Therapeutic, nutritional benefits, and applications of Cistanche Deserticola Y.C.Ma: a systematic review

Abstract The homology of food and medicine is one of the core ideas in traditional Chinese medicine, where Chinese medicine achieves gentle conditioning through daily diet. Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma (CD) is a representative medicinal plant under this class, with expanding potential for diversified applications in modern health and wellness while retaining its traditional therapeutic roots. It is renowned for its non-toxic nature, long-term safety, and vitality-enhancing properties. CD is widely used in tonifying the kidneys, nourishing the essence, and moistening the intestines, commonly applied in the treatment of ailments such as impotence, lumbar weakness, and constipation, particularly those related to kidney yang deficiency. The herb is abundant in bioactive compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, and flavonoids, which exhibit diverse pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-aging, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory activities. These bioactive constituents support CD's expanding use across pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and consumer healthcare products. This review examines CD's value across its traditional applications, botanical resources, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological effects, focusing on therapeutic, nutritional, and applied dimensions. It also aimed to explore the current status, prospects and challenges of developing healthcare products based on CD by analyzing the data on the use of CD in functional food and patents. By integrating traditional wisdom with modern technologies and standardized methodologies, CD can unlock its potential in disease prevention, physical enhancement, and health management across diverse populations. The review emphasizes its role in advancing preventive care and functional nutrition, paving the way for innovative applications in health-promoting products development.