title: Cistanches Herba: A Neuropharmacology Review.
abstract: Cistanches Herba(family Orobanchaceae), commonly known as "desert ginseng" or Rou Cong Rong, is a global genus and commonly used for its neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidative, kidney impotence, laxative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects in traditional herbal formulations in North Africa, Arabic, and Asian countries. The major bioactive compound present in this plant is phenylethanoid glycosides. In recent years, there has been great important in scientific investigation of the neuropharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds. Thein vitroandin vivostudies suggests these compounds demonstrate neuropharmacological activities against a wide range of complex nervous system diseases which occurs through different mechanisms include improving immunity function and kidney aging, anti-lipid peroxidation, scavenging free radical, inducing the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. This review aims to summaries the various neuropharmacological effects and mechanisms ofCistanches Herbaextracts and related compounds, including its efficacy as a cure for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease with reference to the published literature. Which provides guidance for further research on the clinical application ofCistanches Herba.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Caimei
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Xianying
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Linfang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huang
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Cistanches Herba; Parkinson’s disease; neuropharmacological effect; review