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.
Other ingredients that support Male Reproductive System
AbutaAlchornea
Allium tuberosum
amino acids
Angelica
animal protein
anise
anti-aromatase
antler
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
avocado
ba ji tian
barrenwort
bee products
Beef liver
beta-sitosterol
black galingale
black ginger
black seed
Borassus aethiopum
boron
Brazil nut
broccoli
Bulbine natalensis
Butea monosperma
Butea superba
Caesalpinia crista
caterpillar mushroom
catuaba
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
Chlorophytum
cistanche
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
cordyceps
cowage seed
Crinum latifolium
cruciferous
Cucurbita
Curculigo orchioides
Cyanotis arachnoides
Cyanotis vaga
Cynomorium
d-alpha tocopherol
D-Aspartic Acid
damiana
date
deer velvet
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dodder
egg
elk antler
equol (proprietary)
Euryale seed
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
Fadogia agrestis
fatty acids
fenugreek
fish
fo-ti
folate
folic acid
furostanols
garden cress
ginseng
Ginsenosides
gokhru
herbal blend (proprietary)
horny goat weed
Hygrophila
icariin
Indian sarsparilla
Jatropha macrantha
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-arginine
L-citrulline
Leptadenia
lingzhi
lipids
Loranthus
lycopene
maca
macaenes
macamides
magnesium
maral root
Massularia acuminata
Melatonin
Montanoa tomentosa
Muira puama
Nettle
Nigella seed
Nymphaea caerulea
Orchis latifolia
Osthole
parsley
Pedalium
pomegranate
protein
Protodioscin
pumpkin
pygeum
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
Rhaponticum
royal jelly
Safed musli
saffron
saw palmetto
selenium
Selenocysteine
Selenomethionine
Semecarpus anacardium
sesame
Shataverins
Shilajit
smilax
suma
Tiger Nut
Tongkat ali
trace minerals
Tribuloside
tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris
Trichilia catigua
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
Walnut
wheat germ
Withanolides
Yohimbe
Yohimbine
Zinc