Effects of Health Food Containing Cistanche Deserticola Extract on QOL and Safety in Elderly: An Open Pilot Study of 12-week Oral Treatment

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the effects and safety of Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma extract (CDX), which was given to elderly persons as a 12-week oral administration via CDX containing health food. Methods: A non-controlled open study was conducted with 25 elderly persons, without severe illness. Participants were given test product containing 100 mg of CDX as well as vitamin E, vitamin B6, ubiquinone, zinc and fukoidan, by oral administration for 12 weeks, with examination conducted before and after the study. Results: Subjective symptoms of “tired eyes” and “feeling tired all the time” were significantly improved after 12 weeks. With regard to anthropometric measurements, pulse rate was significantly reduced (−8.0%, p = 0.002). Biochemical examinations showed significant changes in white blood cell count (−14.1%, p ‹ 0.001), platelet count (−4.3%, p = 0.040), albumin (−3.7%, p ‹ 0.001), albumin/globulin ratio (−3.7%, p = 0.016), and fasting blood sugar (−10.2%, p = .039). Immune function was significantly improved with elevation of percentage of CD4 positive cells (6.1%, p = 0.003), CD4/CD8 ratio (20.2%, p = 0.002) and natural killer (NK) cell activity (11.7%, p = 0.024) accompanied by a decrease in percentage of CD8 positive cells (−7.7%, p = 0.022). Arteriosclerosis examinations by fingertip acceleration pulse wave analysis showed significant improvement in vascular age (−4.2%, p = 0.016) and significant decrease in cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) (right: −10.9%, p ‹ 0.001, left: −12.6%, p ‹0.001). Conclusion: The test product appears to promote quality of life by decreasing fatigue, activating immune function and favorably affecting the vascular system in the elderly. No severe adverse effects were observed during the study.