Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceMen's health

Cynomorium (Suo Yang)

A parasitic desert plant used in Chinese medicine as a yang tonic for stamina and sexual function. The modern literature is almost entirely rodent and cell work on its polysaccharides and triterpenes; no controlled human trial supports the marketed uses.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • PDE5 inhibition shown only in animals Limited evidence

    A 2026 study reported that Cynomorium songaricum polysaccharides inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 and improved erectile parameters in a rat model. The mechanism is plausible and the same one sildenafil uses, but the finding has not been tested in humans.

  • Broad preclinical activity, no clinical translation Limited evidence

    A 2026 review of Cynomorium polysaccharides summarizes antioxidant, immunomodulatory and metabolic effects across cell and animal models. Reviews of this kind repeatedly conclude that human clinical data are lacking.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo validated human dose. Traditional decoctions use roughly 5–10 g of dried stem; extract capsules typically state 500 mg once or twice daily as a label dose.
SafetyHuman safety data are sparse. Traditional texts caution against use with diarrhoea or in what they classify as heat patterns. Given the reported PDE5 activity in animals, avoid combining with nitrates or erectile dysfunction drugs. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in people on antihypertensives until interactions are studied.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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