Cnidium monnieri. Selinum monnieri 蛇 床 子 Shé chuáng zǐ   Cnidium fruit   Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)     
Nature: Warm   FLAVOR: Pungent, bitter, acrid  TOXICITY: Sightly toxic.[1]
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: External Use
1. Dry up Dampness.[2] Eliminates flatulence.[1]
2. Destroy intestinal worms.[1,2]
3. Relieve itching.[2] Strengthen Yang.[2]
4. Dispels Cold.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Itching in genitals.[2] Leukorrhea.[1,2] Trichomonas vaginitis.[1,2] Weeping eczema of the skin and scrotum.[1]
2. Uterine displacement.[1]
3. Eczema, itching in skin, impotence.[2]
PREPARATIONS: Decoction.  Dry ripe fruit 3-9 g.[2] For external purposes, 15-30 g may be prepared in decoction and used for bathing affected parts.[1]
Fruits or the whole plant  3-9 g.[1]

HABITAT: Found growing alongside ditches and field edges.
DESCRIPTION: Perennial herb. Young stem prostrate on ground like a snake, becoming erect with continuous growth, and showing longitudinal furrows and humps in midair. Leaves: alternate, 2-3 times pinnately compound, final lobes linear-lanceolate, apexes acute non-pubescent on both surfaces, leaf petioles expanded toward their stem attachment sections. Flowers: in summer-autumn, white flowers appear to form compound umbellate inflorescences, terminal or lateral. Fruit: broadly ovate. 
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Research

Effects of total coumarins of Cnidium monnieri on bone density and biomechanics of glucocorticoids-induced osteoporosis in rats.
Liao JM, Zhu QA, Lu HJ, Li QN, Wu T, Huang LF.
Abstract
AIM:
To evaluate the effects of total coumarins from dried fruits of Cnidium monnieri (TCCM) on glucocorticoids (GC)-induced osteoporosis (OP) in rats.
METHODS:
Single photon absorptiometric and biomechanical character measurements of femurs were used.
RESULTS:
The bone density (BD) indices in proximal, middle, and distal segments in GC group were decreased by 12% (P < 0.05), 14% (P < 0.05), and 12% (P < 0.05), respectively vs control group. The BD on proximal, middle, and distal segments in GC-TCCM group were increased by 26% (P < 0.01), 34% (P < 0.01), and 31% (P < 0.01), respectively vs GC group. The biomechanical competence in femoral middle segments in GC group tended to decrease vs control group. In GC-TCCM group, the torsional strength, energy, maximal torsional angle, and rigidity were increased by 15% (P < 0.05), 32% (P < 0.05), 14% (P > 0.05), and 13% (P > 0.05), respectively vs the GC group.
CONCLUSION:
TCCM not only prevented glucocorticoids-induced osteoporosis but also increased the torsional strength of femurs in rats.
PMID: 10322909  Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1997 Nov;18(6):519-21. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cnidium monnieri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Properties.
Li YM, Jia M, Li HQ, Zhang ND, Wen X, Rahman K, Zhang QY, Qin LP.
Abstract
Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., an annual plant of the Umbelliferae species is one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines and its fruits have been used to treat a variety of diseases in China, Vietnam, and Japan. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and contraindication of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. and to provide future directions of research on this plant. To date, 350 compounds have been isolated and identified from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss., including the main active constituent, coumarins. 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. Although coumarins have been identified as the main active constituents responsible for the observed pharmacological effects, the molecular mechanisms of their actions are still unknown. Therefore, further studies are still required to reveal the structure-activity relationship of these active constituents. In addition, toxicological and clinical studies are also required to provide further data for pharmaceutical use.
Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(5):835-77. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X15500500. Epub 2015 Aug 4.
PMID: 26243582 DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X15500500 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov