Cistanche Deserticola is an herb from China used for health conditions and medical uses
Cistanche herb health benefit and side effects

The dried fleshy stems of Cistanche deserticola in known in China as Rou Congrong. In Japan, the species used is Cistanche salsa. Cistanche also grows in Mongolia. According to one Chinese researcher, "Rou Cong-rong" (Herba Cistanchis) is one of the commonly used drugs in Chinese traditional medicine. It is used to reinforce the vital function of kidney, especially that of the sexual organs and induce laxation, for the treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation in men, infertility, morbid leukorrhea, profuse metrorrhagia in women, and chronic constipation in the aged." We are not aware of specific human studies regarding the role of cistanche in erectile dysfunction as of April 2009.

Dr. Sahelian and his research staff have tested various doses and extracts of exotic herbs, including cistanche and Mucuna-Pruriens from a number or raw material suppliers to determine the ideal dose and combination for optimal sexual enhancement with fewest side effects. After years of trial and error, a proprietary blend with 20 herbal extracts, has been created which works within days. This unique blend is a close kept secret known only to Dr. Sahelian and his research staff. You will only find this exact combination in Passion Rx.

What's in Cistanche?
Several compounds have been isolated from Cistanche deserticola including cistanosides, beta-sitosterol, tubuloside, daucosterol, succinic acid, triacontanol, acteoside, betaine phenylethanoid glycosides, and polysaccharose.

What does the research say about Cistanche?
Studies in rodents show that administration of cistanche improves energy levels. Mice given cistanche are able to swim for longer periods. Many of the compounds found in cistanche have antioxidant properties and protect the liver from toxins.

Cistanche Aphrodisiac Properties
Cistanche has been used in Chinese medicine for sexual enhancement.

Side Effects of Cistanche
Increased body temperature has been noted.

Passion Rx product with Cistanche
Some of the herbs in Passion Rx include Ashwagandha herb, Catuaba, Cnidium herb, Horny Goat Weed herb, Muira Puama, Tribulus, Tongkat ali, and Yohimbe.

Cistanche study
Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity caused by Cistanche deserticola in rodents.
Lin LW. China Medical College, 91 Hsieh Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Dec;83(3):177-82.
In the present study, the rhizomes of Cistanche deserticola (Orobanchaceae) were extracted with 50% ethanol and isolated orderly by ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Cistanche deserticola extract and three layers were evaluated in several animal models. Cistanche deserticola extracts effectively inhibited writhing response induced by 1% acetic acid and biphasic licking responses caused by 1% formalin, and also reduced the edema induced by 1% carrageenan but not zymosan. Furthermore, the butanolic and aqueous layers of Cistanche deserticola extract not only reduced the pain induced by acetic acid and formalin, but also decreased the edema that induced by carrageenan. Effects of the butanolic layer of Cistanche deserticola extract are better than that of the aqueous layer. In addition, the effect of the butanolic layer of Cistanche deserticola extract was not abolished by naloxone. These results revealed that Cistanche deserticola has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and the butanolic and aqueous layers are mainly active constituents. Furthermore, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the butanolic layer of Cistanche deserticola extract were not related to opioid receptors and immune system.

Anti-oxidative action of the glycosides of Cistanche in the tissue of mice
Wang X, Li L. Xinjiang Medical College, Wulumuqi 830054.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Sep;23(9):554-5
To study the anti-oxidative action of Cistanche in the tissues of mice. Contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipofuscin in the heart, liver, brain and kidney of mice were measured, using pyrogallic acid, thiobarbi turic acid (TBA) and fluorescent technique respectively. It was found that the Cistanche (125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg) had a significantly higher SOD activity and lower MDA contents in brain and kidney than that in control group. GCS(250 mg/kg) enhanced SOD activity in the heart and liver, declined contents of MDA and lipofuscin in all tissues. The results suggest that Cistanche could increase the antioxidative action in vivo significantly and prevent lipoperoxidative damages in tissues.

Hepatoprotective activity of phenylethanoids from Cistanche deserticola.
Xiong Q. Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Planta Med. 1998 Mar;64(2):120-5.
Four phenylethanoids isolated from the stems of Cistanche deserticola, acteoside, 2'-acetylacteoside, isoacteoside and tubuloside B, significantly suppressed NADPH/CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Addition of them to primary cultured rat hepatocytes efficiently prevented cell damage induced by exposure to CCl4 or D-galactosamine (D-GalN). Acteoside further showed pronounced anti-hepatotoxic activity against CCl4 in vivo.