Supplement
Cnidium monnieri is a plant long used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its fruit contains osthole, a compound that acts on the nitric oxide pathway that helps smooth muscle relax. People mostly look at it for erectile function, where the evidence is limited: lab work found osthole blocked PDE5 in penile tissue, and animal studies found better erectile response, though weaker than sildenafil. No human trials exist, so its effect in people is unknown.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade D
- Conditions studied
- 1
- Outcomes
- 5
- Graded outcomes
- 0005
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
General
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Function In vitro studies demonstrate osthole inhibits PDE5 in corpus cavernosum tissue via the NO-cGMP pathway, a mechanism shared with sildenafil. Animal studies show improved erectile response and penile smooth muscle relaxation, though osthole is less potent than sildenafil. No human clinical trials have been conducted. | Improves (the measure goes up) | 3 studies | ||||
| Neuroprotection Animal models of stroke and neurodegeneration show osthole has neuroprotective effects, with noted activity in the hippocampus and potential enhancement of learning and memory. No human cognitive studies have been performed. | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | ||||
Studies that measured neuroprotection
| ||||||
| Inflammation In vitro and animal studies demonstrate osthole inhibits inflammatory pathways including NF-κB signaling. Traditional use for skin inflammation and itch provides some historical support, but no human anti-inflammatory trials exist. | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | ||||
| Antifungal Activity Cnidium monnieri has traditional topical use for dermatitis, itching, and skin infections. Limited in vitro evidence supports antifungal properties of the plant's coumarins. Modern dermatological research is very sparse with no human trials. | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | ||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Mineral Density In vitro studies show osthole stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Animal models of osteoporosis suggest inhibition of osteoclast activity and improved bone density. No human data exists. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect |
Key findings
- Erectile FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)
- NeuroprotectionImproves (the measure goes up)
- InflammationImproves (the measure goes down)