Cnidium Monnieri
A traditional Chinese seed whose coumarin osthole is well characterized in the laboratory and untested in people for erectile function. There are no human trials for the use it is sold for.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
What the science says
- Erectile function Limited evidence
No clinical trial of Cnidium monnieri for erectile dysfunction has been published. A pharmacology review of osthole, its principal coumarin, describes vasorelaxant and phosphodiesterase-related activity entirely in cell and animal models.
- Bone and other effects Limited evidence
A review of Cnidii Fructus as a source of antiosteoporotic compounds summarizes preclinical bone findings and notes the absence of clinical validation. The same gap applies across its traditional indications.
Dosage & safety
Studied doseNo studied human dose. Traditional decoctions use 3-10 g of the dried fruit; extract capsules commonly supply 250-500 mg standardized to osthole as a label dose.
SafetyHuman safety is essentially uncharacterized. Osthole has shown liver and reproductive toxicity in animals at higher doses, and topical use of the raw herb can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation. Avoid in pregnancy, in liver disease, and alongside nitrates or erectile dysfunction drugs given the theoretical vasodilatory overlap.
Scientific references
Where to buy
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