Desert hyacinth

desert plant that lacks chlorophyll and obtains nutrients and water from the host plants whose roots it parasitizes.

shown to restore levels of neurotransmitters.

has antidepressant effects, increases dopamine.

has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in relation to male reproductive function.

improves blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and lipid peroxidation in diabetics.

increases glutathione levels and is extremely good at repairing your heart.

extracts of this can improve cognitive function and memory in patients with Alzheimer’s.

potentially protects against ischemic strokes.

has been shown to increase sperm count, sperm motility, and decrease abnormal sperm.

can increase testosterone and progesterone levels.

has shown potential in improving walking ability.

popular tonic herb in TCM, used to heal the kidneys, nourish blood and essence, and treat kidney deficiency.

Cistanche tubulosa has been shown to have anti-aging effects, potentially extending lifespan and improving cognitive function.

may promote hair growth and relieve dandruff and scalp inflammation.

can also enhance the activity of natural killer cells, and increase the production of T cells and B cells.

an active ingredient in Cistanche, Echinacoside, has been shown to stimulate growth hormone secretion.

Improved learning activity

The active ingredients can achieve this through anti-apoptosis activity, preventing aging of the brain cells and increasing the number of brain neurotransmitters. They are also capable of preventing cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. 

Anti-aging properties

The phenylethanoid glycosides are reported to have immense antioxidative properties compared to that of any other plant. The radical hydroxyl present in the herb cistanche has been found to have scavenging effects that help to protect the DNA molecules. 

Treating arthritis

The active glycosides in herb cistanche herb increase to significant amounts levels of hyaluronidase are thereby reversing the effects of arthritis and premature aging. 

Anti- fatigue effects

The glycosides in the cistanche tubulosa act by eliminating the excess lactic acid from the muscles thereby reducing their fatigue.

Improved sexual activity

Phenylethanoid glycosides that are the essential ingredients of cistanche tubulosa have been reported to induce increased sexual activity also known as the aphrodisiac effect. The active compounds were able to increase the sexual activity of a stress-induced libido loss. Cistanche tubulosa having a higher amount of the active ingredient is considered to more efficient. It is responsible for improved fertility among women and also increases male hormone production through enzymatic actions. It is also known to influence hormone level in women therefore treating cases of irregular menstruation that is as a result of hormonal imbalances. 

Increased metabolism

Cistanche tubulosa has been shown to increase the rate of lipid metabolism that has a significant effect of reducing the blood cholesterol in humans. The herb is also known for its role in reducing cases of constipation among the older people.

Hair loss

A recent study found a combination of Cistanche Tubulosa and Laminaria Japonica Extracts to be promising substances for promoting health of the scalp and hair treatment.