Cistus

Otros Nombres

AladaniaBrown-eyed RockroseCisteCiste à gommeCiste blanchâtreCiste de CorseCiste de CrèteCiste ladanifèreCiste porte-labdanumCiste roseCisto di CretaCisto ladaniferoCisto rossoCistus albanicusCistus creticusCistus creticus subsp. corsicusCistus creticus subsp. eriocephalusCistus incanusCistus incanus subsp. corsicusCistus incanus subsp. creticusCistus ladaniferCistus ladaniferusCistus polymorphusCistus psilosepalusCistus villosusCommon Gum CistusCretan Rock-roseCrimson-spot RockroseErythrocistusEstepa menorquinaEstevaGum CistusGum RockroseHairy RockroseHalimiocistusHalimiumHoary Rock-roseJaraJara machoJara pringosaKistharosKisthosKistosKretische ZistroseLabdanumLack-ZistroseLadaniaLadaniumLadanoLadano del PortogalloLadanumLadenLedoniaLibanotisMontpelier Rock-roseMontpellier CistusPink Rock-roseRhodocistusRock-roseRockroseRosolaSalvia CistusStegitrisStephanocarpusStrobonSun RoseWhite RockroseXistarkaZistrose

Sinopsis

Cistus: A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Botanical Description

Cistus is a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Cistaceae, native to the Mediterranean basin. It is a Mediterranean-native genus of shrubs that can grow during hot summers and after wildfires, with species most widespread in the Mediterranean region, whilst some of them are endemic. The name Cistus derives from the Greek word kistos, meaning "basket" or "box," possibly alluding to the shape of its fruit; in English it is simply translated as "rockrose."

Two species dominate scientific, dietary supplement, and ethnomedicinal interest:

Cistus incanus L. (syn. Cistus × incanus, Cistus creticus), commonly known as hairy rockrose, pink rockrose, or hoary rockrose. The taxonomy of Cistus species may be difficult because plants in this genus tend to cross between species and form hybrids; for example, C. incanus is regarded as a hybrid of Cistus albidus and Cistus crispus, and Cistus creticus is considered a subtype of C. incanus. The plant reaches 1–3 feet in height; its grey-green leaves are ovate-lanceolate to elliptic, measuring roughly ½ to 1 inch long; the branches and sometimes the leaves are hairy and sticky; and the flowers have five petals, are pink to purple, and bloom for only one day.
Cistus ladanifer L. (syn. Cistus ladaniferus), commonly known as gum rockrose, labdanum, common gum cistus, or brown-eyed rockrose. It is a shrub growing 1–2.5 m tall and wide; the leaves are evergreen, lanceolate, 3–10 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, dark green above and paler underneath; the flowers are 5–8 cm in diameter, with five papery white petals usually bearing a red to maroon spot at the base; the whole plant is covered with a sticky, fragrant resinous exudate — the source of labdanum, used in herbal medicine and perfumery. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1753; the species epithet "ladanifer" refers to the production of labdanum, a distinctive characteristic of the species.

Other notable species within the genus include Cistus salviifolius, Cistus laurifolius, Cistus monspeliensis, and Cistus albidus, each also studied for bioactive phytochemistry. Cistus species are perennial shrubs native to the Mediterranean area, known in folk medicine for their role against different disorders and as anti-infective agents.

1.1 Labdanum

Labdanum, also called ladanum, ladan, or ladanon, is a sticky brown resin obtained from the shrubs Cistus ladanifer (western Mediterranean) and Cistus creticus (eastern Mediterranean); it was historically used in herbal medicine and is still used in the preparation of some perfumes and vermouths. The leaves of C. ladanifer yield a fragrant oleoresin known as labdanum, used in perfumes, especially as a fixative. Cistus ladanifer is a dominant shrub species endemic to the western Mediterranean region; due to its dominant nature and its potential ecological, aromatic, or pharmacological applications, it has been the object of numerous studies.

1.2 Common Forms and Preparations

Several investigations have focused on aqueous and semi-organic extracts from Cistus incanus L., marketed as herbal infusions and dietary supplements. A selective extract designated CYSTUS052 was developed from a distinct variety of C. incanus with a polyphenol content of more than 26%; this variety is the main ingredient in several products including cream, tea, syrup, bio-pastilles, decoction, salve, and food supplements.

