Broomrape

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Broomrape in supplements typically refers to Cistanche species (rou cong rong / Cistanche deserticola or C. salsa), parasitic desert plants whose fleshy stems are used in traditional Chinese medicine for kidney and reproductive support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cognitive / kidney support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Use is based on traditional Chinese medicine and preclinical work. Robust modern clinical trials are limited.

How it works

Cistanche stems contain phenylethanoid glycosides (echinacoside, acteoside) and polysaccharides. Preclinical studies suggest neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects, with some evidence of effects on memory and aging-related decline in animal models. Small human studies of standardized cistanche extracts have explored effects on cognition and immune markers, but high-quality clinical evidence is limited.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional Chinese herbal dosing is roughly 6-15 g of dried stem per day in decoctions. Standardized extracts are dosed at the gram level. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are taken in divided doses with meals. Daily use over weeks to months is typical for traditional indications.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cistanche stem extract / concentrate

Dry extracts and powders dominate the supplement market.

Phenylethanoid glycoside content varies by extraction.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Mild GI upset can occur. Long-term safety data are limited. Wild harvesting has raised conservation concerns for some Cistanche species.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Caution in those on hormone therapies.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with hormonal therapies and immunosuppressants based on preclinical activity. Limited clinical interaction data.

Frequently asked questions

Is cistanche a tonic herb?⌄

Yes, it is classified as a tonifying herb in traditional Chinese medicine, focused on kidney essence and yang.

Is it sustainable?⌄

Some wild-harvested Cistanche species face conservation concerns; cultivated and certified-sustainable products are preferred.

References

Broomrape on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Broomrape on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Broomrape (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Broomrape with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.