Desert-broomrape / rou cong rong (肉苁蓉)

Cistanche deserticola

Edible plant

Chinese

Photo credit: Yanish E

Safety information

Toxicity: Low; well tolerated in animal studies.

Contraindications: Loose stools/diarrhea, yin-deficient heat (TCM); damp-heat patterns.

Interactions: None well documented.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

wine-processed · fleshy stem

Part used: fleshy stem

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

in formula · fleshy stem

Part used: fleshy stem

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · fleshy stem

Part used: fleshy stem

Traditional use: tonifies kidney yang, supplements essence and blood, moistens intestines; impotence, infertility, lumbar weakness, senile constipation

Proposed mechanism: phenylethanoid glycosides (echinacoside, acteoside), polysaccharides — neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, laxative

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

impotence lumbar weakness infertility Constipation

Edibility

Edible parts: Fleshy stem used as a tonic food/soup ingredient in some regions; not a common raw food.

Nutritional notes

Polysaccharides, phenylethanoid glycosides (functional-tonic role).

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (1)

[E9] Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong-Rong) phytochemistry & pharmacology review (Front. Pharmacol.)

All sources →