5 replies to this topic

[Lufega]

I'm looking for this herb and it doesn't show up in the expected places; Iherb, amazon, etc.

Behav Brain Res. 2011 Jan 20;216(2):652-8. Epub 2010 Sep 16.

Cistanches Herba enhances learning and memory by inducing nerve growth factor.
Choi JG, Moon M, Jeong HU, Kim MC, Kim SY, Oh MS.

Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, #1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.

Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has potent biological activities such as preventing neuronal death, promoting neurite outgrowth, supporting synapse formation, and enhancing memory function. NGF and NGF-like molecules can potentially be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. This study investigated the effects of Cistanches Herba, a widely used medicinal herb, on NGF regulation and its neuronal actions, including neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and learning and memory enhancement. Cistanches Herba extract (CHE; 250 μg/ml) increased NGF induction in C6 cells and led to neurite extension in PC12 cells. It also stimulated NGF secretion in the cortex and hippocampus of the mouse brain at 5 and 20mg/kg/day (3 days, p.o.). Furthermore, CHE increased neuronal cell differentiation, neurite length, and synapse formation in the mouse hippocampus. CHE significantly enhanced learning and memory, as demonstrated by passive avoidance test and novel object recognition test. These results suggest that CHE is useful for improving memory function via its action in upregulating NGF.

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.PMID: 20849880 [PubMed - in process]

Edited by Lufega, 14 February 2011 - 06:54 PM.

[KimberCT]

Looks like KT Botanicals carries a few varieties of Cistanche.

[adamh]

A few clicks of the mouse turned up several sources. Here is one, 100 gm for $15. I'm not sure what the shipping is.

http://www.takeherb....7c710_a_7c34903

[Lufega]

I clicked my mouse till it came and nothing came up ! Google is weird like that sometimes. Thanks ! Any other sources worth looking at ?

[adamh]

You could try this, it's $1.20 for tea:

http://eastearthtrad...oucongrong.aspx

[allen-liew]

As i known, this plant is come from desert in northwest of China, and it is a traditional medicine in China, now there are some herb extract of Cistanches selling in the market.