Cnidium Monnier is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an herbal anti-itch lotion and remedy for a variety of skin ailments and as a reproductive aid and aphrodisiac that increases sexual desire in both men and women. Today, we are told that it assists the body in producing nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscles and works to encourage healthy sexual function, and it has been used to treat male sexual dysfunction. It also shows promise in the areas of osteoporosis, allergies and carcinoma research. it is also said to be 'anti-aging' and to 'build up strength', highly vague claims.
Coumarin compounds such as Osthole and Imperatorin as well as Xanthotoxin (Methoxsalen). Isopimpinellin, and Bergapten have also been identified Hydrated berries of Cnidii have concentrations around 1.67-2.88% osthole.
Osthole is commonly seen as the primary active ingredient due to it being the most prominent courmarin derivative in Cnidium Monnieri,and is a coumarin derivative compound. It's true chemical name is 7-methoxy-8{3-methylpent 2-enyl}coumarin.The fruits tend to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but the seeds of Cnidium Monnieri contains these bioactives as well.
