To Summarize: Clinical research has found associations between Cistanche supplementation and imprved mood, increased testosterone, increased progesterone, improvements in those suffering from erectile dysfunction, improved sperm health and positive effects on male pattern baldness.
Cistanche supplements are derived from the Cistanche plant, a parasitic plant known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine. Noted for growing in arid regions and often found in the deserts of China and Mongolia, Cistanche is revered for its health benefits.
Key benefits often attributed to Cistanche supplements include…
- Enhancing immune function
- Improving sexual health
- Boosting energy levels
- Having anti-aging effects
- Supporting cognitive health
- Having neuroprotective properties.
This article will highlight five scientific studies whose results support these claims.
STUDY 1: Erectile Function.
Objective: The primary aim was to assess how Cistanche deserticola extract influences the erectile response in rats.
Key findings:
- Erectile Response Improvements
- Luteinizing Hormone Regulation
The study suggests that Cistanche has potential to positively influence erectile dysfunction and hormonal balance.
STUDY 2: Sperm Quality.
Objective: The aim was to determine how Cistanche tubulosa extract impacts hormone levels and the activity of enzymes involved in steroid hormone synthesis in rats.
Key Findings:
- Hormonal Effects: The study found that the extract significantly increased blood levels of testosterone and progesterone. Both of these hormones play vital roles in male reproductive health.
- Sperm Parameters Improvement: These changes indicate a positive effect on overall sperm health and fertility potential.
- Activation of Steroidogenic Enzymes: Enhanced activity of these enzymes suggests a boosted capacity for hormone production.
The study indicates that Cistanche supplementation has a positive effect on male reproductive parameters, including enhancing hormone levels, improving sperm count and motility, reducing abnormal sperm, and activating key enzymes in steroid biosynthesis.
STUDY 3: Mood.
Objective: The aim was to evaluate the potential antidepressant effects of Cistanche tubulosa in mice.
Key Findings:
- Cognitive and Mood Improvements: Mice treated with Cistanche exhibited an enhanced ability in spatial learning and memory. This suggests that the extract may have a positive impact on cognitive functions, which are often impaired in individuals suffering from depression.
- Monoamine Oxidase Activity: The inhibition of this enzyme is a common mechanism of action for many antidepressant drugs.
- Dopamine Concentration: There was an upregulation of dopamine concentration in the brain. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation, and its increased levels are often targeted in the treatment of depression.
- Corticosterone Levels: The extract led to downregulated blood levels of corticosterone. Corticosterone is a stress biomarker, and its reduced levels indicate a potential alleviation of stress, which is closely linked to depression.
The study indicates that Cistanche has potential antidepressant effects, as evidenced by improvements in cognitive functions, regulation of mood-related neurotransmitters, and reduction of stress indicators.
STUDY 4: Sperm Health.
Objective: The study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of Cistanche supplementation against damage to testicular structure and sperm caused by toxic substances, specifically focusing on BPA induced toxicity.
Key Findings:
- Normalization of Testosterone Levels: Testosterone is crucial for male reproductive health, and its normalization indicates a positive impact on hormonal balance.
- Improvement in Sperm Characteristics and Testicular Structure: The study observed a reversal of abnormalities in sperm characteristics and testicular structure after treatment with Cistanche.
- Increase in Steroidogenic Enzymes: There was an increase in the activity of steroidogenic enzymes, which are involved in the production of steroid hormones like testosterone.
- Implications for Protecting Against BPA Effects: The results suggest that Cistanche tubulosa might offer protective benefits against the adverse effects of everyday BPA exposure, particularly in terms of male reproductive health.
This study demonstrates that Cistanche supplementaiton may have protective effects against testicular and sperm damage induced by BPA.
STUDY 5:
Objective: The aim was to investigate the potential benefits of echinacoside in Cistanche extracts on the reproductive health of male diabetic rats, focusing on anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
Key Findings:
Testosterone Levels: There was a significant increase in testosterone levels.
Restoration of Testosterone Synthesis Pathway: The study demonstrated that Cistanche could restore the testosterone synthesis pathway.
Improvement in Metabolic Parameters: Treatment also showed improvements in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Leptin Resistance and Lipid Peroxidation: The study found that Cistanche improved leptin resistance, enhancing the body’s responsiveness to leptin, a hormone involved in regulating food intake and body fat storage.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Benefits: The findings suggest that Cistanche not only increases testosterone levels but also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The study indicates that echinacoside in Cistanche tubulosa extracts can enhance testosterone levels and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in the context of diabetic male reproductive health. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic value of echinacoside, particularly in addressing reproductive issues associated with diabetes.
CISTANCHE COULD BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF…
- You want to improve erectile function
- You want to improve blood flow to your reproductive organs
- You want to improve sperm quality
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