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Cnidium monnieri (commonly called snow parsley) has been used for many centuries as a natural herbal medicine.
In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), it is called She Chuang Zi; and has been used primarily as a sexual enhancement agent.
It has also been used in the past to treat various skin disorders – like ringworm, eczema and scabies. Some bodybuilders use this supplement to intensify their muscular pumps after workouts.
There has been very little human research to examine the proposed effects and health benefits of Cnidium. Its uses are based on tradition, as well as evidence from some cell and animal research studies. [1][2]
This article reviews the historic and current uses for Cnidium monnieri, as well as its research evidence, purported benefits, safety, dosages, side effects and interactions.
Libido
Nitric Oxide
Sexual Health- Increases male & female libido
- Boosts nitric oxide levels
- Promotes vasodilation & circulation
Top Cnidium Monnieri* ❯Cnidium Monnieri Plant Description
Plants For A Future (PFAF) reports that Cnidium monnieri: [1]
- Is a perennial plant; meaning it comes back year after year and has a long life;
- Grows well in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils;
- Develops hermaphroditic flowers from May through July;
- Is a member of the Apiaceae plant family;
- Ripens seeds from July through August;
- Is self-fertile and pollinated by insects;
- Grows up to about 20 inches tall;
- Prefers moist soil;</l;i>
Do not confuse Cnidium monnieri with a similar plant called Cnidium officinale Makino, “a plant from Umbelliferae used as a sedative – and for the treatment of anemia, brain disease, and female genital inflammatory disease, including menstrual irregularity.” [2]
Pure Bulk states, “The plant itself is referred to as Cnidium Monnieri, whereas the vertical root aspect is referred to as Rhizome Cnidii. The fruits tend to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the seeds are referred to as She chuang zi and has the Japanese name of Jashoshi.” [2]
Uses for Cnidium Monnieri
In TCM, Cnidium monnieri is considered a bitter (supports liver health), acrid (antispasmodic) and warm (promotes various physiological functions) herb. [2]
Cnidium monnieri is used, often with Schisandra chinensis (Mongolian berry), to treat impotence. It is said to increase libido (sex drive), overcome sexual illnesses, and strengthen sexual performance potency. [1][2]
Chinese literature often states that this herb was reserved for use in making sexual-enhancement formulas for the emperor and his companions. [2]
Cnidium monnieri seed decoctions have been used externally for treating various skin disorders; including weeping eczema. [1]
Seed decoctions have been used internally for treating Trichomonas vaginitis; a vaginal infection from a protozoan parasite. It has also been used for treating uterine displacement, and a condition marked by yellow/green vaginal discharge called leucorrhoea. [1]
One leading supplement manufacturer states, “Apparently it has been used traditionally with Schisandra Chinensis and Semen Cuspidatum for fertility, but no Western literature exists on the combinations there.” [2]
According to Pure Bulk, “Cnidium fruits are traditionally used for anti-viral properties, skin rashes and breakouts, as pro-erectile agents (in men) and gynecoprotective (in women), anti-osteoporotic as well as antidiabetic and sometimes anti-inflammatory.” [2]
Cnidium monnieri is also used to slow down the aging process, and to increase bodily strength. [2]
How does Cnidium Monnieri Work Inside the Body?
Cnidium monnieri has properties similar to commonly-prescribed PDE-5 inhibitor drugs – like sildenafil (Viagra:1998), tadalafil (Cialis: 2003), vardenafil (Levitra: 2003) and avanafil (Stendra: 2012). [3]
Examine describes Cnidium monnieri as, “A pro-erectile herb from traditional chinese medicine/”
They explain that the primary bioactive ingredient in Cnidium monnieri known as osthole appears to promote a similar mechanism to Viagara in both penile tissue and in the hippocampus within the brain. [3]
According to researchers at Second Military Medical University in Shanghai, China, Cnidium monnieri contains more than 350 different phytonutrient compounds. The main bioactive constituents are called coumarins. [4]
Examine reports that some of the active ingredients found in Cnidium monnieri include: [3]
- Coumarin compounds such as osthole xanthotoxin (methoxsalen);
- Sesquiterpenes such as torilin, torilolone, and 1-hydroxytorilin;
- Terpenoids such as alpha-pinene, camphene, and limonene;
- Furanocoumarins similar to imperatorin, such as cnidilin;
- Chromones such as umtatin, cindimol, and karentin;
- Isopimpinellin, bergapten and tetramethylpyrazine;
- Daucosterol;
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states, “Active constituents of cnidium are thought to be the coumarin derivatives including osthol, imperatorin, isopimpinellin, xanthotoxin, and bergapten. Additional coumarins have also been identified including cnidimonal, cnidimarin, and others.” [5]
NMCD states that this supplement also contains hemiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, and aromatic glucosides. All parts of this plant are applicable. [5]
Osthole is considered to be the primary active constituent of Cnidium monnieri. It is a compound derived from coumarin; a fragrant, organic, benzopyrone compound. [3]