Additional preparation forms reported in the literature include:

Herbal infusion (tea): dried leaves or aerial parts steeped in hot water — the most traditional and most widely studied oral form.
Standardized extract (e.g., CYSTUS052): polyphenol-concentrated decoctions or tablets used in clinical studies.
Tincture: a tincture involves extracting the active constituents of the herb in alcohol, providing a concentrated dose of the herb's beneficial properties, often used for more acute treatment of infections and skin ailments.
Capsules/tablets: capsules containing cistus powder offer a convenient way to incorporate the herb into the daily diet without the herbal taste.
Topical preparations: creams and salves derived from Cistus extracts, used for skin conditions.
Essential oil and labdanum resin: obtained from C. ladanifer and used predominantly in perfumery and aromatherapy.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Plants of the genus Cistus have been widely used in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries; rock-rose has been recommended for skin wounds, respiratory inflammation, circulatory and urinary disease, and diabetes; its extracts have also been used for gastrointestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, and diarrhea.

2.1 Ancient and Classical Antiquity

The use of rockrose (Cistus incanus) in traditional medicine can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was valued for its ability to treat various ailments; the resin known as labdanum was used in ancient Egypt as an ingredient in incense and perfumes and was believed to have medicinal properties, including as a treatment for coughs and colds. In ancient times, labdanum was collected by combing the beards and thighs of goats and sheep that had grazed on the cistus shrubs. Cistus ladaniferus is a shrub found throughout the Mediterranean region that has been used for 3,000 years in perfumery for the gum it secretes in summer.

2.2 Mediterranean Folk Medicine (Multiple Cultures)

Decoctions from plant leaves, flowers, or aerial parts have served as effective remedies against microbial infections, skin inflammations, pain, constipation, rheumatism, snakebites, wounds, urinary diseases, and disorders. In folk medicine, Cistus tea was used to treat diarrhea, fever, and skin disorders; it was also used for its antioxidant and antispasmodic properties, wound healing, and ulcers, and as a vasodilator.

Cistus was used in ancient Greece as a wound healer and a beauty product; in Moroccan traditional medicine, Cistus tea has long been used to maintain a healthy mouth and throat; in traditional herbal medicine, the leaves of Cistus have been used to treat skin and inflammatory diseases. In Morocco, Cistus creticus has been used for the treatment of diabetes.

Its historical use in traditional Mediterranean medicine covers respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, skin conditions, nervous system disorders, and use as an anti-inflammatory remedy. The Spanish Inventory of Traditional Knowledge Related to Biodiversity has reported its widespread dermatological application as an antiseptic and wound-healing agent, and also its use for acne treatment; apart from skin applications, other medicinal properties are attributed to this species, particularly for the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, with infusions of dried material and herbal teas used for colds, coughs, throat irritations and for indigestion and stomach ache, respectively.

The species C. ladanifer has a long history of traditional use, with its seeds consumed raw as a snack or ground into flour for making cakes and breads, practices well documented in Spain; its phytochemistry and bioactivity are well documented, with it embedded in local practices in Morocco's Rif Mountains.

2.3 Preparation Methods in Traditional Practice

Folk medicinal usages have been versatile, ranging from use as an adjuvant for topical, allergy-related itching, to preventing and managing wounds caused by bacterial infections and mycosis; traditionally, aqueous decoctions from the aerial plant parts from spring have been used for this. It is now recognized that the preparation method, the temperature used, duration, and the type of water strongly influence phenolic compounds during cooking.

3. Phytochemical Composition: Key Constituents and Active Compounds

The main bioactive compounds which occur in C. incanus are polyphenols. Modern research has confirmed a rich phytochemical profile, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, fatty acids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its broad spectrum of bioactivities.

3.1 Polyphenols: Flavonoids

Flavonoids and tannins are the main groups of phenolic compounds found in C. incanus leaves or herb; flavonoids include derivatives of flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol) and their glycosides (myricitrin, quercitrin, hyperoside, tiliroside, and others), proanthocyanidins, and hydrolyzed tannins such as ellagitannins (punicalagin and cistusin). There are also numerous phenolic acids, including gallic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids, among others, determining the pro-health values of the plant material.

Major constituents of C. incanus found in LC-MS analysis include myricetin and its derivatives (myricitrin, myricetin, myricitrine pentoside) and catechin derivatives (epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin). Extracts from C. ladanifer contain mostly kaempferol glycosides and phenolic acids (gallic and ellagic acids) with a noticeably lower concentration of flavanol derivatives.

3.2 Tannins: Ellagitannins

C. incanus is a rich source of polyphenols (5.5–23%), especially ellagitannins (2.5–19%), among which punicalagin, cistusin, and terflavin A were the main representatives; flavonoids were the second most abundant group (1.2–2.3%), with myricitrin, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, hyperoside, and tiliroside. Turkish-origin products have been found to have higher ellagitannin content and a greater antioxidant effect (FRAP, ABTS) than Albanian and Greek products, while the flavonoid and phenolic acid contents and DPPH values were at similar levels in all products.

3.3 Terpenes, Diterpenes, and the Resin Fraction

Leaves and stems of all Cistus species contain essential oils (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) and brown resin, which mostly consists of labdane-type diterpenes. Terpenes were identified in C. ladaniferus and C. laurifolius; diterpenes were reported in C. monspeliensis, C. libanotis, C. villosus, and C. creticus; sesquiterpenes were detected in C. albidus.

Given that the fragrant exudate of C. ladanifer holds a very specific composition, one species-specific carotenoid derivative, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, has been proposed as an authenticity marker for uses of C. ladanifer in pharmacological or aromatic applications.

3.4 Additional Phytochemicals

Cistus sp. are rich in flavonoids, particularly from the group of flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin) and flavan-3-ols (catechins, gallocatechins, proanthocyanidins); additional phytochemicals found in Cistus aerial parts include terpenes, fatty acids, phytohormones, and vitamins.

Analysis by HPLC of the phenolic profile of hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts of different commercial samples proved that all samples were rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, gallic acid, rutin, and the most abundant compound in all samples is isoquercetin; however, there are differences in the content of other compounds identified depending on the extraction solvent — chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and syringic acid were not found in aqueous extracts — in addition to growing conditions, tissue maturity, and post-harvest treatment.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Antioxidant Activity

An imbalance between endogenous antioxidants and prooxidants is associated with the occurrence of oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), strongly correlated with the pathogenesis of non-communicable chronic diseases; polyphenols can quench ROS, chelate transition metals, trap reactive dicarbonyls, and, as a result, reduce lipid peroxidation and post-translational modification of proteins and lipoproteins, and protect DNA from interaction with a wide range of metabolites. An in-depth analysis of the composition of C. incanus indicated that all groups of polyphenols are involved in the antioxidant effect, but a significant contribution can be attributed to ellagitannins and flavonoids.

4.2 Antiviral Mechanisms

Antiviral activity of C. incanus extracts was shown to be highly selective for virus particles, preventing primary attachment of the virus to the cell surface and viral envelope proteins from binding to heparin; bioassay-guided fractionation indicated that Ci extract contains numerous antiviral compounds and therefore has a favorably low propensity to induce virus resistance; indeed, no resistant viruses emerged during 24 weeks of continuous propagation of the virus in the presence of Ci extracts.

4.3 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Condensed tannins from Cistus × incanus L., including peculiar galloylated trimers and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, are COX-2 inhibitors at low µM levels and show an anti-inflammatory effect in an in vivo model of TPA-induced ear edema. A proposed mechanism involves the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and the consequent release of IL-8, which are pro-inflammatory mediators with a recognized role in the pathogenesis of gastritis.

4.4 α-Glucosidase Inhibition

Among the compounds assayed, ellagitannins exhibited the highest activity towards α-glucosidase with nearly 100% inhibition; a considerable inhibitory effect could also be seen for phenolic acids (81.9% and 82.8% for ellagic and gallic acid, respectively) and tiliroside (73.6%); moderate values (30–40% inhibition) were calculated for myricitrin, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, and quercetin; kaempferol and hyperoside presented weaker inhibitory activity. The most powerful inhibitor identified was cistusin; ellagic acid, which is formed abundantly in the intestine by the biotransformation of ellagitannins, also proved to be an important inhibitor.

4.5 CRH-Receptor Blockade and Stress-Mediated Skin Signaling

Psychological stress exerts its effects mainly through the release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which activates inflammatory pathways in skin, resulting in redness, extracellular matrix degradation, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles — namely, accelerated skin aging; studies using a myricitrin-rich extract of C. incanus have proposed it as a solution to this neurogenic aging phenomenon. Results showed that a myricitrin-rich C. incanus extract can effectively block the CRH-R1 receptor, preventing NF-κB activation and the production of related pro-inflammatory cytokines.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Antiviral Activity

Preclinical evidence (in vitro and in vivo): The CYSTUS052 extract demonstrated the greatest antiviral action against influenza A (H7N7), achieving 90% inhibition in vitro, and in the in vivo model, mice treated with aerosols of Cistus extract were protected from infection; all experiments concluded on the safety of extracts without toxicity or adverse effects on systemic immune response or epithelial bronchiole cells, suggesting a direct interaction of polymeric polyphenols with viruses before infection, leading to prevention of cell absorption.

Clinical evidence: In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, 160 patients with infections of the upper respiratory tract were treated with the Cistus extract CYSTUS052; the extract contains a high percentage of highly polymeric polyphenols and had previously shown antiviral and antimicrobial activities in cell culture and a mouse model. A randomized controlled study showed that Cistus incanus extract was able to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in patients infected with both influenza A/B and other non-influenza pathogens. An earlier controlled observation study was performed on 53 patients who suffered from painful infection in the mouth and throat area and demonstrated the effectiveness of a Cistus extract; an open clinical randomized study also showed that treatment with Cistus was more effective in reducing the average duration and severity of symptoms in patients with upper respiratory tract infection than treatment with Camellia sinensis.

Evidence strength: The upper respiratory tract evidence is among the strongest for C. incanus, supported by at least one prospective RCT and multiple controlled studies. The available human trials are relatively small in scale and some used a proprietary extract (CYSTUS052), limiting generalizability.

5.2 Antiviral Activity against HIV and Filoviruses

Preclinical evidence (in vitro only): Cistus incanus herbal products inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in vitro; Ci extract inhibited clinical HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates, and importantly, a virus isolate with multiple drug resistances, confirming broad anti-HIV activity. Ci extracts also inhibited infection by virus particles pseudotyped with Ebola and Marburg virus envelope proteins, indicating that antiviral activity of Ci extract extends to emerging viral pathogens.

Evidence strength: This evidence is entirely preclinical (in vitro, cell culture). No human clinical trials have evaluated Cistus against HIV or filoviruses. The findings are scientifically significant but cannot be translated into clinical recommendations at this stage.

5.3 Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lipid Profile

Clinical evidence: A pilot study with 24 healthy volunteers was designed to determine if a 12-week administration of Cistus incanus herbal tea, containing phenolic acids and flavonoids, reduces cardiovascular risk factors including oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in healthy adults. Results showed that herbal infusion led to improvement in lipid profile by an increase (Δ4%, p = 0.033) in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and a decrease in triglyceride (Δ14%, p = 0.013) concentrations; the Cistus incanus diet was also associated with decreased serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (Δ16%, p < 0.01) and advanced oxidation protein products (Δ18%, p < 0.001).

Evidence strength: Preliminary. The sole available human study is a small (n=24), uncontrolled pilot study without a placebo comparator arm. The results are directionally supportive but far from conclusive.

5.4 Antioxidant Effects and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

The European Food Safety Authority recommends C. incanus as a natural source of antioxidants; its activity is essentially determined by polyphenols, although specific compounds are not finally indicated. C. incanus extracts showed a high capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase activity (IC50 125–145 µg/mL); ellagitannins were the most effective inhibitors (IC50 0.7–1.1 µM), with a potency exceeding acarbose (3.3 mM); C. incanus, due to the presence of ellagitannins and flavonoids, exhibits powerful antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

Evidence strength: In vitro data are robust and mechanistically consistent. The 12-week human pilot study provides some clinical support for reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers, but larger, controlled trials are needed.

5.5 Oral Health and Antibacterial Activity

Evidence: The Mediterranean plant Cistus incanus is rich in polyphenols and has shown several pharmacological activities, mainly antibacterial effects; in situ studies revealed that a C. incanus infusion reduces the initial bacterial adhesion in the oral cavity due to the polyphenols, suggesting that C. incanus might reduce the risk of caries disease. By means of diode array detection and mass spectrometry, 29 polyphenols, including ellagitannins, flavanols, and glycosylated flavonols, were identified.

Results proved apigenin, kaempferide, and acylated kaempferol glycosides (cis- and trans-tiliroside and their conjugates with p-coumaric acid) to be antibacterial components of C. incanus.

Evidence strength: Primarily in vitro and in situ (pellicle formation studies). No large clinical trials specifically targeting caries prevention have been conducted.

5.6 Gastrointestinal Health: Gastroprotection and Anti-Ulcer Activity

Preclinical (animal model) evidence: The antiulcer activity of a short-boiled aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus incanus was studied in rats against gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents (1N HCl and absolute ethanol), indomethacin, serotonin, and reserpine; the extract, containing bioflavonoids, was orally administered in the range from 0.25 to 0.50 g/kg; it was found to have significant dose-related protective effects in all these experimental models, and was more effective against reserpine- and serotonin-induced mucosal congestion and haemorrhagic ulcers; these data suggest that the active constituents of the crude extract could be responsible for its protective effect by maintaining an efficient gastric mucosal microvascular supply.

The bioactivity of hydroalcoholic extract from Cistus × incanus L. aerial part has been evaluated in gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) infected with the aggressive cag+ H. pylori strain 26695. Despite traditional use, the biological activity of Cistus spp. at the gastrointestinal level has been poorly investigated.

Evidence strength: Evidence is limited to animal models and in vitro cell studies. Robust human clinical data on gastrointestinal applications are lacking.

5.7 Skin Health, Wound Healing, and Anti-Aging

Preclinical evidence: Extracts and active compounds isolated from C. incanus and C. ladanifer were shown to possess several properties valuable for skin-protecting applications. Extracts from C. incanus prepared in 60% methanol contained the highest amounts of polyphenolic compounds.

Clinical evidence (topical): A double-blind clinical trial was performed on highly stressed panelists, evaluating skin inflammation and wrinkling — active formulation vs. placebo control, applied split-face following a computer-generated randomization scheme, with 36 subjects recruited and randomized. 30 subjects were analyzed; no adverse effects were recorded in this trial (EMA/INFARMED registration #118505).

Evidence strength: For topical skin applications, the evidence is emerging. The double-blind split-face trial is methodologically sound, but small (30 analyzed subjects), was internally funded, and examined a specific myricitrin-rich formulation. Further independent trials are needed.

5.8 Metabolic Effects: Blood Glucose and α-Glucosidase Inhibition

C. incanus teas have shown high antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential due to the presence of ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. A detailed analysis of the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity was conducted on 52 different C. incanus teas from Turkey, Albania, Greece, and unspecified regions. The results presented in that study were obtained only using in vitro methods; thus, further experiments in appropriate in vivo models will be necessary to verify the proposed indications in clinical practice.

Evidence strength: Currently in vitro only. Animal and clinical validation of α-glucosidase inhibition has not been adequately conducted.

5.9 Antimicrobial Activity (Antibacterial and Antifungal)

Cistus incanus is reported for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antiulcerogenic properties. C. salviifolius, C. populifolius, C. laurifolius, C. ladanifer, and C. monspeliensis have strong antifungal activity with a MIC of 0.625 mg/mL. Several studies have recorded that Cistus incanus extracts have antibacterial and antifungal activity, anti-cancer effects, and protective effects against DNA cleavage in cell culture.

