Extracts of Cistanche deserticola Can Antagonize Immunosenescence and Extend Life Span in Senescence‐Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAM‐P8) Mice

Abstract

The senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 substrain (SAM-P8), widely accepted as an animal model for studying aging and antiaging drugs, was used to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with extracts of Cistanche deserticola (ECD) which has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine because of its perceived ability to promote immune function in the elderly. Eight-month-old male SAM-P8 mice were treated with ECD by daily oral administrations for 4 weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of ECD could extend the life span measured by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in dose-dependent manner. Dietary supplementation of SAM-P8 mice for 4 weeks with 100, 500, and 2500 mg/kg of ECD was shown to result in significant increases in both naive T and natural killer cells in blood and spleen cell populations. In contrast, peripheral memory T cells and proinflammatory cytokine, IL-6 in serum, were substantially decreased in the mice that ingested 100 and 500 mg/kg of ECD daily. Additionally, Sca-1 positive cells, the recognized progenitors of peripheral naive T cells, were restored in parallel. Our results provide clear experimental support for long standing clinical observational studies showing that Cistanche deserticola possesses significant effects in extending life span and suggest this is achieved by antagonizing immunosenescence.

Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong-Rong): One of the Best Pharmaceutical Gifts of Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…Echinacoside-enriched extract of C. tubulosa is effective in preventing dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice ( Jia et al, 2014 ). Recently, Zhang et al (2014) discovered that C. deserticola extract could antagonize immune-related senescence and extend the lifespan in SAM-P8 mice. In Zhang’s et al (2014 ) study, dietary supplementation with C. deserticola extract can decrease the level of peripheral memory T cells and enhance levels of naive T cells.…”

Cistanches alleviates sevoflurane‐induced cognitive dysfunction by regulating PPAR‐γ‐dependent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory in rats

“…14 Phenylethanoid glycosides, another major active compounds of cistanche, which provided abundant phenolic hydroxyl, can serve as hydrogen donor to reductive radicals and thus scavenge them. 17 To date, however, no study examined the effects of cistanches on cognitive dysfunction in either animal models or humans under sevoflurane conditions. 15 Cistanches administration contributes to slowing ageing phenotypes and relieving cognitive decline in flies by reducing oxidative stress.…”

“…16 For instance, Zhang et al investigated one of the cistanches extractions and confirmed its function of extending lifespan. 17 To date, however, no study examined the effects of cistanches on cognitive dysfunction in either animal models or humans under sevoflurane conditions. Based on above findings, we suggested that cistanches could attenuate cognitive impairment induced by sevoflurane.…”

Botanical Medicine and Phytochemicals in Healthy Aging and Longevity—Part 1

“…20 The underlying mechanisms for these effects are not completely understood, but C. deserticola, for example, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. 21 Clinical trials specifically investigating the effects of Cistanche extracts on telomere function in humans have not been performed. A small 2013 trial (n 5 18) of C. deserticola glycosides administered to people with Alzheimer's disease demonstrated no significant differences in measures of cognitive function, clinical global impression, or activities of daily living following 48 weeks of supplementation.…”