Chinese researchers stated, “In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that osthole and other coumarin compounds possess wide range of pharmacological properties for the treatment of female genitals, male impotence, frigidity, skin-related diseases, and exhibit strong antipruritic, anti-allergic, antidermatophytic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-osteoporotic effects.” [4]
PFAF reports that nonhuman research has associated Cnidium monnieri with aphrodisiac (sexual enhancement), antipruritic (stops itching), antirheumatic (works against rheumatic diseases), astringent (constricts tissues), carminative (prevents/expels intestinal gas), discutient (dissipates diseased matter), sedative (induces calm), vermifuge (destroys/expels parasitic worms) and vulnerary (heals wounds) properties. [1]
Some evidence from animal studies shows that purified osthol and isopimpinellin constituents from Cnidium monnieri have antipruritic effects. However, the effects do not seem to be as potent as those of a common antihistamine drug called Benadryl (diphenhydramine). [5]
Other evidence suggests that C. monnieri fruit extract inhibits itching caused by Substance P, with inducing sedation as is common with Benadryl. [5]
Other animal studies suggest that osthol and isopimpinellin also have antiallergy effects. [5]
NMCD reports, “Extracts have cytotoxic activity against cervical and colorectal cancer cells, and against leukemia cells in vitro. The coumarin constituent osthol seems to have the strongest cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. Both osthol and imperatorin induce apoptosis of HL-60 human leukemia cells.” [5]
Cnidium monnieri contains sesquiterpene constituents – like torilolone and 1-hydroxytorilin – that researchers believe might help to protect the liver. In in-vitro (cultured cell) studies, both protected against against tacrine-induced liver cytotoxicity. [5]
The coumarin constituents of Cnidium monnieri are being studied for possible effects in osteoporosis (fragile, brittle bones), and some other bone/joint disorders. [5]
NMCD states, “Coumarin constituents of the fruit extract seem to stimulate osteoblast proliferation in vitro. Osthol is more active on osteoblast proliferation than imperatorin and bergapten.” [5]
Some researchers think that Cnidium monnieri helps to counter the effects of chemicals inside the body that are known to break down NO (nitric oxide). [2]
Pure Bulk states, “Since NO is a vasodilator, Cnidium monnieri may help promote vascular pumps after you have finished working out. These effects may be subtle and therefore is often combined with l-arginine, Citrulline malate, and GPLC to improve results.” [2]
Cnidium Monnieri Health Benefits
NMCD reports that there is not sufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness or safety of Cnidium monnieri in any health condition. [5]
There are no preven health benefits associated with Cnidium monnieri. Use of many traditional medicines is just now beginning to receive attention in clinical research. What is currently known about the effects of this natural medicine stems from evidence from cell and animal studies.
Sexual effects:
According to National Library of Medicine states, “The phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors cause vasodilation in the penis and lung by blocking the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which results in prolongation of the action of mediators of vasodilation including nitric oxide (NO).” [6]
The enzymes (type-5 phosphodiesterases) that PDE5 inhibitors decrease activity in are found mostly in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and in the lungs’ pulmonary vasculature. [6]
Because of this, PDE5 inhibitor drugs are prescribed mainly for helping to achieve and maintain penile erections, and to decrease pressure in the pulmonary vasculature of the lungs. These drugs seem to have little effect on systemic vasculature. [6]
PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis do not cause the user to experience increased sexual desire. They simply act to help to flood the penis with blood, and then sustain it there to cause an erection. These drugs are not approved for use in women for any reason.
In comparison, Examine reports, “When examined in vitro on corpus cavernosum (penis wall) muscles, the bioactive ingredient osthol appears to be able to cause muscular relaxation (pro-erectile) in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be via phosphodiesterase inhibition, as osthol appears to potentiate cGMP induced relaxation as well as nitric oxide.” [3]
While the erection-producing effects of Cnidium monnieri are comparable to those of PDE5 inhibitor drugs, the apparent safety of Cnidium seems superior.
There are no adverse effects reported for Cnidium monnieri. However, there are numerous possible side effects listed for all PDE5 inhibitor drugs. [3]
Some of the most common of these include headache, back pain, stomach pain, indigestion, dizziness or drops in blood pressure. Much more serious side effects are possible with these drugs as well.
Because of lacking clinical research, Cnidium monnieri cannot be claimed as an effective solution for impotence, ED (erectile dysfunction), premature ejaculation, low libido or any other sexual disorder.
Large-scale, randomized, blinded and controlled human trials are needed. Ask your doctor about using Cnidium monnieri for improving any sexual performance problem you may have.
