Evidence supporting the use of: Cistanche
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used historically to support kidney health. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cistanche is thought to nourish the kidneys and promote the flow of urine, and it is sometimes included in formulas intended to address various urinary tract issues, including symptoms associated with kidney stones. However, its use for kidney stones is based primarily on traditional practice rather than direct scientific evidence. Modern pharmacological studies on cistanche focus largely on its potential benefits for immunity, fatigue, sexual function, and neuroprotection, rather than on kidney stones specifically. There is very limited, if any, clinical or laboratory research directly investigating cistanche’s effect on the formation, dissolution, or prevention of kidney stones. Any purported benefit for kidney stones is extrapolated from its general use in kidney tonic formulas in TCM and its mild diuretic properties. Therefore, while cistanche may be recommended by traditional practitioners for kidney health, its use in the context of kidney stones is not supported by robust scientific evidence, and its rating for evidence is low (1/5).

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