Cistanche;a herb with Anticancer and Adaptogenic Effects
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Cistanche tubulosa is an adaptogenic herb known for helping to enhance cognitive abilities such as learning and memory. It is also valued for its anti-aging properties, its anti-fatigue properties, its antidepressant properties, and its potential for improving sexual health by increasing testosterone.
What are the benefits?
Anticancer Properties:One laboratory study found that Cistanche inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells by 60% within just 72 hours of treatment. This included cancerous cells that had metastasized. In mouse studies, Cistanche stimulated the immune system, increasing levels of cancer-fighting CD8+ T cells.
This 2018 study shows that cistanche tubulosa phenylethanoid glycosides induce cell death and could suppress the growth of esophageal melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
Another study conducted in 2020 found that Echinacoside, a small molecule derived from the natural herbs Cistanche and Echinacea, shows effective anticancer abilities.
Adaptogenic Effects:
Cistanche tubulosa extract has an adaptogenic effect which increases the body's resistance to physical and mental stress.
Adaptogens work to counteract the effects of stress in the body.
Extreme stress can result in serious physical changes, such as damaging the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems.
Adaptogens have stimulant effects that help to offset the negative consequences of this.
Studies have shown that CTE improves the general condition of animals suffering from chronic fatigue, cold exposure, and aging by reducing oxidative damage in organs such as the liver, heart, and brain tissues.
CTE is also able to increase the lifespan of mammals, and it has been used to decrease fatigue in athletes.
Improves Brain Function:
When it comes to the benefits of Cistanche tubulosa, this herb's abilities to increase memory and focus are truly remarkable.
Due to its neuroprotective properties, Cistanche tubulosa has the potential to enhance learning and memory capabilities. Its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic properties work in concert to help activate brain cells and improve memory power as well as the physical state of the body.
One particular study showed that a dose-dependent improvement in short-term working memory was noted after taking a Cistanche tubulosa extract.
Another study also concluded that there were significant improvements in attention, executive function, and processing speed in participants after taking Cistanche tubulosa extract.
An amazing benefit of this herb is its ability to improve memory recall which can be helpful for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other conditions that cause memory loss.
Cistanche tubulosa appears to exert positive effects on neuronal regeneration by promoting neurite growth in primary neurons.
A study conducted on mice showed that Cistanche tubulosa extract improved cognitive function and reduced neuronal damage following ischemic injury.
Cistanche tubulosa extract has even shown positive effects in supporting the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.