Testosterone with Genghis Khan’s favorite Herb- Cistanche tubulosa and the OG Black Gold of Herbs- Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides)

Cistanche tubulosa, a revered herb with a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining recognition for its plethora of health benefits. This article delves into the various advantages of consuming Cistanche Tubulosa with Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), exploring its nutritional value, active compounds, and potential effects on cognitive function, immune system, physical performance, and anti-aging properties. By understanding the unique characteristics of these herbs and their traditional uses, individuals can harness their potential to enhance overall well-being and vitality.

First, let’s focus on Cistanche Tubulosa...

Cistanche, the parasitic desert plant, has gained popularity in Chinese herbal medicine for its ability to support male health. It is a herb that is often in the spotlight, with numerous claims circulating online about its potential to naturally boost testosterone and DHT levels. Additionally, Cistanche is believed to enhance circulation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body. Its reputation as a powerful natural remedy continues to intrigue many, drawing curiosity and interest from those seeking holistic ways to improve their overall well-being. With its multitude of purported benefits, Cistanche remains a subject of fascination and ongoing research in the world of herbal medicine. 

To what extent is this true and are there any studies backing up the claims? Let’s figure out.

Cistanche, Testosterone, and DHT

The legendary Mongolian warlord, Genghis Khan, is known for his unparalleled conquests and strategic brilliance. However, his legacy extends far beyond his military achievements. It is believed that Genghis Khan fathered so many children during his reign that a remarkable 8% of men across the globe today can trace their lineage directly back to him. This astonishing statistic stands as a testament to the power and influence wielded by Genghis Khan during his time, solidifying his status as one of history's most prolific patriarchs. His bloodline has left an indelible mark on the world, with his descendants scattered far and wide, their origins linked to the formidable ruler who once dominated the Mongol Empire with an iron fist.

Genghis Khan — artistic depiction (Image: Artstation/@Thahn Tuan)

One of the claimed reasons for his heightened sexual activity, as well as his desire for war and power, was the fact that Genghis Khan consumed Cistanche daily. Although one should always take stories like the one above with a grain of salt, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) seems to have gone bananas about the desert herb, as most of the formulas aimed for improved men’s health contain large portions of Cistanche. The legendary effects of this potent herb have sparked interest and intrigue among those seeking vitality and strength. Whether myth or reality, the tradition of using Cistanche in TCM highlights the enduring fascination with natural remedies and their perceived benefits on overall well-being.

Cistanche is one of the main components in Cappra®, the bestselling sexual enhancement supplement in Thailand, which was shown to improve erection in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of Thai males with mild erectile dysfunction (B, C, S and P, 2020). Modern pharmacological research has investigated further into the mechanism of action of Cistanche.

Multiple studies have shown that Cistanche may help:

• improve reproductive dysfunction and testis injury by regulating testosterone synthesis* (Wang et al., 2020) 

• shorten erectile latency and prolong erectile duration* (Gu et al., 2016) (Gu et al., 2013)

• attenuate poor sperm quality and testicular toxicity* (Jiang et al., 2016)

• increase sperm quantity* (Jiang et al., 2018)

• increase sex hormone levels by triggering the release of testicular steroidogenic enzymes* (Wang et al., 2015)

• Stimulate nitrate oxide production* (Gu et al., 2020)
  

So does Cistanche increase testosterone and DHT levels while promoting sexual function?

Apparently yes, the mechanism of action behind Cistanche seems to be similar to many other adaptogenic herbs; it has a strong antioxidant effect and it stimulates the CYP-enzyme family which results in improved testicular testosterone production (more stimulatory enzymes).

Besides, Cistanche is considered safest adaptogenic herb along with Kali Musli as the trials show no toxic effects to liver, kidneys, or testis with the recommended dosages of both.

Let’s talk about Kali Musli now...

