Medicinal Plant - Cistanche

Cistanche (scientific name: Cistanche deserticola Ma), with aliases like Jiang Yun, Cun Yun, Congrong, and Chagan Gaoya (in Mongolian), is an endangered species. It is a tall herb, 40 - 160 cm in height, with most of it growing underground. Its flowering period is from May to June, and the fruiting period is from June to August. It is mainly produced in Xinjiang, Alxa League in Inner Mongolia, and is also distributed in Gansu and Ningxia.

Cistanche is a parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of Haloxylon ammodendron, a desert tree, drawing nutrients and water from its host. Renowned as the "Desert Ginseng," it has extremely high medicinal value and is a precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Historically, Cistanche was presented as a valuable tribute to the imperial court by the Western Regions and is one of the most frequently used tonic herbs in prescriptions for tonifying the kidney and strengthening yang.

 

Every April, Cistanche and Cynomorium songaricum enter their growth peak, which is also the peak period for illegal poaching. Driven by economic interests, some lawbreakers even obstruct law enforcement and have direct confrontations with law - enforcement officers.

 

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cistanche is considered sweet and salty in taste, warm in nature, and it pertains to the kidney and large intestine meridians. It has the effects of tonifying kidney yang, nourishing essence and blood, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as kidney yang deficiency, deficiency of essence and blood, impotence, infertility, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, lack of strength in the tendons and bones, and dry constipation of the intestines.

Medicinal Value

 

Since the 1980s, domestic and foreign researchers have conducted extensive studies on the components of Cistanche. Japan started relatively early. With the rapid development of separation, extraction, and detection technologies, various types of substances have been isolated from Cistanche. These substances mainly include phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, polysaccharides, more than a dozen amino acids, and various alkaloids. It is also rich in trace elements required by the human body. The total phenylethanol glycosides are the main active components in Cistanche, which have functions such as improving male sexual function, treating infertility due to cold uterus in women, anti - oxidation, anti - aging, enhancing immunity, and improving memory.

 

Enhancing Immunity: Cistanche can stimulate the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex or has effects similar to adrenal cortical hormones, regulating the body's immune function. It is a precious medicinal herb. The polysaccharide content in its extracts is relatively high, and the immune - enhancing effect of polysaccharides may play a major role in the tonifying and strengthening effects of Cistanche.

Anti - aging: In 1993, a piece of news broke out at the Geneva Annual Meeting of the International Medical Association: Chagaan Xire in Alxa League, China, was among the world - famous longevity villages. Suddenly, Chagaan Xire became the focus of attention. An investigation team composed of Chinese and foreign experts spent 4 months investigating this place. They found that in the village of Chagaan Xire (Gacha), with only 139 people, there were 4 centenarians, and the average life expectancy was 87.5 years. The incidence of common diseases such as hypertension, stomach diseases, kidney diseases, and prostatic hyperplasia was extremely low. The expert group found that it was related to the local residents' diet. Two of the key points were that people here were used to putting Cistanche in stewed mutton and drinking home - brewed Cistanche wine.

Improving Impotence and Premature Ejaculation: In the Tang Dynasty, "Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica" recorded that "Three qian of Cistanche, decocted three times and processed once, taken warm, can keep the male sexual function intact for life." Modern medicine has also confirmed this. Cistanche contains a large number of amino acids, cystine, vitamins, and minerals, which are of great benefit to male sexual organs such as the kidneys, testicles, penis, and corpora cavernosa. It can also effectively improve sperm motility and quality.

Anti - fatigue: In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the kidney stores essence, governs the bones and generates marrow, and is the fundamental source of physical strength. Long - term exercise and excessive fatigue can cause a decrease in blood testosterone, which is the main factor leading to a decline in physical performance and an extended recovery period. Cistanche can prevent and treat the decrease in blood testosterone caused by exercise, promote the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, accelerate fatigue recovery, and improve exercise ability. It can also reduce the

accumulation of blood lactate after a fixed - load exercise, accelerate its clearance, and improve the body's acid tolerance.

Protecting the Liver: Cistanche has multiple pharmacological activities, including protecting ischemic myocardium, lowering blood lipids, preventing atherosclerosis and thrombosis, reducing peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure, preventing fatty liver, and anti - tumor effects.

Protecting the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular System: Many people often feel cold hands and feet and are especially sensitive to the cold in late autumn. The total phenylethanol glycosides, the active ingredients in Cistanche, can improve microcirculation, soften blood vessels, and increase blood circulation in the heart, brain, and peripheral extremities, thus protecting the blood vessels and nervous system.

Moistening the Intestines and Detoxifying: In traditional Chinese medicine, Cistanche pertains to the kidney and large intestine meridians. It can tonify kidney yang to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation. The decoction of Cistanche - like drugs has an obvious laxative effect. It can improve intestinal peristalsis, inhibit the water absorption of the large intestine, and shorten the defecation time. It is highly effective for senile habitual constipation, constipation due to physical weakness, and postpartum constipation.

