What's in rou cong rong?
Several compounds have been isolated from Cistanche deserticola including cistanosides, beta-sitosterol, tubuloside, daucosterol, succinic acid, triacontanol, acteoside, betaine phenylethanoid glycosides, and polysaccharose.

Rou Cong Rong is an officinal plant that grows in arid or semi-arid areas. The dried fleshy stem has been generally used as a tonic in China and Japan for many years. Modern pharmacology studies have since demonstrated that it possesses broad medicinal functions, especially for use in hormone regulation, aperient, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue activities and the promotion of bone formation. The phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) have been identified as the major active components.

What does the research say?
Studies in rodents show that administration of Rou cong rong improves energy levels. Mice given Rou cong rong are able to swim for longer periods. Many of the compounds found in Rou cong rong have antioxidant properties and protect the liver from toxins. Rou cong rong extracts can enhance the ability of learning, memorizing, anti-oxidation, and improve immune function. However, I could not find any studies evaluating the role of Rou cong rong in menstrual disorders in women or its effects on fertility in humans.


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Review article
Am J Chin Med. 2012. Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, "Desert ginseng": a review. Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma (C. deserticola, "Rou Cong Rong" in Chinese) is an officinal plant that grows in arid or semi-arid areas. The dried fleshy stem of C. deserticola has been generally used as a tonic in China and Japan for many years. Modern pharmacology studies have since demonstrated that C. deserticola possesses broad medicinal functions, especially for use in hormone regulation, aperient, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue activities and the promotion of bone formation. The phenylethanoid glycosides presented in C. deserticola have been identified as the major active components.

Side effects of Rou Cong Rong
Increased body temperature has been noted which may limit the use of Rou cong rong. Another potential side effect is blurred vision that can last a few hours and can be annoying. Individuals report that they have difficulty reading small print for a few hours.
   Increased body temperature would make it unpleasant to take this herb on days when it is hot and humid. Blurring of vision and sleepiness are potential setbacks to the use of high dose Rou cong rong. Long term studies determining benefits and risks are not available.