Ròu Cōng Róng · Cistanche Stem
Ròu Cōng Róng (肉苁蓉, Cistanche Stem) is a herb of Warm nature and Sweet, Salty flavor, in the “Yang Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Kidney Yang, Supplement Essence and Blood, Moisten Intestines.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Ròu Cōng Róng
- Characters
- 肉苁蓉
- Botanical name
- Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Part used
- Fleshy stem
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Sweet, Salty
- Meridians
- Kidney, Large Intestine
- Category
- Yang Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China (Inner Mongolia), China (Xinjiang)
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Kidney Yang
- Supplement Essence and Blood
- Moisten Intestines
- Nourish Marrow
Traditional uses
- Kidney yang deficiency with impotence and infertility
- Cold extremities and aversion to cold
- Female infertility from kidney yang deficiency
- Constipation in elderly from yang deficiency
- Weakness of sinews and bones
Studied effects and current applications
- Strongly tonifies kidney yang for reproductive deficiency
- Moistens large intestine to relieve constipation
- Nourishes blood and essence for chronic deficiency
- Strengthens sinews and bones
- Anti-aging and adaptogenic properties
Applications under investigation
- Male and female infertility
- Age-related sexual dysfunction
- Chronic constipation in elderly
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Anti-aging medicine
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Excess heat conditions
- Diarrhea from heat
- Yang excess
Relative contraindications
- Damp-heat
- Yin deficiency with excess fire
- Pregnancy
- Use cautiously in pregnancy. Avoid in early pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Insufficient data. Use with caution.
- Children
- Not appropriate for children.
- Older adults
- Excellent for elderly with kidney yang deficiency and constipation.
Possible adverse effects
- Possible diarrhea from laxative effect
- Nausea
When to stop
- Heat conditions worsen
- Diarrhea develops
- Damp-heat patterns appear
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laxatives | Lactulose, Polyethylene glycol | Mild | Additive laxative effects Reduce dose of one or both |
| Hormone medications | Testosterone, HRT | Mild | May complement hormonal support Monitor hormone levels |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-15 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- 6 months then evaluate
- Children
- Not appropriate for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-15g in 3 cups water 45-60 min. Take warm.
Yang tonification, constipation
Cook 10-15g with rice and water into soft porridge. Eat daily.
Gentle yang tonification, elderly constipation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Phenylethanoid glycosides (echinacoside, Actoside) and polysaccharides
Phenylethanoid glycoside · Neuroprotective, antioxidant, kidney tonic, adaptogenic
ROS uptake, protection of dopaminergic neurons, Nrf2 activation · 0.5-2.0% in dried stem
Phenylethanoid glycoside · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory
PKC, NF-κB inhibition, free radical scavenging · 0.3-1.0%
Phenylethanoid glycosides · Kidney tonic, neuroprotective
Neuroprotective AKT/mTOR activation, reduction of kidney inflammation · 0.2-0.8%
Heterogeneous polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, hypoglycemic
Activation of macrophages and NK cells, reduction of postprandial glucose · 15-30% in aqueous extract
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (March-May) or autumn (October-November)
Part of the parasitic stem collected in spring before flowering or in autumn. It grows parasitically on roots of Haloxylon (saxaul) in deserts of Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
Washed fleshy stem, cut lengthwise or into 5 mm slices and slowly dried.
Slices soaked in yellow wine for 24 hours and then dried or gently fried. Wine reinforces the toning action and improves intestinal lubrication.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
