Cnidium Monnieri (Osthole)
Compound Type: Pro-Erectile Herb / Natural PDE-5 Inhibitor
Cnidium Monnieri, often referred to in TCM as “She Chuang Zi,” is a flowering plant that has earned the nickname “Herbal Viagra.” Its primary active constituent is a coumarin derivative called Osthole.
Unlike general health supplements, Cnidium is a targeted “hardware” supplement. It specifically targets the erectile tissue mechanics, making it a favorite among bio-hackers looking for pharmaceutical-like effects from natural sources.
How Does Cnidium Affect Penis Size?
Cnidium works through two distinct pathways: increasing Nitric Oxide (NO) via the cGMP pathway (similar to ED drugs) and potentially boosting androgen levels at high doses.
The Science: Natural PDE-5 Inhibition
1. The “Viagra” Mechanism:
A landmark study on Osthole found that it relaxes the Corpus Cavernosum by inhibiting phosphodiesterase (PDE). This is the exact same mechanism used by Sildenafil (Viagra). By stopping the breakdown of cGMP, it allows the erection to stay harder for longer.
2. Hormonal Support:
Further research demonstrated that at higher doses, Osthole increased testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and FSH. Since testosterone is the primary driver of male libido and tissue repair, this makes Cnidium a dual-threat supplement.
3. NO Synthase Activation:
Beyond just blocking PDE, Osthole actively stimulates the release of Nitric Oxide from the endothelial lining. This creates the optimal environment for “Hyper-Engorging” exercises.
✔ The Verdict: RECOMMENDED
For Erection Quality (EQ). If you are looking for a natural alternative to pharmaceutical ED treatments to help with PE exercises, this is one of the few herbs with the science to back it up. It is an excellent addition to a “Pre-Workout” stack.
100mg – 500mg
Standardized to 10%+ Osthole
Cycle: 5 days on, 2 off
Safety Profile & Side Effects
- Mild nausea (rare).
- Dizziness (due to lowered blood pressure).
- Safety: Generally well-tolerated, but long-term human safety data is limited compared to Arginine.
- ED Meds: Do not combine with Viagra/Cialis as it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure.
- Blood Thinners.
Data source: NCBI / WebMD
