Evidence supporting the use of: Cistanche deserticola
For the health condition: Testosterone (low)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cistanche deserticola has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a tonic to support male vitality, sexual function, and overall reproductive health, which is often interpreted in modern terms as supporting testosterone or androgenic activity. The herb appears in classic formulations like "Cong Rong" and is described in the Shennong Bencao Jing and other traditional texts as a remedy for "kidney yang deficiency," a syndrome sometimes linked by practitioners to symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, impotence, and decreased libido.

While animal studies and some in vitro research have suggested that extracts of Cistanche deserticola may have androgenic or testosterone-modulating effects—such as increasing serum testosterone in rats or improving sperm production—robust, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, the evidence for its efficacy in treating low testosterone in humans remains limited and is primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation. The evidence rating is set at 2 to reflect some supporting preclinical findings but an absence of strong clinical proof.

In summary, the use of Cistanche deserticola for supporting testosterone or treating its deficiency is primarily justified by traditional use, with only preliminary scientific investigations suggesting potential mechanisms. More rigorous clinical research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this indication.

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