Xinjiang Cistanche: From Desert Treasure To Industrial New Favorite

What is the sacred nature of Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola?
In the vast and boundless desert of Xinjiang, a mysterious and precious plant grows -Cistanche deserticola. It is different from ordinary plants and cannot survive independently. It can only parasitize on the roots of red willows, absorbing the nutrients and water needed for growth from its host.
The plants of Cistanche deserticola are tall and can grow up to 1.6 meters, with most of them hidden underground and only a small part exposed above ground. Its stem is fleshy and cylindrical in shape, covered with a layer of pale yellow scales on the surface, like wearing a unique armor. Every April and May, Cistanche deserticola grows spike-like inflorescences from the ground, with flowers that are light purple or light yellow, appearing particularly delicate in the barren desert.

dragon herbs cistanche

Cistanche deserticola is also known as the "desert ginseng", which is not just a name for itself. It is an extremely precious traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional medicine, Cistanche deserticola has the effects of warming and tonifying kidney yang, filling lean marrow, moistening intestines, and promoting bowel movements. It has significant therapeutic effects on symptoms such as impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees caused by insufficient kidney yang and deficiency of essence and blood, as well as constipation caused by dryness of the intestines in the elderly. The "Shennong Bencao Jing" lists Cistanche deserticola as a top-grade herb, stating that it is known for its ability to nourish the five organs, strengthen the yin, nourish the essence and qi, produce more children, and treat women's ailments. It can also nourish the middle, relieve cold, heat, and pain in the stems, nourish the five organs, strengthen the yin, nourish the essence and qi, and alleviate women's health problems after prolonged use. Modern medical research has also shown that Cistanche deserticola is rich in various active ingredients, such as phenylethanoid glycosides, cyclohexene ether terpenes, polysaccharides, etc. These ingredients endow it with many health benefits such as antioxidants, anti-aging, immune enhancement, and improved sexual function.
Xinjiang: The main gold-producing area of Cistanche deserticola
Xinjiang, this vast land, can be regarded as the golden main production area of Cistanche deserticola, occupying a pivotal position in the planting map of Cistanche deserticola. The climate conditions in Xinjiang are unique, with long sunshine hours, large temperature differences between day and night, and vast deserts, providing a unique natural environment for the growth of Cistanche deserticola. The planting scale here is quite large. Up to now, the area artificially inoculated with Cistanche deserticola has reached about 1 million mu, forming three large-scale production areas in a concentrated and contiguous way around the Tarim Basin, Turpan Basin, and the Junggar Basin.
Hotan region, as one of the important production areas of Cistanche deserticola in Xinjiang, has become the main planting area of Cistanche deserticola due to its unique geographical environment on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The local Cistanche deserticola has a long history of cultivation, rich experience, continuously expanding planting area, and considerable yield. At the end of 2015, the planting area of Cistanche deserticola in Hotan had reached more than 500000 acres, and the quality of the produced Cistanche deserticola was excellent with a high content of active ingredients, which was highly favored in the market. The Cistanche deserticola from Yutian County, Minfeng County, and other places has become a local specialty agricultural product with excellent quality and is exported to various parts of the country.

Old Man and Cistanche deserticola

Qiemo County in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture has also achieved remarkable results in the field of Cistanche deserticola cultivation. Qiemo County has been exploring the cultivation of Cistanche deserticola under the red willow forest since 2007. After years of practice and development, it has successfully developed an industrialized desertification control model for Cistanche deserticola. As of now, Qiemo County has completed the inoculation of 103800 acres of Cistanche deserticola under the red willow forest. During the harvest season in November 2024, it is planned to excavate 42000 acres, with an expected yield of 680 tons. The Cistanche deserticola industry in Qiemo County has not only driven the development of the local economy but also made positive contributions to desertification control and ecological improvement.
In addition to Hotan Prefecture and Qiemo County, Turpan City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Aksu Prefecture, Kashgar Prefecture, and other places also have large areas of Cistanche deserticola cultivation. The Cistanche deserticola industry in these regions is flourishing, blooming throughout the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, forming a complete industrial chain from planting and cultivation, slicing and processing to the production and sales of traditional Chinese medicine, health products, and alcoholic beverages, with an annual output value of about 500 million yuan. As the main production area of Cistanche deserticola, Xinjiang produces more than 6000 tons of dried Cistanche deserticola medicinal materials annually, accounting for about 80% of the national output of Cistanche deserticola medicinal materials. It is undoubtedly the largest raw material base in China.

Cistanche deserticola florescence 

Policy momentum opens up a new chapter of development.
In the development process of the Cistanche deserticola industry, the guiding role of policies cannot be ignored. On November 17, 2023, the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation issued a heavyweight announcement to include Cistanche deserticola (desert) in the "Catalogue of Substances that are Traditionally Both Food and Chinese Medicinal Materials". This decision is of great significance and has opened up a new path for the development of the Cistanche deserticola industry.
Before this, due to the fact that Cistanche deserticola was not explicitly included in the list of edible and medicinal substances, its application in the food industry was subject to many restrictions. When developing Cistanche deserticola food, enterprises face difficulties such as unclear policies and complex approval processes, resulting in the market application of Cistanche deserticola mainly concentrated in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. With the introduction of this policy, Cistanche deserticola has gained a "dual identity" as a food and traditional Chinese medicine. Enterprises can legally apply it to the production, sales, and use of food, which means that a huge consumer market is about to be activated.
For Xinjiang, the main production area of Cistanche deserticola, this policy is undoubtedly a timely rain. Xinjiang has abundant resources of Cistanche deserticola, with the largest planting area and yield in the country. The relaxation of policies has brought unprecedented development opportunities for Cistanche deserticola enterprises in Xinjiang. Many enterprises have increased their investment and actively laid out in the field of Cistanche deserticola food, striving to seize the opportunity in this emerging market.
Enterprises forge ahead and explore new industrial opportunities.
Encouraged by policies, many enterprises in Xinjiang have joined the Cistanche deserticola industry, demonstrating strong development vitality and innovative spirit. Hotan Teichen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is one of the outstanding companies. As one of the early enterprises in Xinjiang to carry out deep processing of Cistanche deserticola, it has been preparing for its entry into the food industry several years ago with keen market insight. The company has established a professional R&D team, invested a large amount of funds and manpower, and conducted in-depth research on the composition and characteristics of Cistanche deserticola. After countless experiments and improvements, it has successfully developed multiple Cistanche deserticola foods. Nowadays, there are dozens of solid beverages, compressed candies, raw materials, formulated wines, and cosmetic products made from Cistanche deserticola as raw materials. These products are gradually being introduced to the market and have received widespread attention and love from consumers.
Yaman Co., Ltd. will focus its development on the cultivation of Cistanche deserticola and the extension of its industrial chain. The company currently owns 40000 acres of red willow forests and produces approximately 2000 tons of fresh Cistanche deserticola annually. The stable and abundant supply of raw materials provides a solid material foundation for its industrial transformation. To seize the significant opportunity of Cistanche deserticola entering the food industry, the company has decisively adjusted its focus of work and actively engaged in deep cooperation with Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With the help of scientific research from universities, the company has successfully developed marketable products such as solid beverages and Cistanche extract. At present, these products are undergoing packaging design and will be officially launched on the market around the Spring Festival. The goal of Yaman Co., Ltd. is very clear, which is to rely on its raw material advantages to comprehensively enter the field of Cistanche deserticola food, achieve a magnificent transformation from simple planting to deep processing, and create a modern Cistanche deserticola processing enterprise with a full industry chain.

