Cistanche

Herb

Herbal product derived mainly from Cistanche deserticola or Cistanche tubulosa. Preclinical claims span many systems, while high-quality human evidence is limited and preparation-specific. A recent small sponsor-supplied exercise trial requires independent replication.

Pharmacokinetic model

A route-level PK model for cistanche is being prepared from published data. Dosing references, studies, and documented interactions are below; the app catalog is updated as models are validated.

Key facts

Category: Herb
Suggested cadence: once daily

Research behind this entry

Effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Tao B, Lian W, Min R, Zhang X, Chen L, Hao S, Li Z, Ma C, Zhang H, Liu C · Nutrients, 2025 DOI
Forty-eight men were stratified by training status and randomized to a defined extract or placebo during eight weeks of resistance training. Several strength and biomarker outcomes favored the extract, but groups…
The role of Cistanches Herba and its ingredients in improving reproductive outcomes - A comprehensive review Li Z, Li J, Li Y, Guo L, Xu P, Du H, Lin N, Xu Y · Phytomedicine, 2024 DOI
Systematic review catalogued diverse Cistanche constituents and proposed reproductive mechanisms, but explicitly found that the underlying efficacy studies were conducted in animals or cells and called for high-quality…

2 published studies referenced in the app, each with a plain-language summary.