Ancient Literature Textual Research on Medicinal and Edible History of Cistanches Herba / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

Cistanches Herba, which mainly grows in the arid or semiarid areas in northwest China, is one of the precious tonic Chinese material medica. It has been traditionally used as a nutritious food in China for thousands of years. Ancient literature with regard to the variety origin, producing areas, property and flavor, traditional effect and toxicity, usage and dosage, and edibility of Cistanches Herba are summarized in this review. The origin plants are Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma and Cistanche salsa (C.A. Mey.) G. Beck. The producing areas and present effect of Cistanches Herbaare the same as those in the ancient literature. It is often made into oral pills for various adult consumptive diseases. It is contraindicated in cases of essence deficiency with yang going upward adversely and diarrhea. The dietotherapy history of Cistanches Herba in China can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). Cistanches Herba braised with mutton or sheep kidneys is a time-honored dish in China to alleviate fatigue. This work is committed to providing literature evidence for further research on the raw materials of Cistanches Herba as health foods.