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (family Amaryllidaceae) is an endangered rasayana herb popularly known as "Kali Musli". Native to India, this plant is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic and aphrodisiac properties. Integral to many Ayurvedic formulas, Kali Musli is believed to possess aphrodisiac, immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic qualities. Its chemical composition includes mucilage, phenolic glycosides, saponins, and aliphatic compounds. Not limited to Ayurveda, this plant is also a key component in herbal remedies in Chinese and Kampo medicine traditions. With a rich history and diverse array of medicinal uses, Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. stands as a testament to the profound healing power of nature.

It is considered one of the important Rasayana medicines used to provide strength to the body. It shows spermatogenic and aphrodisiac properties which may help improve problems like sexual dysfunction. Extracts of the plant can also be used in treating urinary problems. It also has hepatoprotective properties which may provide aid in improving liver function and detoxifying the liver. According to Ayurveda, Kali Musli has Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Balya (strength provider) properties which help to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. It also helps balance Vata which helps to improve sexual drive and increase sperm count.

Hеrе arе somе of thе potеntial sеxual hеalth bеnеfits of Kali Musli, basеd on traditional usе:

• Enhanced Libido or sexual drive: Kali Musli is rеnownеd for its aphrodisiac propеrtiеs. It is bеliеvеd to stimulate sexual desire and incrеasе libido in both mеn and womеn. This еffеct may bе duе to its potential to influеncе sеx hormonе lеvеls and improvе ovеrall sеxual rеsponsivеnеss.

• Improvеd Erеctilе Function: In mеn, Kali Musli is oftеn usеd to addrеss concerns rеlatеd to еrеctilе dysfunction. It may help improve blood circulation to thе gеnital arеa, lеading to firmеr and long-lasting еrеctions.

• Enhancеd Sеxual Pеrformancе: Somе individuals usе Kali Musli to improvе sеxual pеrformancе by incrеasing еndurancе and stamina during sеxual activity. It may hеlp dеlay еjaculation in mеn, allowing for long-lasting sеxual еxpеriеncеs.

• Enhancеd Fеrtility: Kali Musli has bееn traditionally usеd to address malе infеrtility concerns. It is bеliеvеd to support thе production of hеalthy spеrm, potentially improving fеrtility in mеn.

• Increased Testosterone and Balancеd Hormonеs: This hеrb is thought to have a rеgulating еffеct on hormonе lеvеls in thе body. Balancеd hormonе lеvеls arе еssеntial for hеalthy sеxual function. It is also proven to be increasing Testosterone.

• Strеss Rеduction: Kali Musli is considered an adaptogеn, which means it may help the body adapt to strеss. Rеducing strеss and anxiеty can bе bеnеficial for ovеrall sеxual hеalth, as strеss can oftеn contributе to sеxual pеrformancе concerns.

• Improvеd Mood and Confidеncе: By rеducing strеss and anxiеty and еnhancing ovеrall wеll-bеing, Kali Musli may indirеctly boost confidеncе and mood, lеading to a morе satisfying sеxual еxpеriеnce. Apart from its specific benefits, kali musli is also a great source of essential nutrients and minerals. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, supporting the body's various functions, and promoting overall vitality. Incorporating kali musli into your diet can be a simple and effective way to ensure you are getting an ample supply of these essential nutrients and minerals.
  

Synergistic Effects of Consuming Cistanche Tubulosa and Kali Musli Together

A powerhouse duo of Cistanche tubulosa and Kali Musli that can boost your energy, sharpen your mind, strengthen your immune system, and overall support your wellness routine. Let's embrace these herbs and live our best, vibrant lives! In conclusion, the combination of Cistanche tubulosa and Kali Musli presents a natural and potent way to boost overall health and well-being. By harnessing the unique properties of these botanicals, individuals can experience increased vitality, mental clarity, and immune system resilience. Whether seeking to enhance physical performance, support cognitive function, or promote a balanced immune response, incorporating Cistanche Tubulosa and Kali Musli into your daily routine may offer a holistic approach to optimizing health. Embrace the below-mentioned synergistic benefits of these herbal allies and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

1. Enhanced immune system

2. Improved cognitive function

3. Increased energy levels and endurance

4. Better reproductive health

5. Enhanced levels of Testosterone

6. It naturally boosts nitric oxide production and is helpful in erectile dysfunction

7. Increased Sperm production

Meet GREENDORSE Power Duo Cistanche Tubulosa enhanced with Kali Musli

Raw material for our Cistanche tubulosa is grown in the unspoiled environment of the Tibetan Plateau, extracted with water and alcohol extraction methods in FDA registered factory, ensuring the presence of key active compounds: Phenylethanoid Glycosides, Echinacoside, and Acteoside, whose health benefits are backed by scientific research. Our Kali musli is native to shady areas of the subtropical Himalayas, further grown organically and ensuring the presence of active steroidal saponins. All our products are standardized for the presence of active compounds and are always tested by FSSAI and/or NABL-accredited third-party laboratories. Dosage: 2 capsules per day with or without food.

Cistanche Tubulosa standardised to 25% Echinacoside, 5% Acetoside

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Reference

1.     Greenfield, B., 2020. Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging. 1st ed. Las Vegas: Victory Belt Publishing Inc.

2.     B, P., C, P., S, W. and P, A., 2020. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study Of Cappra® For The Treatment Of Mild Or Mild To Moderate Erectile Dysfunction In Thai Male. [online] PubMed. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24146455.

3.     Wang, Q., Dong, J., Lu, W., He, H., Sun, X., Zhang, K., Song, Q., Jiang, Y., Wang, Y., Li, C. and Tu, P., 2020. Phenylethanol glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa improved reproductive dysfunction by regulating testicular steroids through CYP450-3β-HSD pathway. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 251, p.112500. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31881320/.

4.     Gu, L., Xiong, W. T., Zhuang, Y. L., Zhang, J. S., & Liu, X. (2016). Effects of Cistanche deserticola extract on penis erectile response in castrated rats. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 29(2), 557–562. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27087079/.

5.     Gu, L., Xiong, W., Wang, C., Sun, H., Li, G. and Liu, X., 2013. Cistanche deserticola decoction alleviates the testicular toxicity induced by hydroxyurea in male mice. Asian Journal of Andrology, [online] 15(6), pp.838-840. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3854047/.

6.     Jiang, Z., Wang, J., Li, X. and Zhang, X., 2016. Echinacoside and Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. wight ameliorate bisphenol A-induced testicular and sperm damage in rats through gonad axis regulated steroidogenic enzymes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp.321-328. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27422164/.

7.     Jiang, Z., Zhou, B., Li, X., Kirby, G. and Zhang, X., 2018. Echinacoside Increases Sperm Quantity in Rats by Targeting the Hypothalamic Androgen Receptor. Scientific Reports, [online] 8(1). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5832853/.

8.     Wang, T., Chen, C., Yang, M., Deng, B., Kirby, G. and Zhang, X., 2015. Cistanche tubulosaethanol extract mediates rat sex hormone levels by induction of testicular steroidgenic enzymes. Pharmaceutical Biology, 54(3), pp.481-487. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26004585/.

9.     Gu, L., Lian, D., Zheng, Y., Zhou, W., Gu, J. and Liu, X., 2020. Echinacoside‑induced nitric oxide production in endothelial cells: Roles of androgen receptor and the PI3K‑Akt pathway. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985022/.

10. JPSR. GOLDEN EYE GRASS – A MAGICAL REMEDY BY NATURE. INT J PHARM SCI RES.

11. Chaturvedi P and Briganza V. Enhanced Synthesis of Curculigoside by Stress and Amino Acids in Static Culture of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (Kali Musli). Pharmacognosy Res. 2016 Jul-Sep; 8(3): 193–19

12. Irshad S, Singh J, Jain SP and Khanuja SPS. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Kali Musali). An endangered medicinal plant of commercial value. Natural Prod Rad. 5 (5) 2006, 369-372.