Boost Libido, Sperm Count, Testosterone and Cognitive Health!
Cistanche, also called Rou Cong-Rong in Chinese, is an endangered wild desert plant. You can mainly find this herb in arid regions of northwestern China
Benefits of Cistanche
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Testosterone and Testicular Health
Researchers have observed increased levels of testosterone in rats after Cistanche treatment. Researchers have also observed increased activation of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones such as testosterone.
Cistanche has also reversed testicular damage caused by BPA toxicity in rodents. BPA is a chemical that has been used to make many plastics such as food containers since the 1950s. Studies have indicated that BPA exposure may lead to inhibitory effects on testosterone synthesis. -
Depression and Cognitive Health
Cistanche administration has improved several markers of depression in rodents such as lower levels of stress and higher dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical involved in feelings of motivation and pleasure.
A 2017 rodent study found that Cistanche lead to lower monoamine oxidase activity, which is an enzyme that inactivates dopamine and serotonin. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are generally used as antidepressant drugs.
Researchers have also found protective effects of Cistanche against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in rodents. -
Hair Loss
A 2015 clinical trial of Cistanche found an association with improvements in male-pattern baldness, dandruff and inflammation of the scalp.
More specifically, researchers observed a statistically significant increase in hair density and hair diameter after 16 weeks of Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica.
