Research Progress of Pharmacological Mechanism of Cistanche in the Treatment of Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is one of clinical common type of dementia, its pathogenesis is complex, the incidence of rising trend year by year, the serious influence the patient's life and health. In the category of traditional Chinese medicine, vascular dementia belongs to the category of "dementia", and its etiology and pathogenesis are mostly related to "deficiency of kidney essence". Studies have found that Cistanche deserticola is a traditional Chinese medicine with a high frequency in the treatment of vascular dementia. It has the effects of toning kidney Yang, nourishing essence blood, moistening intestine and purging, and has definite advantages in preventing vascular dementia. C. deserticola chemical composition including echinacea glycosides, mullein indican, c. deserticola total glycosides, phenylethyl alcohol glycosides, flavonoids and polysaccharides, removal of oxygen free radicals and improve antioxidant compounds with resistance to oxidative stress; It plays an anti-vascular dementia role by clearing β-amyloid protein, reducing neuronal apoptosis, protecting hippocampal neurons, and regulating neurotransmitters to protect cholinergic nerves. This article reviews the pharmacological effects of cistanche deserticola on vascular dementia. As to provide theoretical basis for the use of c. deserticola and evidence-based support.