Cistanche Deserticola Extract

Specifications:
Polysaccharides 10% / 30% / 50% (UV)
Total Phenylethanoid Glycosides 10%–30%
Echinacoside 1% / 5% / 10% (HPLC)
Ratio extracts 5:1–30:1

  • Botanical Source: Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma
  • Plant Part Used: Dried fleshy stems
  • Primary Active Compounds: Polysaccharides (dominant), Phenylethanoids, Iridoids, Lignans
  • Appearance: Brown to yellow-brown fine powder
  • Certifications: EU/USDA Organic, ISO 22000, Halal, Kosher
  • Packaging: 25 kg food-grade drums or custom sizes
  • Shelf Life: 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place

What Is Cistanche Deserticola Extract?

Cistanche Deserticola extract is a standardized botanical powder derived from the dried, fleshy stems of Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, a parasitic plant of the Orobanchaceae family native to the arid deserts of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang in China. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as “Desert Ginseng” (Rou Cong Rong), it has been used for over 2,000 years to tonify kidney yang, replenish essence and blood, and moisten the intestines.

More than 100 compounds have been isolated from the Cistanche genus, but their distribution differs by species. Cistanche deserticola is polysaccharide-dominant, containing higher levels of polysaccharides, iridoids, and lignans, while its phenylethanoid glycosides (echinacoside and acteoside) occur at lower levels than in C. tubulosa. This composition drives its traditional strengths in immune modulation, anti-aging, and intestinal health. For high-potency echinacoside-standardized neuro/cognitive applications, C. tubulosa extract (available separately) is typically the preferred species.

Xi’an Rainbow Biotech Co., Ltd. primarily supplies polysaccharides 10%, 30%, and 50% (UV), with echinacoside 1%–10% (HPLC) as a secondary marker and ratio extracts 5:1–30:1, giving formulators the flexibility to match potency to application and cost targets. For high echinacoside (20%–60%), see our Cistanche tubulosa extract.

Key Benefits and Uses

Industry Application Examples
Immune Support Supplements Capsules, tablets — often blended with astragalus, reishi, β-glucan
Anti-Aging & Longevity Formulas Antioxidant capsules, longevity blends, collagen-support
Gut Health / Regularity Products Bowel-regularity capsules and drink mixes
Functional Foods & Beverages Energy tonics, herbal teas, nutraceutical drinks, gummies
Men’s Health / Vitality Often blended with Epimedium, Maca, Tribulus
Sports Nutrition Endurance & recovery powders
Cosmetics & Skincare Anti-aging serums, collagen-support creams, scalp-care

Manufacturing and Quality Assurance

Cistanche Extraction Process

Frequently Asked Questions