Effects of Cistanche tubulosa Wight Extract on Locomotive Syndrome: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

In an aging society, preventing dysfunction and restoring function of the locomotive organs are necessary for long-term quality of life. Few interventional studies have investigated supplementation for locomotive syndrome. Additionally, very few interventional clinical studies on locomotive syndrome have been performed as placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind studies. We previously found that the administration of 30% ethanolic extract of Cistanche tubulosa improved walking ability in a cast-immobilized skeletal muscle atrophy mouse model. Therefore, we conducted a clinical study to evaluate the effects of C. tubulosa (CT) extract on the locomotive syndrome. Twenty-six subjects with pre-symptomatic or mild locomotive syndrome completed all tests and were analyzed in the study. Analyses of muscle mass and physical activity were performed based on the full analysis set. Intake of CT extract for 12 weeks increased step width (two-step test) and gait speed (5 m walking test) in patients over 60 years old compared with those in a placebo control (p = 0.046). In contrast, the skeletal muscle mass of the body trunk and limbs was unchanged following administration of CT extract. Adverse effects were evaluated by blood tests; no obvious adverse events were observed following the intake of CT extract. In conclusion, this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study demonstrated that treatment with CT extract significantly prevented a decline in walking ability without any notable adverse effects in patients with locomotive syndrome.