Evidence supporting the use of: Osthole
For the body system: Male Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Osthole is a natural coumarin derivative predominantly found in Cnidium monnieri, a plant widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historically, extracts containing osthole have been used to support male reproductive health, particularly for issues such as impotence, infertility, and low libido. Ancient texts and TCM practitioners have described its use as a tonic to enhance sexual function and vitality.
While there is a substantial tradition of use, modern scientific evidence is limited. Some preclinical studies on animals suggest that osthole may influence testosterone production, improve sperm quality, or enhance erectile function, but these effects have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials. The mechanisms proposed include modulation of nitric oxide pathways and androgenic activity, but data remain preliminary. Therefore, while osthole is used in traditional settings for male reproductive support, scientific validation is still emerging, and the evidence base is not strong enough to grant a higher rating.
In summary, the use of osthole for male reproductive health is primarily justified by tradition, with some early scientific interest but insufficient clinical evidence at this time.
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DIM (diindolylmethane)
fenugreek
folate
ginseng
gokhru
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L-citrulline
lycopene
maca
magnesium
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parsley
pomegranate
protein
pumpkin
pygeum
rehmannia glutinosa
saffron
saw palmetto
selenium
black ginger
Tongkat ali
tribulus
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
Zinc
suma
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smilax
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lingzhi
cistanche
dodder
royal jelly
equol (proprietary)
trace minerals
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wheat germ
herbal blend (proprietary)
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anti-aromatase
animal protein
black seed
Butea monosperma
black galingale
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Bulbine natalensis
Brazil nut
ba ji tian
Butea superba
bee products
Borassus aethiopum
Curculigo orchioides
Chinese mountain ant
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
Chlorophytum
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Cyanotis vaga
catuaba
Crinum latifolium
Cyanotis arachnoides
DHEA
D-Aspartic Acid
deer velvet
date
eurycomanone
egg
Euryale seed
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
folic acid
fo-ti
furostanols
fish
fatty acids
Fadogia agrestis
Ginsenosides
garden cress
Hygrophila
horny goat weed
Indian sarsparilla
icariin
Jatropha macrantha
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Leptadenia
Loranthus
lipids
macamides
maral root
Massularia acuminata
Montanoa tomentosa
macaenes
Nigella seed
Nymphaea caerulea
Orchis latifolia
Osthole
Protodioscin
Pedalium
Rehmannia
Rhaponticum
Selenocysteine
Selenomethionine
Safed musli
Semecarpus anacardium
Shataverins
Shilajit
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Tribuloside
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Tribulus Terrestris
Withanolides
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