Cistanche
Cistanche, commonly known as desert stem or parasitic broomrape, is a unique medicinal plant that lacks chlorophyll. Thriving in arid environments, it is highly valued in traditional medicine for its rejuvenating properties. Rich in bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized to support kidney health and enhance vitality and longevity.
- Scientific name: Cistanche
- Family: Orobanchaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Orobanchaceae and specifically within the genus Cistanche.
| 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 by various names depending on the language and region, is referred to as 肉苁蓉属 in zh-hans, 肉蓯蓉屬 in zh-hant, and 肉蓯蓉屬 in zh-hk. In Basque, it is called Cistanĉo, while in Russian, it is known as Цистанхе.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 肉苁蓉属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 肉蓯蓉屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 肉蓯蓉屬 | Wikidata |
| eo | Cistanĉo | Wikidata |
| ru | Цистанхе | Wikidata |
| he | יחנוק המדבר | Wikidata |
| az | Sistanxe | Wikidata |
| zh | 肉苁蓉属 | Wikidata |
| hy | դևագի | Wikidata |
| kk | Цистанхе | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several regions within Southwestern Europe. Specifically, its presence can be documented in the countries of France, Portugal, and Spain. Moving eastward, the species is also found throughout Southeastern Europe. Within this area, it inhabits the territory of Italy. Additionally, its geographical range extends to the island of Kriti.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | East European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cistanche has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Echinacoside.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Echinacoside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistanche has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiaging, Anticancer, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiaging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistanche has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, ovarian cancer.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |