Evidence supporting the use of: Cistanche tubulosa
For the health condition: Body Building
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cistanche tubulosa has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily as a tonic for enhancing vitality, sexual function, and energy. Its traditional roles include supporting kidney health and addressing fatigue, which indirectly aligns with some aspects of athletic performance or recovery. However, there is limited direct historical evidence specifically linking Cistanche tubulosa to bodybuilding or muscle hypertrophy. Modern research is sparse; a few preclinical studies suggest Cistanche extracts might have anti-fatigue or adaptogenic effects, and may help in reducing muscle damage or promoting recovery in animal models. No high-quality, large-scale human trials have evaluated its effectiveness for muscle growth, strength gains, or other outcomes directly relevant to bodybuilding. Thus, while traditional uses for energy and vitality overlap somewhat with the goals of bodybuilders, and minor preliminary scientific findings exist, the primary justification remains rooted in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Body Building
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
almond fruit
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
wheat germ
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
17a-di methyl-bol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Anti-aromatase
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Ba Ji Tian
banana
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Citrus
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
glucose
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Cistanche tubulosa
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Infertility
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Osteoporosis
Sex Drive (low)
Testosterone (low)