Planting of Cistanche deserticola

Yang Fan, General Manager of Xinjiang Songchun Weiyao Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd., is full of confidence in the future of the Cistanche deserticola industry. He believes that in the next decade, the Cistanche deserticola industry will usher in another golden period of development. To occupy a place in the fierce market competition, the company has formulated a long-term development strategy and continuously increased investment in product research and development, market expansion, and brand building. By collaborating with research institutions, the company is committed to developing more innovative and competitive Cistanche products, enhancing their technological content and added value; In terms of market expansion, actively explore domestic and international markets, strengthen cooperation with distributors and retailers, and establish a sound sales network; At the same time, we focus on brand building and enhance brand awareness and reputation through advertising, participation in exhibitions, and other means.
The cooperation between Cele County in Xinjiang and Zhiqi Health Industry (Shandong) Group Co., Ltd. has injected a strong impetus into the development of the Cistanche deserticola industry. As a national high-tech enterprise, Zhiqi Health Group has been deeply rooted in the field of traditional Chinese medicine for many years, relying on the research and innovation achievements of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. This time, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement worth 220 million yuan to jointly launch the China Xinjiang Cistanche Industry and Big Health Industry Development Base project and unveiled the Xinjiang Cistanche Joint Research Center. In the cooperation, both parties will carry out comprehensive and in-depth cooperation in the research and development of functional foods and industrial technology optimization of Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola, guided by technological innovation, to promote the transformation and development of Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola industry from selling raw materials to selling products and branding. Zhiqi Health Group plans to invest in the construction of the Xinjiang Cistanche Industry Key Technology and Functional Food R&D Center, Xinjiang Organic Cistanche Production Base, China Xinjiang Cistanche Industry Exhibition and Development Center, and China Xinjiang Large Health Industry Product and Cistanche Product Production Base in Cele County. Through a series of project constructions and technological innovations, we aim to build Cele County into a new highland for the Cistanche industry in Xinjiang and even the whole country.
Scientific research assistance, breaking through development bottlenecks
The intervention of scientific research forces has provided strong intellectual support and technical support for the development of the Cistanche deserticola industry in Xinjiang. The doctoral service team of Central South University of Forestry and Technology is an important force among them. As an important part of the "Red Pomegranate" Hunan Aid to Xinjiang Science and Technology Special Mission, this team of 8 food related PhDs and Masters traveled thousands of miles to Turpan City, Xinjiang to conduct in-depth research on the current situation and development challenges of the Cistanche deserticola industry.
Huang Jin, Deputy Director of Turpan Science and Technology Bureau, introduced that large-scale cultivation of Cistanche deserticola in Turpan has a history of nearly a hundred years, with a current distribution area of about 190000 acres. However, with the development of the industry, some problems have gradually become prominent. Yang Fan, the general manager of Xinjiang Songchun Weiyao Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd., admitted that there are currently problems in the Cistanche deserticola industry, such as variety confusion, planting difficulties, and processing shortcomings, which seriously restrict the further development of the industry. The arrival of the doctoral service team is like a timely rain, bringing hope for solving these problems.
During the aid to Xinjiang, members of the doctoral team went deep into multiple planting bases and conducted detailed research on Cistanche deserticola. They isolated multiple varieties of Cistanche deserticola and brought the samples back to the laboratory for cleaning, slicing, drying, and detailed recording of their growth status and quality characteristics. In the future, they will conduct in-depth research on the special bioactive ingredients in Cistanche deserticola and their deep processing, aiming to enhance the added value of Cistanche deserticola products through technological innovation.
Professor Ren Jiali, the leader of the doctoral team and dean of the School of Food Science and Engineering at Central South University of Forestry and Technology, suggested that by establishing industry-university research bases, strengthening research and promotion of the edible and medicinal mechanisms of Cistanche deserticola, using technological means to establish industry standards, enriching product forms, and thus assisting in the upgrading of the agricultural product industry. During their stay in Xinjiang, the doctoral team signed cooperation agreements and awarded licenses to three local units, fully utilizing the talent resources and technological advantages of universities, empowering the high-value utilization of high-quality agricultural products such as Turpan in Xinjiang through technological innovation, and helping to create high-quality and unique regional brands and industries.
In addition to the research conducted by the doctoral team, industry-university research cooperation also plays a key role in the Cistanche deserticola industry in Xinjiang. The School of Pharmacy at Jinan University has partnered with Xinjiang Wolin Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. to establish a production university research integration base. The college leverages its professional advantages to guide the construction of Cistanche deserticola bases and research on standardized planting techniques and collaborates to apply for and complete scientific and technological projects. Since 2012, Associate Professor Ma Zhiguo of the college has visited Xinjiang 8 times, going deep into towns and villages along the desert and conducting 7 sessions of over 20 training sessions on the planting technology of Cistanche deserticola. He has provided on-site training and planting technology demonstrations for farmers and herdsmen along the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert, with a total of 1500 farmers and herdsmen participating in the training. Through this training and guidance, farmers and herdsmen have mastered scientific planting methods and improved the yield and quality of Cistanche deserticola. Xinjiang Wolin Company has also continued to grow and develop through cooperation with universities. Currently, it has the largest Cistanche deserticola breeding base in the country, covering an area of 1 million acres.
In the cooperation between Cele County, Xinjiang, and Zhiqi Health Industry (Shandong) Group Co., Ltd., both sides jointly unveiled the establishment of the Xinjiang Cistanche Joint Research Center. The research center gathers the scientific research team of Professor Gu Xiaohong from the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the team of Dr. Yuan Xiaofan from the Institute of Process, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is committed to carrying out in-depth research on functional food, industrial technology optimization, and other aspects, promoting scientific and technological innovation and research and development of Cistanche deserticola industry, and providing strong technical support for the sustainable development of the industry.

cistanche supplement near me 

Click here to view Cistanche for Kidney disease products

【Ask for more】 Email:cindy.xue@wecistanche.com / Whats App: 0086 18599088692 / Wechat: 18599088692

The future is promising, let's go to the spring of Cistanche together.
Looking ahead to the future, the development prospects of the Cistanche deserticola industry in Xinjiang are bright. With the continuous growth of market demand, the industrial scale of Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola is expected to further expand. More and more companies will be involved, and the planting area and output will continue to rise. The trend of product diversification will become increasingly evident. In addition to existing traditional Chinese medicine, health products, food, etc., more innovative products may emerge, such as Cistanche cosmetics, Cistanche biological products, etc., to meet the needs of different consumers.
In terms of brand building, the Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola industry will also usher in breakthroughs. Many enterprises will pay more attention to brand building, and create a group of well-known and reputable Cistanche deserticola brands through improving product quality, strengthening publicity and promotion, optimizing brand image, and other methods. These brands will not only occupy a place in the domestic market but also gradually move towards the international market, making the brand of Xinjiang Cistanche renowned worldwide.
With the joint promotion of policy support, enterprise advancement, and scientific research assistance, the Xinjiang Cistanche deserticola industry has ushered in spring. I believe that in the near future, the Cistanche deserticola industry in Xinjiang will become an important pillar industry to promote local economic development, increase farmers' income, and improve the ecological environment. It will shine even brighter in the wave of development in the new era.