Cuscuta herb by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Health benefit of cuscuta seed supplement

Cuscuta, or Dodder plant, is a parasitic vine that wraps around other plants for nourishment. Cuscuta seed, also known as Tu-Si-Zi, is used in China for kidney deficiency and is one of the commonly used Chinese Herbs. Cuscuta seed has a high content of flavonoids and has strong antioxidant properties. Cuscuta seed has been found in studies to have positive effects on sperm health and motility, invigorates the reproductive system, and has antioxidant benefits. I could not find any human studies involving cuscuta seed. Below you will find research articles on semen cuscutae. Semen in Chinese herbology means seed. You can find cuscuta seed extrac in a sexual enhancing product called Passion Rx.

Cuscuta side effects
Cuscuta seed extract has not been studied to any great extent in the Western medical literature, and hence we don't have much information on it potential benefits and harm. One side effect that could occur from cuscuta seed extract when used in high dosages is insomnia.

Passion Rx with cuscuta seed extract, catuaba and muira puama --- Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Works in Men and Women
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How quickly does Passion Rx work?
Passion Rx provides results that are sometimes seen within hours, but are more noticeable by the third of fourth day of use. Our feedback thus far indicates more than 80% user satisfaction by the end of the first week, and 90 percent by the end of the second week.
   Dr. Sahelian and his research staff have tested various doses and extracts of dozens of herbs from a number or raw material suppliers to determine the ideal dose and combination for optimal aphrodisiac properties with the fewest side effects. After years of trial and error, a UNIQUE proprietary blend with more than a dozen herbal extracts from the best raw material suppliers has been created. This unique aphrodisiac blend is a close kept secret. You will only find this exact combination in Passion Rx.

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Passion Rx enhances:

  •      Sexual stamina
  •      Erectile function
  •      Orgasms and climaxes
  •      Mood and vision 

In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Now, renowned physician and herbal expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has discovered a combination of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China, Malaysia, and Africa, that provides a natural solution for those seeking an alternative to synthetic drugs.
   The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx include Ashwagandha, Aspallum purificata, Catuaba, Cuscutae, Muira puama, Cnidium, Coleus forskohlii, Damiana, Horny goat weed, Maca, Mucuna pruriens, Passion flower, Pfaffia paniculata, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Tongkat Ali and Tribulus.

Cuscuta for reproductive health
Cuscuta seed may be helpful for sperm health and production.
Effects of flavonoids from Cuscuta seed on the reproductive system in male rats.
Asian J Androl. 2000 Jun;2(2):99-102.
To evaluate the effects of the flavonoids extracted from Cuscuta on the reproductive and endocrine functions in male rats. Flavonoids from Cuscuta were obtained from the semen of Cuscuta sinensis; Effect of cuscuta on the reproductive organs was assessed in immature rats. Rats were administered cuscuta through gastric gavage at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 7 days and the weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and pituitary gland were then observed; To observe the effect of cuscuta on the reproductive endocrine function: same dose level of cuscuta  was given to male rats of different age groups for 7 days; on day 8, the plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and LH were determined, the specific binding of LH was estimated and the testes were weighed. Effect of cuscuta on LH secretion was assessed in vitro on cultured adenohypophysis. Effect of cuscuta on T secretion was assessed in vitro on Leydig cell culture. Cuscuta increased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated T and LH secretion both in vitro and in immature rats. Cuscuta invigorates the reproductive system and reproductive endocrine function in male rats.

Effects of Semen cuscutae, rhizoma Curculiginis, radix Morindae officinalis on human sperm motility and membrane function in vitro
 Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1997 Mar;17(3):145-7. Peng SJ, Lu RK, Yu LH. Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu.
To observe the effects of cuscuta and Radix Morindae Officinalis on human sperm motility in vitro and cytomembrane function. The sperm motility improved markedly and sperm membrane function became more stabilized after incubation, the cuscuta had best effect, Radix Morindae Officinalis was relatively poor. Cuscuta decoction is an effective promoting preparation for sperm motility and the membrane function stabilized. Therefore, cuscuta  may be beneficial in treating male sterility and may raise success rate in artificial insemination.

Cuscuta protects the liver from acetaminophen damage
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 April Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cuscuta chinensis on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Our data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.

Flavone content of cuscuta species
Quantitative analysis of Semen cuscutae
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1991 Oct;16(10):581-3, 638. Second Military Medical University, Shanghai.
In this paper, the quantitative analysis of the total flavone in 7 species revealed the contents: Cuscuta Chinensis (3.0%), Cuscuta Australis (3.2%) as compared with Cuscuta Europaea (4.5%). Cuscuta Chinensis has the highest content of polysaccharide of about 5-6%. The experimental results provide a scientific basis the rational use of Cuscuta. 

Systematics and plastid genome evolution of the cryptically photosynthetic parasitic plant genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae).
BMC Biol. 2007 December. McNeal JR, Arumugunathan K, Kuehl JV, Boore JL, Depamphilis CW.
The genus Cuscuta L. (Convolvulaceae), commonly known as dodders, are epiphytic vines that invade the stems of their host with haustorial feeding structures at the points of contact. Although they lack expanded leaves, some species are noticeably chlorophyllous, especially as seedlings and in maturing fruits. Some species are reported as crop pests of worldwide distribution, whereas others are extremely rare and have local distributions and apparent niche specificity.

Cuscuta chinensis study
Effect of Cuscuta chinensis water extract on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in mice.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1986 Oct;18(1):21-31.
Cuscuta chinensis, known as Aftimun, is reputed to have antitumour activity in the Unani system of medicine in India. The effect of a hot water extract of Cuscuta chinensis on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in Swiss albino mice was studied. Oral administration of the extract delayed the appearance and retarded the growth of papillomas and the incidence of carcinoma.

Study of quality control on Cuscuta chinensis and C. australia
Zhong Yao Cai. 2007 November. Shandong Institute of TCM, Jinan 250014, China.
To study the estimate method of Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australia. HPLC was used to determine the contents of four kinds of flavones of Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australia growing on different hosts. Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australia growing on different hosts both had hyperoside, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The content range of hyperoside was 2.7 to 6.5 mg/g and was higher than other flavones. The content ranges of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were 0.02 to 0.17 mg/g, 0.001 to 0.21 mg/g and 0.001 to0.077 mg/g, respectively. The contents of hyperoside and quercetin are higher in Cuscuta chinensis than in Cuscuta australia. The contents of kaempferol and isorhamnetin are lower in Cuscuta chinensis than in Cuscuta australia. The hosts influence flavones content of Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australia.

Cuscuta reflexa study
Swarnalin and cis-swarnalin, two new tetrahydrofuran derivatives with free radical scavenging activity, from the aerial parts of Cuscuta reflexa.
Nat Prod Res. 2007 June. Pharmacy Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh.
Cuscuta reflexa has tetrahydrofuran derivatives, named swarnalin and cis-swarnalin, and a known coumarin, 5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin.

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Cuscuta seed questions
Q. Hi, I was doing a search for Passion Rx on yahoo and came across a website called Penis Review. This website was claiming that VigRx is a number one pick and had ranked Passion Rx lower. Can you tell me more about VigRx.
   A. There are several so called sexual product review sites on the internet that make it appear that they are independent but are actually a front for the company that sells the top listed product. One such notorious site is Penis Review. See VigRx for more information. Other website that have done similar improper comparisons include zenerx, stamazide and vigorelle.

Q. About cuscuta (Dodder seed) for muscle and joint problems. I have had trouble with what I call a trick hip, which is most likely a bursitis from what I can read up on it. Certain movements set it off. Later the whole leg would get to aching. I studied herbs and then it came to me, try 1 tsp (5 ml) of 5:1 cuscuta concentrate (Mayway’s Plum Flower Brand) and ¼ tsp of Epimedium Grandiflorum 5:1 concentrate taken daily. The concentrates are cold water extracts that are flash dried in a tower; thus they resemble the traditional hot water decoctions. I disperse it in ¼ cup of hot water previously heated in a microwave and then diluted with tomato juice to 1 cup and take it upon rising in the morning. The tomato juice is for covering the taste. I have been using the epimedium previously for acid reflux. The result was some relief in 2 days and then gradual recovery over about a month. I tried going down on the dosage; however when I did so the pain would return. I have now been on it for 3 months and there is no sign of the problem. I have noted in the literature that cuscuta retards cataracts in laboratory animals. I am hoping for a slowing or reversal of cataracts. They have been present for about 10 years but have not interfered with vision. In April of 2006 I was examined and a picture was taken of my eye to establish a record. It showed the cataract just beginning to interfere with vision. The visual effect is slight and usually not noticeable. When I get back to the United States in the summer of 2008 I will go to the same doctor for a check up. In the meantime I am going to stay on the cuscuta and epimedium treatment. Also I am on prescription drops for glaucoma. I hope for improvement in that area also. Will let you know what the eye man finds. As for side effects, I have not noticed any; however my wife has noted a slight darkening of my hair. This has happened all over my body. It is not enough to be worth writing home about; however if the active item responsible for the darkening can be isolated and concentrated, you might have something of interest. I am 76 years old. The hair on my head has been white, but some of the hairs are dark now. Another effect is in the male function department. The cuscuta helps with performance. A week ago I added ¼ tsp of jiaogulan 5:1 concentrate, Plum Flower Brand to the mix. I noticed an immediate improvement in male function. Time between orgasms dropped to 24 hours (from 1 1/2 to 2 days). I have used jiaogulan before, but not in the above mix. Jiaogulan by its self gives a greater feeling of well being without stimulation. My wife uses it daily because it gives her more stamina or endurance and energy. It has vasodilation and bronchiole dilation properties as well as a blood pressure lowering effects. She takes it in capsule form in the Solaray brand.

This cuscuta page was last updated in 2008.