Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticola, commonly known as desert stem, is a parasitic medicinal plant native to arid regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, it is highly valued for its ability to combat fatigue, enhance kidney function, and nourish the blood. Modern research explores its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective properties for holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Cistanche deserticola
- Family: Orobanchaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Orobanchaceae. Finally, it is placed in the genus Cistanche, specifically known as Cistanche deserticola.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Orobanchaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cistanche | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cistanche deserticola, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic traditions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 肉苁蓉 (zh-cn), 肉蓯蓉 (zh), or 肉蓯蓉 (lzh), reflecting its significant role in traditional herbal medicine. In Russian, the species is called Цистанхе пустынное (ru), while in Bulgarian, it is known as Пустинно цистанхе (bg).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 肉蓯蓉 | Wikidata |
| ru | Цистанхе пустынное | Wikidata |
| bg | Пустинно цистанхе | Wikidata |
| lzh | 肉蓯蓉 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 肉苁蓉 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 肉蓯蓉 | Wikidata |
| ko | 육종용 | Wikidata |
| zh | 苁蓉 | Wikidata |
| zh | 大芸 | Wikidata |
| zh | 荒漠肉苁蓉 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Cistanche deserticola, is primarily found within specific arid regions of East and Central Asia. In China, its distribution spans across the vast landscapes of Inner Mongolia and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is also documented throughout the North-Central part of China, thriving in suitable desert ecosystems. Beyond Chinese borders, the species extends its range into the country of Mongolia. Consequently, its geographical presence is concentrated within these distinct northern and northwestern territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | Xinjiang | WCVP |
| Mongolia | Mongolia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cistanche deserticola, is a holoparasitic species characterized by its unique morphological structure. It lacks chlorophyll, instead developing fleshy, succulent stems that emerge from the soil to seek nutrients from host roots. The stem serves as the primary structural component, often appearing yellowish or brownish in color. During its reproductive phase, the plant produces a prominent inflorescence that rises above the ground. Within this structure, the vibrant flowers bloom, which are essential for the plant's sexual reproduction. Finally, the lifecycle is completed through the production of small seeds, which are dispersed to colonize new areas and find suitable hosts.- Total parts
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 23
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stem | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflorescence | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wine-making residues | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| succulent stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| succulent stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed kernels | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed coats | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cistanche deserticola has 65 reported phytochemicals identified across 120 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include echinacoside, acteoside, cistanoside A, 2'-acetylacteoside, isoacteoside.
- Total chemicals
- 65
- Scientific sources
- 120
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| echinacoside | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| acteoside | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| cistanoside A | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| 2'-acetylacteoside | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| isoacteoside | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| iridoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Echinacoside | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fluridone | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| verbascoside | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Acteoside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistanche deserticola has 7 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Antifatigue, Antitumor, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistanche deserticola has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, oxidative stress, antioxidant.
- Total uses
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 25
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoporosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bone formation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| erythema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |