Cistanche Benefits: Energy, Anti-Aging & Anti-Depression Properties

Cistanche benefits include support for issues with fatigue, depression, concentration, memory, kidney deficiency, impotence, and female infertility.

Cistanche tubulosa is an impressive herb that has long been known for its potential in improving energy and lowering fatigue. It is also showing significant promise as support for reducing depressive symptoms through its ability to help restore the homeostasis of gut microbiota. At Linden Botanicals, we consider it a powerhouse.

Linden Botanicals sells all-natural Cistanche herbal extract in our online store.

Cistanche Benefits: Energy and Anti-Fatigue

Today, Cistanche is widely accepted as an herbal support for fatigue, as well as deficits in attention, concentration, memory, development, or learning. It supports energy, awareness, memory, healthy immune response, endocrine health, brain health and sexual health. The extract may also provide support for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cistanche is a fascinating herb with energy support and anti-fatigue properties, primarily due to its rich content of bioactive compounds.  Here are key Cistanche benefits:

1. Adaptogenic Properties: Cistanche contains phenylethanoid glycosides, such as echinacoside and acteoside, which show adaptogenic effects. These compounds can help the body adapt to stressors, thereby reducing fatigue and enhancing energy levels.
2. Immunomodulatory Effects: Research suggests that Cistanche may modulate the immune system, potentially enhancing overall vitality and reducing fatigue indirectly by supporting immune function.
3. Neuroprotective Activity: Components like phenylethanoid glycosides and polysaccharides found in Cistanche have neuroprotective properties that may indirectly contribute to combating fatigue and promoting energy.
4. Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: Cistanche herbal extract has been found to enhance mitochondrial function, which is crucial for cellular energy production. This could directly contribute to increased energy levels and reduced fatigue.
5. Gut Microbiota Regulation: Recent studies suggest that Cistanche may positively influence gut microbiota composition. Since gut health is linked to overall energy levels and fatigue, this could be an important yet often overlooked aspect of its benefits.
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is often associated with fatigue. Cistanche contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its fatigue-reducing effects.
7. Regulation of Metabolic Function: Some studies suggest that Cistanche may have beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, potentially improving energy metabolism and reducing fatigue associated with metabolic disorders.

Cistanche Anti-Depression Properties

A recent article in Frontiers in Pharmacology addresses lesser-known Cistanche benefits, including the antidepressant-like effects of Cistanche herbal extract through restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis.

As the authors note, “Growing evidence shows that neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, are linked with gut microbiome through the gut–brain axis. Cistanches Herba is well known for the treatment of “kidney-yang” deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and has been used for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in recent years.”

The authors further note that “[T]hese results identify [Cistanche] as a potential treatment for depressive symptoms by restoring homeostasis of gut microbiota for microbiota–gut–brain axis disorders, opening new avenues in the field of neuropsychopharmacology.”

While primarily known for its energy support properties, Cistanche has also been studied for its potential in managing depression and mood disorders. Here are some of the anti-depression benefits of Cistanche:

1. Neuroprotective Effects: Cistanche contains bioactive compounds like phenylethanoid glycosides and polysaccharides, which have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. By protecting neurons from damage and promoting neural health, Cistanche may help alleviate symptoms of depression.
2. Regulation of Neurotransmitters: Some studies suggest that Cistanche extracts may modulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters play key roles in regulating mood, and their dysregulation is associated with depression. By balancing neurotransmitter levels, Cistanche may exert antidepressant effects.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of depression. Cistanche contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and mitigate depressive symptoms.
4. Enhanced Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression: BDNF is a protein that promotes the growth and maintenance of neurons. BDNF is often decreased in people with depression. Some research suggests Cistanche may increase BDNF expression, which could contribute to its antidepressant effects by supporting neuronal growth and plasticity.
5. Antioxidant Activity: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Cistanche contains antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the brain, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms.

Cistanche Benefits: Anti-Aging Properties

In recent years, Cistanche has gained a lot attention for its potential anti-aging properties, which are attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds. Here are some of the potential anti-aging benefits of Cistanche:

1. Antioxidant Activity: Cistanche contains antioxidants such as phenylethanoid glycosides, polysaccharides, and echinacoside, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By reducing oxidative stress and damage to cells, these antioxidants may slow down the aging process and promote overall health and longevity.
2. Immunomodulatory Effects: As we age, our immune function tends to decline, making us more susceptible to infections and diseases. Cistanche benefits include its ability to modulate the immune system, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity. By bolstering immune function, it may help maintain health and vitality as we age.
3. Neuroprotective Properties: Components found in Cistanche, such as phenylethanoid glycosides, have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. By protecting neurons from damage and promoting neural health, Cistanche may support cognitive function and help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is associated with various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Cistanche contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and mitigate the aging process.
5. Hormonal Regulation: Some research suggests that Cistanche may have hormonal regulatory effects, including increasing levels of testosterone and estrogen. Balanced hormone levels are essential for maintaining vitality and overall health as we age.

So What Exactly Is Cistanche?

Cistanche is the dried succulent stems of Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa. Well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it’s used to provide support for issues with lack of energy, concentration, physical debility associated with chronic illness, kidney deficiency, impotence, and female infertility. The Chinese name for Cistanche is Rou Cong Rong.

Cistanche is a parasitic flowering plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It’s native to arid regions of Central Asia, including parts Mongolia. In its natural habitat, Cistanche typically grows in sandy or rocky soils, often in desert or semi-desert areas. It is well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions, including high temperatures, low rainfall, and intense sunlight.

Cistanche was originally recorded in the Classic of Herbal Medicine, a well-known book on medicinal plants written between about 200 and 250 AD, as an herb that can regulate “five (viscera) strains and seven (overeating, anger, moisture, cold, worry, wind and rain, and fear) impairments.”

Learn More About All-Natural Cistanche

Cistanche shows a broad range of neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), the main active components of Cistanche, possess a broad range of pharmacological activities, such as neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-oxidative.

Linden Botanicals sells all-natural Cistanche herbal extract in 50-serving boxes as OOMPH! Energy Support. We also sell Cistanche as an herbal extract in 100-500 serving sizes. To learn more about Cistanche benefits, start with the Cistanche FAQ.