Cynomorium Herb (Cynomorium coccineum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Cynomorium coccineum work for male sexual function?

Cynomorium contains bioactive compounds including ursolic acid, catechins, and flavonoids that exert antioxidant effects which may support male reproductive health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is classified as a kidney yang tonic, believed to enhance vital energy and warming properties. Research suggests potential protective effects on reproductive tissues through reduction of oxidative stress, which is associated with male fertility and sexual function. Evidence level: C (limited clinical data).

Does Cynomorium herb interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Cynomorium coccineum in current literature. However, due to limited clinical research (Level C), caution is advised when combining with hormonal medications, fertility treatments, or other supplements affecting male reproductive function. The herb's tannin content may potentially interfere with mineral absorption if taken concurrently. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before adding Cynomorium to their regimen.

What is the recommended dosage for Cynomorium herb?

The traditional adult dosage for Cynomorium is 9-15 grams as a decoction (boiled extract) or 500mg of standardized extract taken twice daily. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and individual constitution. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the appropriate amount depends on the pattern of kidney yang deficiency being treated. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Cynomorium safe to take during pregnancy?

Cynomorium coccineum is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's traditional classification as a kidney yang tonic with warming properties makes it contraindicated for pregnant women. There is insufficient safety data regarding its effects on fetal development or use during breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What is Cynomorium herb used for in traditional medicine?

Cynomorium is traditionally used for male sexual dysfunction, kidney yang deficiency, and constipation in elderly individuals. It is valued in North African and Central Asian traditional medicine as both food and medicine for enhancing male fertility and sexual function. The herb contains antioxidant compounds that may support anti-aging processes. Evidence for these uses is rated at Level C, indicating limited clinical research but established traditional use spanning centuries.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Cynomorium coccineum (Maltese mushroom) is a non-photosynthetic holoparasitic plant used in traditional medicine across the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and China [PMID:31394783, 31621410, 15969755].

Background

Cynomorium coccineum is a holoparasitic plant, often referred to as the 'Maltese mushroom' due to its unique appearance and lack of chlorophyll [PMID:31394783]. It is found throughout the Mediterranean Basin and in water-stressed habitats from western China to the Canary Islands [PMID:31394783, 31081928].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used in Mediterranean countries to treat various ailments and as emergency food during famine [PMID:25629557]. In Northwest China, C. songaricum (Suo Yang) is used to treat fatigue, protect the liver, and invigorate kidneys [PMID:30949225], and is recognized for kidney-tonifying and Yang-strengthening effects [PMID:40086638]. Historical uses include as an astringent for bleedings and diarrhoea [PMID:31678417].

Active compounds

Bioactive constituents include triterpenoids (oleanane-type and ursane-type), flavonoids, phenolic acids (notably gallic acid), fatty acids (including 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6), proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, anthraquinones, nucleosides, and sterols [PMID:35259348, 31892846, 40058318, 25629557, 41665028, 23344249].

Mechanism of action

The herb demonstrates antioxidant activity via hydroxyl groups in phenolic acids [PMID:36364110]. In cancer cells, ethanol extracts induce cell death through the regulation of cell autophagy and apoptosis [PMID:31892846]. Wine-steamed SCH is reported to modulate the tyrosine kinase/signal transduction and transcriptional activation factor (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway in kidney-Yang deficiency models [PMID:40086638].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DCancer (In vitro)

Water and alcohol extracts decreased viability of five cancer cell lines [PMID:30261584]; fixed oil inhibited growth of B16F10 melanoma and Caco-2 colon cancer cells [PMID:25629557, 22809475]; methanolic extracts showed antiproliferative activity against human leukaemia-derived cell lines [PMID:31621410].

Evidence DMale Reproductive Health (Animal)

Aqueous extracts increased sperm count, motility, and spermatogenesis in rats [PMID:10353171, 11282435] and provided protective effects against aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity [PMID:41665028].

Evidence DFemale Reproductive Health (Animal)

Water extracts in immature rats elicited significant changes in gonadotrophin levels and increased ovarian weight and folliculogenesis [PMID:10861976].

Evidence DNeuroprotection (In vitro)

Triterpenoids from C. coccineum subsp. songaricum showed neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced or oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced SK-N-SH cell death [PMID:35259348].

Evidence DHypertension (Animal)

Fresh juice and water-soluble fractions exhibited significant blood pressure lowering activity in dogs [PMID:683693].

Safety & adverse effects

In toxicity assessments of C. songaricum in mice and rats, no abnormal behavior or mortality was found in acute tests, and safety was established in 90-day repeated oral toxicity studies [PMID:30949225]. Acute toxicity testing of C. coccineum aqueous extract in rats established safety up to 2000 mg/kg [PMID:41665028].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro cell studies and animal models (Level D), with one systematic review (Level A) regarding metabolic syndrome. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 30261584 (2018) — Anticancer Activity of Cynomorium coccineum. · Cancers
2.PMID: 31678417 (2020) — Astringent drugs for bleedings and diarrhoea: The history of Cynomorium coccineum (Maltese Mushroom). · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 31394783 (2019) — The Modern Use of an Ancient Plant: Exploring the Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Potential of the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum L.). · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 35259348 (2022) — Structures and neuroprotective activities of triterpenoids from Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum (Rupr.) J. Leonard. · Phytochemistry
5.PMID: 30949225 (2019) — Toxicity Assessment of Chinese Herbal Medicine Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Cynomorium Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Cynomorium Herb

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Cynomorium Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Cynomorium Herb

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources