TITLE:
A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Tauopathy and Enhancing Learning and Memory through Neurotrophic Factor Induction with Cistanche tubulosa Extract
AUTHORS:
Chin-Tsai Chou, Chao-Jih Wang, Bo-Kai Wu, Chang-Jen Huang, Muh-Hwan Su
KEYWORDS:
Neurotrophic, Cistanche Tubulosa, Memory, BDNF, Transgenic Zebrafish, Anti-Secretase
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: The neuroprotective efficacy and safety of Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) in reducing tauopathy levels were studied. However, evidence-based insights into how CTE enhances memory ability remain unclear. A total of 85 healthy volunteers (with MMSE scores ≥ 24, which is Normal/No impairment) participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: Group A (600 mg CTE), Group B (300 mg CTE), or Group C (placebo), administered once daily for six weeks. Efficacy was assessed using the clinical memory scale, along with measurements of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentrations. Results showed statistically significant changes in BDNF and AChE levels in both treatment groups (Groups A and B) compared to baseline and the placebo group. Memory tests also demonstrated significant improvements (p