Evidence strength: Antimicrobial activities are predominantly in vitro. Extrapolation to clinical infection outcomes requires further human studies.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Cistus

Immune and infectious disease: Upper respiratory tract infections, influenza (A/B), oral bacterial infections (including Streptococcus mutans), H. pylori infection, HIV (in vitro only).
Cardiovascular: Lipid profile modulation (HDL, triglycerides), oxidative stress reduction (malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products).
Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer protection, gastroprotection, H. pylori anti-adhesion (preclinical), anti-diarrheal uses.
Integumentary (Skin): Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-aging, antioxidant UV protection, potential anti-hyperpigmentation, antiseptic applications.
Metabolic: α-Glucosidase inhibition relevant to post-prandial glucose modulation (in vitro).
Oral health: Reduction of bacterial adhesion in the oral cavity, potential caries-risk reduction.

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

The following dosages appear in the scientific literature; they are reported as stated in sources and do not represent clinical recommendations.

Herbal infusion (tea): A portion of 2 g of dried herb per day, re-infused three times per day in 8 oz of boiling water for 3 minutes. A separate source reported a recommended dose of 2.5 g of Cistus incanus per 1 liter of hot water, from which up to 1 g of dissolved extractives with approximately 16% polyphenols can be ingested.
Standardized extract tablets (CYSTUS052): CYSTUS052 (approximately 220 mg of polyphenols) — six tablets, two times per day, as reported in clinical usage.
Aqueous extract in gastroprotection animal studies: The extract containing bioflavonoids was orally administered in the range of 0.25 to 0.50 g/kg in rat models.
Gastroprotective preclinical range: Few articles report gastroprotective effects of Cistus polar extracts at 250–500 mg/kg (p.o.) in animal models of chemically induced peptic ulcers.
Cardiovascular pilot study: Participants consumed an infusion of the plant three times per day for 12 weeks; blood analysis was performed at baseline, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks.

8. Safety, Tolerability, and Notable Considerations

8.1 General Tolerability

Different Ci preparations are commercially available, including a CYSTUS052 decoction, throat lozenges, and herbal tea; clinical studies performed with patients with upper respiratory tract infections revealed decreased symptoms and less adverse effects in treated patients compared to control patients, indicating clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile of CYSTUS052.

While Cistus incanus is considered well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, which are mostly anecdotal rather than documented in clinical trials; the most commonly mentioned issues are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea or an upset stomach; allergic reactions are also a possibility, though they appear infrequent.

8.2 Preclinical Safety Data

All preclinical experiments with the CYSTUS052 extract concluded on the safety of extracts without toxicity or adverse effects on systemic immune response or epithelial bronchiole cells.

8.3 Pregnancy and Lactation

Due to a lack of specific safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid using Cistus incanus; the effects of the herb's active compounds on fetal development or on a nursing infant are unknown; this recommendation is a standard precaution for many herbal supplements.

8.4 Known Interactions

There is insufficient information on the overall safety of Cistus incanus; there are no currently known adverse reactions or herb–drug interactions; and there is no information regarding the use or safety of Cistus incanus during pregnancy or lactation.

8.5 Variability in Composition

The available plant material comes from different subspecies and locations, which can lead to differences in chemical composition and potency. At the present state of the art, the standardization of extracts from Cistus spp. is limited by fragmentary knowledge of the individual compounds responsible for the efficacy of the plant extracts. This variability is an important consideration when comparing results across studies or evaluating supplement products, as polyphenol content and profile can differ substantially depending on the geographic origin, harvesting time, and extraction method employed.

8.6 EFSA Position

Since 2010, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended Cistus tea as a natural source of antioxidants and for immunity support.

References

Condiciones de Salud

Condiciones de salud que Cistus puede ayudar a apoyar.

Cálculos BiliaresCientífico
Cistus (Cistus incanus, Mediterranean rockrose) was one of seven botanicals shown to exceed doxycycline and cefuroxime against stationary-phase B. burgdorferi in the 2020 Johns Hopkins in vitro study. It also inhibits biofilm formation without harming healthy cells. Its polyphenol-rich extract is used in integrative Lyme protocols, particularly in Europe. Evidence remains at in vitro level.

Sistemas Corporales

Sistemas corporales que Cistus puede ayudar a apoyar.

No hay sistemas corporales disponibles.