Pharmacological Effects

 

Tonifying Kidney Yang: Cistanche can tonify kidney yang and nourish essence and blood, and is an excellent herb for tonifying kidney yang. It is often used to treat symptoms such as impotence, premature ejaculation, and weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees caused by kidney yang deficiency and deficiency of essence and blood.

Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation: Cistanche can moisten the intestines and relieve constipation and is used to treat dry constipation of the intestines. Its moist texture can lubricate the intestines and promote intestinal peristalsis.

Nourishing Essence and Blood: Cistanche can regulate symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, insomnia, and forgetfulness caused by deficiency of essence and blood.

Strengthening Tendons and Bones: Cistanche can tonify the liver and kidney and strengthen the tendons and bones. It has a good therapeutic effect on symptoms such as weakness of the tendons and bones and muscle flaccidity caused by liver and kidney deficiency.

Regulating the Endocrine System: Cistanche can regulate the human endocrine system to a certain extent and improve endocrine disorders caused by kidney yang deficiency.

Cistanche and Constipation: A Gentle and Effective Remedy

 

One of the most common concerns among patients is constipation. In modern medicine, constipation is often caused by a combination of factors. An unbalanced diet lacking in dietary fiber, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and certain medications can all lead to this uncomfortable condition. The discomfort of constipation, including abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, can significantly affect one's quality of life. It can also have a negative impact on overall health, affecting digestion, nutrient absorption, and even mental well - being.

 

Cistanche offers a natural and gentle solution for constipation. It contains dietary fiber and other substances that play a crucial role in promoting healthy digestion. The dietary fiber in Cistanche can absorb water in the intestines, increasing the volume of feces and making them softer. This is especially important for those who struggle with hard and dry stools. When feces become softer, they are easier to pass through the intestines, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with constipation.

Moreover, Cistanche can stimulate intestinal peristalsis. It promotes the rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles, which helps move feces along the digestive tract. This gentle stimulation is different from the harsh effects of some chemical laxatives. Chemical laxatives may cause sudden and strong bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal cramps and potential electrolyte imbalances. In contrast, Cistanche acts gently, providing a more comfortable and sustainable way to relieve constipation without the risk of these harsh side effects. It is especially suitable for the elderly, those with sensitive digestive systems, or those who have had long - term problems with constipation.

 

Clinical studies have shown that Cistanche can effectively improve the symptoms of constipation. In a research involving a group of patients with chronic constipation, those who took Cistanche - based supplements for a certain period experienced a significant increase in the frequency of bowel movements and a decrease in the difficulty of defecation. Their overall quality of life was also improved as the discomfort of constipation was alleviated.

Origin and Evolution

 

Cistanche was first recorded in "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica." It is a fleshy plant, and its medicinal properties are mild and gentle, so it is named Cistanche. On November 9, 2023, Cistanche was included in the list of substances that can be used both as food and traditional Chinese medicine.

Textual Research on Herbs

 

In ancient herbal books, the production areas of Cistanche plants were widely distributed, mainly concentrated in Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and the production areas in Inner Mongolia and Gansu were considered the best, which is similar to the current production areas of Cistanche.

 

In ancient times, the medicinal use of Cistanche was rather chaotic. There was a situation of confusion and substitution with Orobanche and the roots of Trollius chinensis. These two were used as substitutes for Cistanche when it was in short supply, but their curative effects were inferior. Therefore, Cistanche was always the top choice in terms of quality.

 

The contraindications of Cistanche in ancient herbal books mainly focused on syndrome - based contraindications, which can be summarized into six points: ① It is contraindicated for diarrhea; ② It is contraindicated for those with kidney yin deficiency, excessive yang, and unstable spermatorrhea; ③ It should not be used by people with weak stomachs; ④ It is contraindicated for those with heart deficiency and qi stagnation; ⑤ It is contraindicated for constipation caused by excessive fire; ⑥ It should not be used in contact with copper or iron.

 

Many of the indications and efficacy recorded in ancient herbal books have not been included in "The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China." "The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" has deleted some of the descriptions of the properties, tastes, and meridian tropism of Cistanche and does not record its contraindications.

Records in Medical Classics

 

"Xinjiang Dayun": Tubular Cistanche can tonify the deficiency of kidney essence. Kidney essence deficiency is often caused by excessive sexual indulgence, or masturbation in adolescence, leading to a decline in the fire of the life - gate, deficiency of essence and qi, and coldness. It can also be caused by excessive worrying and depression, which damage the heart and spleen, or by fear - induced kidney damage. In some cases, it is due to the downward flow of damp - heat, causing the relaxation of the penis. However, the main cause is the decline of kidney yang. Kidney yang is the root of all yang qi in the body, which has functions such as warming the body, evaporating water, and promoting reproduction and development. When kidney yang declines, the warming function fails, and the qi - transformation function is impaired. Thus, symptoms such as fear of cold, cold limbs, and decreased sexual function occur. Therefore, men may experience impotence or weak erections, accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, palpitations, insomnia, pale complexion, and listlessness.

"Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica": It mainly treats five types of overstrain and seven types of debility, tonifies the middle - jiao, relieves pain and heat in the penis, nourishes the five internal organs, strengthens yin, enriches essence and qi, and treats abdominal masses in women. Long - term use can make the body light.

"Annotations to Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica": It can remove pathogenic factors in the bladder, relieve low back pain, and stop dysentery.

"Properties of Medicinal Herbs": It can nourish the marrow, improve complexion, prolong life, treat uterine bleeding in women, strengthen yang, and has great tonic effects. It also mainly treats red and white dysentery.

"Daily Use Materia Medica": It can treat male impotence, female infertility, moisten the five internal organs, increase muscle mass, warm the lower back and knees, and treat spermatorrhea, hematuria, urinary incontinence in men, and leukorrhea and vaginal pain in women.

"Explications of the Classic of Materia Medica": Boil Cistanche in white wine until it becomes soft and eat it all at once. It can treat constipation in the elderly.

"Explications of the Classic of Materia Medica": Cistanche is an important herb for nourishing the kidney and replenishing essence and blood. Its nature is slightly warm. It is a misunderstanding that it is considered hot. Its sweetness can clear heat and tonify the middle - jiao, its sourness can enter the liver, and its saltiness can nourish the kidney. When the yin of the liver and kidney is nourished, the excessive heat in the five internal organs will subside on its own, and the pain and heat in the penis will disappear. When the liver and kidney are sufficient, the essence and blood will increase day by day. When the essence and blood are abundant, fertility is promoted. For women's abdominal masses, which are diseases in the blood, when the blood is in good condition, the masses will naturally disappear. When the bladder is deficient, pathogenic factors will invade. With tonification, the pathogenic factors will disperse on their own, and the low back pain will stop. Long - term use can make people healthy and light. These are the effects of tonifying the liver and kidney and replenishing essence and blood. As for treating dysentery, it may be due to its lubricating property to guide stagnation. However, this is also a theory that is not necessarily proven.

"Compendium of Materia Medica": Cistanche is a medicine for nourishing the life - gate, replenishing kidney qi, and nourishing essence and blood. For men with coldness in the Danyuan (a concept in traditional Chinese medicine related to the kidney) and long - term impotence, and for women with disharmony in the thoroughfare and conception vessels and yin deficiency, this is a mild tonic. It is warm but not hot, tonifying but not harsh, warming but not dry, and lubricating but not causing diarrhea. Therefore, it is named "Congrong" (meaning gentle and unhurried).

"Annotations on Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica": In "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica," the statement that Cistanche can tonify the middle - jiao for overstrain is because the decline of fire in the kidney fails to generate earth (a concept in the theory of the five elements in traditional Chinese medicine), not due to the deficiency of the middle - qi itself. Treating women's abdominal masses is because its saltiness can soften hard masses and it acts on the blood. Cistanche can also stop spermatorrhea, enuresis, and relieve heat pain in the penis by guiding the downward movement of deficient fire. For the elderly with constipation, it is advisable to cook it into porridge and eat.

"Yuqiu's Explanation of Medicinal Herbs": Cistanche warms the lower back and knees, strengthens the bones and muscles, nourishes the essence and blood of the liver and kidney, and moistens the dryness of the intestines. When the feces are hard and small, like sheep feces, it is usually due to dampness in the spleen and stagnation of liver qi, which blocks the lower orifices. The food residues in the stomach cannot pass down smoothly, but are transported sporadically, resulting in hard - to - pass feces. All these are caused by the withering of liver qi and the inability of the liver to promote the movement of qi. Taking drugs like Rehmannia glutinosa and tortoise glue will increase the dampness in the spleen and further damage the middle - qi. Cistanche can nourish the liver, clear stagnation, nourish blood, and moisten dryness. It is good at lubricating the large intestine and excreting hard feces. Its nature is gentle and does not cause dampness to damage the spleen, which is beyond the reach of other moistening drugs. Medical books claim that it can nourish essence and marrow, improve complexion, prolong life, treat male impotence, and female infertility. These are not exaggerated claims.

"Justice of Materia Medica": The indications of Cistanche in "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" are mainly related to nourishing yin. Tonifying the middle - jiao for overstrain, nourishing the five internal organs, and strengthening yin are all the effects of nourishing yin. The pain and heat in the penis are symptoms of kidney deficiency and cold. Cistanche is thick and heavy, and it directly enters the kidney. It is warm and moist, without the harm of dryness and harshness. It can nourish essence and blood and unblock yang qi, so it can enrich essence and qi. Treating abdominal masses is because its saltiness can soften hard masses, it acts on the blood, and it can nourish yin and yang, making the qi and blood flow smoothly and unblocking blockages. "Annotations to Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" states that removing pathogenic factors in the bladder is also due to its warming and nourishing effect, which can eliminate the cold pathogenic factors in the bladder. The waist is the residence of the kidney. When the kidney is deficient, low back pain occurs. Cistanche can tonify the kidney, so it can treat low back pain. The "li" in the original text is now mostly regarded as "dysentery," which refers to dysentery with indigestion and stagnation,