Aka: Snow Parsley

the seed is the medicinal part, harvested when the fruits turn from green to gray-yellow in late summer.

the seeds are used for erectile dysfunction and low libido. osthole and Monnieriside A inhibits PDE-5, the same mechanism behind Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. preserves cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling that maintains erection.
boosts nitric oxide release in penile tissue (which initiates erection by relaxing arteries), raises testosterone, and stimulates sexual desire in the brain.
traditional dose: 3-9 grams of dried fruit/seeds in decoction (some sources extend to 6-15 grams), often combined with Epimedium sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed) and Cuscuta semen (Tu Si Zi) in formulas like Zan Yu Dan.

seeds support female fertility and gynecological health. treats vaginal trichomonas, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal yeast infections, genital eczema and itching, and is traditionally used for postpartum recovery.
the coumarins (estrogen boosting) could strengthen pelvic floor connective tissue, since estrogen decline post-menopause weakens ligaments supporting the uterus.

boosts bone-building cells (osteoblasts) through cAMP/CREB signaling and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and shuts down bone-eating cells (osteoclasts).

osthole from cnidium seeds kills breast, gastric, liver, lung, cervical, leukemia, and colon cancer cells. blocks breast cancer from metastasizing to bone. triggers cancer cell apoptosis, reverses chemo drug resistance, and stops cancer cell migration. good for HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer adjuvant therapy, breast cancer bone metastasis prevention, leukemia, and chemotherapy drug-resistant cancers.

osthole from cnidium seeds protects brain cells from Alzheimer's-related damage, with effects on memory and neuronal protection comparable to the standard Alzheimer's drug donepezil.
specifically protects hippocampal neurons (the memory center) from beta-amyloid toxicity by raising the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (anti-apoptosis). reduces brain inflammation by blocking NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, COX-2 in the hippocampus. also protects vascular cells in the brain, reducing stroke damage.

cnidium seeds kills parasites like trichomonas vaginalis (STD parasite), giardia lamblia (gut parasite from contaminated water), echinococcus (hydatid disease tapeworm larvae), scabies mites, and ringworm fungi. imperatorin and osthole also kill mosquito larvae, including insecticide-resistant strains

cardioprotective, osthole protects against atherosclerosis by lowering triglycerides, VLDL, chylomicrons, and hepatic lipase, while blocking the thickening of artery walls. good for hypertension, atherosclerosis prevention, post-menopausal cardiovascular protection, and metabolic syndrome. mild antiplatelet activity.

some caution: the psoralen-type coumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin) cause photosensitivity. Topical use followed by sun exposure can cause severe sunburn and skin damage. UVA exposure after consumption may cause phototoxic reactions.
The mild uterotonic effects make Cnidium dangerous in pregnancy.
combining with sildenafil, tadalafil, or other PDE-5 inhibitors could cause excessive hypotension. Especially dangerous with nitrates.