Hormonal effects:
Osthol increases production of testosterone, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone), in castrated rats. However, this has not been tested in human research. [6]
According to Examine, “When studied in ovariectomized rats (a research model for menopause), both 17?-estradiol (biologically active estrogen) injected at 30 ug/kg and osthole orally administered at 9mg/kg were effective in alleviating bone loss.” [3]
However, osthol is not thought to influence other parameters associated with estrogen metabolism. [6]
In one in-vitro study, Cnidium monnieri, used with Angelicae sinensis, increased progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum.
PFAF states that Cnidium monnieri, “has been shown to have an action similar to the sex hormones, prolonging and reviving the copulation period, increasing the weight of the uterus and ovary, prostate gland and testicle.” [1]
More research is needed to understand how Cnidium monnieri affects hormones in people.
Liver effects:
The osthol contituent of Cnidium monnieri has been shown to reduce fatty liver tissue induced by alcohol. It was also able to lower the content of fat inside the liver in a beneficial manner. [3]
Examine reports, “In a study where mice were fed 52% of caloric intake as ethanol for 4 weeks and then given 10-40 mg/kg Osthole for 6 weeks, Osthole was able to normalize alterations in CPT1A and CYP2E1 transcription rates (made abnormal with prolonged alcohol ingestion, and conducive to further fat buildup).” [3]
Ostol also seems to benefit fatty liver induced by foods, especially milk. The source of the liver fat does not seem to matter. Ostol seems effective against all fatty liver scenarios. [6]
However, there have been no human studies to validate or refute the apparent fatty liver benefits of ostol or Cnidium monnieri. Clinical research is warranted in this area.
Cancer effects:
The osthol constituent of Cnidium monnieri demonstrates the following anticancer effects: [6]
- Shows non-selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells, especially breast and lung;
- Possibly inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation with moderate potency;
- Has potential as an anti-breast cancer agent;
According to Examine, “A possible mechanism of this cytotoxicity may be inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN), of which inhibition causes cytotoxic buildup of precursors; Osthol shows cytotoxic preference in cells overexpressing HER2, which increases FASN activity.” [3]
There have been no human trials exploring the anticancer effects of Cnidium monnieri. Research is needed in this area to determine any reliable effects.
Osthol and Cnidium monnieri are both also thought to possibly benefit those with obesity, diabetes and bone/joint disorders. However, there has been no human research addressing these potentials.
There are no preven health benefits associated with Cnidium monnieri. Its uses are based on thousands of years of use in traditional medicine systems, like TCM.
It is best to ask your doctor about any intended use you have in mind for this dietary supplement.
Cnidium Monnieri Dosage
There are no typical dosages for Cnidium monnieri.
The osthol contietuent is not water-soluble. Because of this, Cnidium is said to be best taken with foods, especially those with moderate healthy fat content.
According to Examine, “Since there is no information on Osthole consumption in isolation, the best lead currently is the dose of Cnidium fruits or seeds used in Traditional Medicine; which is 6-15g of either fruit or seed.” [3]
Cnidium Monnieri Supplements
Cnidium monnieri is available as a bulk powder supplement. However, it is most often used in combination supplements along with other herbs, especially those purported to increase libido and/or sexual performance. [3]
NMCD reports there are 187 different supplements available that contain Cnidium monnieri. Make sure any that you purchase were sourced organically, are non-GMO and certified to be unadulterated by toxins or other non-listed substances. [5]
Pay attention to expiration dates on your supplements; and store them in a cool, dark, location in an airtight glass container.
Cnidium Monnieri Safety Side Effects
NMCD reports no adverse effects associated with Cnidium monnieri. [5]
More research is needed to understand the potential adverse effects that long-term use of this supplement may cause.
NMCD reports no interaction possibilities between Cnidium monnieri and foods, lab tests, drugs, herbs, diseases or supplements. [5]
Stop using dietary supplements 14 days before surgeries you have scheduled.
- Plants for a Future. Cnidium monnieri - (L.)Cusson.. Accessed Oct 21, 2017
- Pure Bulk staff. Cnidium Monnieri Extract (50:1). Accessed Oct 21, 2017
- Examine staff. Cnidium monnieri. Accessed Oct 21, 2017
- Li YM, Jia M, Li HQ, Zhang ND, Wen X, Rahman K, Zhang QY, Qin LP1. Cnidium monnieri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Properties. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(5):835-77. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X15500500. Epub 2015 Aug 4.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Cnidium Monnieri Professional Monograph, Accessed Oct 21, 2017
- National Library of Medicine. PHOSPHODIESTERASE TYPE 5 (PDE5) INHIBITORS. Accessed Oct 21, 2017
Article last updated on: July 19th, 2018 by Nootriment