How to distinguish between real and fake Cistanche deserticola

Cistanche deserticola is a precious Chinese medicinal material. Because of its significant effects of replenishing qi and strengthening yang, anti-aging, and anti-fatigue, it has been recognized from ancient times to the present as the only medicinal material comparable to ginseng. Long-term use of Cistanche can also enhance immunity and prevent cerebrovascular diseases. In addition to being eaten, it also has medicinal value. So how do you tell the authenticity of such precious Cistanche?

Identification method:

Characteristics

The fleshy stem is oblong or slightly flattened at the bottom, slightly curved, 3-375px long, thicker at the bottom, 5-375px in diameter; gradually tapering upwards, 2-375px in diameter. The surface is gray-brown or tan, densely covered with fleshy scales arranged in a shingle-like pattern. The scales are diamond or triangular, about 5px thick and 0.5-37.5px wide. It can be seen that the leaf marks left after the scales fall off are crescent-shaped. It is hard and not easy to break. The cross section is brown, with light brown dot-like vascular bundles and deep wavy or serrated rings. The woody part accounts for about 4/5 and is sometimes hollow. Small crystalline bright spots can be seen on the surface and cross section under bright light. Traditionally, it is believed that the best ones are those with fat, dark brown, oily and soft texture.

Microscopy

Cross section of stem: The epidermis is a row of flat cells covered with a cuticle. The cortex is composed of dozens of rows of thin-walled cells, which are arranged tightly. The cells near the vascular bundles have pits and there are scattered leaf-mark vascular bundles. The vascular bundles are tough, often 16-22 in number, arranged in deep wavy or serrated rings; the phloem thin-walled cells are closely arranged, sometimes forming a decadent state; the cambium is not obvious; non-lignified fibers can be seen in the xylem. The rays are obvious. The medulla is multi-fractal. The thin-walled cells of the cortex and medulla contain starch granules. Cross section of scale leaf: There is one row of upper and lower epidermal cells, which are flat and rectangular and covered with a thin cuticle. Hypodermal cells in 1 row, slightly larger. The mesophyll tissue is all spongy tissue, the cells are round, thin-walled, contain chloroplasts, and have small intercellular spaces. Vascular bundles 5-7, exo-tendonic, arranged tangentially.

We have provided a detailed introduction to the properties of the true Cistanche deserticola and its state under the microscope. Please make the correct identification of its properties when purchasing. Male friends who are weak, have premature ejaculation or kidney deficiency can soak Cistanche in wine and drink it in moderation every day. After drinking the soaked wine, they can soak Cistanche in the wine again.