Cistanche tubulosa has been used for more than 1,000 years in China. It has also been recorded in our most ancient pharmacy book Shen Nong's Herbal andespecially been widely used as a medicine for strengthening kidneys. According to statistics, in those ancient energizing prescriptions, frequency of appearance of Cistanche tubulosa is the highest.
Cistanche tubulosa mainly distribute in desert area in Xinjiang province China, always named “ginseng in desert’’. People live in Hetian area Xinjiang province often put it in tea and alcohol or put it in their daily meal to inhibit aging and improve immunity.
Cistanche tubulosa contains two active ingredients, Acteoside and Echinacoside, both belong to phenylethanoid glycosides.