Evidence supporting the use of: Cistanche (unspecified)
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cistanche is traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a tonic herb to enhance physical strength and vitality. In classical texts, Cistanche species such as Cistanche deserticola and Cistanche tubulosa are often referred to as “Rou Cong Rong,” and are described as supporting kidney function and boosting yang energy, which is associated with improved stamina and reduced fatigue. These traditional uses have led to its inclusion in various supplements marketed for athletic performance and exercise recovery.
Modern scientific evidence supporting Cistanche for athletic and exercise aids is limited and preliminary. A few animal studies suggest possible anti-fatigue and muscle endurance benefits, as well as antioxidant effects that could theoretically aid recovery. For example, some research in rodents indicates that Cistanche extracts may increase endurance in forced swim tests and reduce markers of fatigue. There are very few human clinical trials, and those that exist are small, short-term, and typically focus on general vitality rather than specific athletic performance metrics. Therefore, its use in this context is mainly based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.
More about Cistanche (unspecified)
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAAcetyl L-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Alpha D-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
L-alanine
L-Alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-Ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peppermint
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
Algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Eurycomanone
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
Growth factors
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Guaranine
Glycerol
Higenamine
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Horny Goat Weed
Isomaltulose
Isoleucine
Kola Nut
Ketone Salts
Lactalbumin
Laxogenin
Macamides
Maral Root
Mineral ascorbate
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Methylliberine
Mate
Mushroom
Macaenes
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
Ornithine
Phosphocreatine
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Paraxanthine
Phytoecdysteroid
Pyruvate
Phosphatidic Acid
Piper nigrum
Palatinose
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
Ribose
Robusta Coffee
Synephrine
Safed musli
salt
Sida cordifolia
Theobromine
Tripeptide
Trichilia catigua
Turkesterone
Trichopus zeylanicus
Theacrine
Teacrine
Tribulus Terrestris
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
Xanthine
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Cistanche (unspecified)
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Concentration (poor)
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Testosterone (low)
Wasting
Wounds and Sores