by our independent Scientific Advisory Board: physicians, botanists and pharmacology researchers who verify the evidence grading and its interpretation.
Kerry Hughes
M.Sc., RH(AHG), FDN-P
Ethnobotanist & herbalist; Berkeley Herbal Center; principal at EthnoPharm.
View full profile →Lance Dreher
PhD, Nutritional Counseling
Performance nutrition & conditioning; four decades of applied training science.
View full profile →Dr. Lindsey Faucette
DO, FAAFP
Board-certified in Family & Integrative Medicine; Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
View full profile →Francisco Chacon
PhD, Plant Biology
Botanical natural products & phytochemistry researcher, Penn State University.
View full profile →Meet the full Scientific Advisory Board →
How We Grade Consensus
For each benefit we retrieve the relevant peer-reviewed literature and classify every study by whether its findings support (Yes), partially or conditionally support (Possibly), or do not support (No) the claim. The donut shows the share of studies in each category; N is the number of studies analyzed for that benefit.
Grades reflect the weight and direction of the current evidence, not a guarantee of outcome, and the interpretation is verified by the Scientific Advisory Board.