Herb & supplement monograph

Cnidium Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cnidium interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cnidium is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cnidium is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Cnidium Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Cnidium drug interaction appears low for most people, because every reported concern comes from laboratory research rather than confirmed effects in humans. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them are graded as only possible, based on lab findings rather than human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The concerns that deserve the most attention involve blood thinners. A cnidium compound called osthol slowed clotting and platelet activity in lab studies, so pairing it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin could in theory raise bleeding risk, and bleeding is one area where even a small added effect matters. Cnidium also showed sedative effects in lab research, so it may add to the drowsiness caused by sedatives and other CNS depressants.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications reflects just two broad drug groups, not hundreds of separate proven problems. Every interaction here is theoretical, predicted from how cnidium behaved in laboratory experiments, and none has been shown to cause meaningful changes in people. That does not rule an effect out, but it does mean the concern is precautionary rather than established.

Check your medications against Cnidium

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Cnidium interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cnidium

351 medications have a known interaction with Cnidium, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8› Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP› Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR› Acetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen› Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cnidium combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cnidium affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cnidium is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Cnidium interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsCns Depressants
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Laboratory research shows that osthol, a constituent of cnidium, inhibits blood clotting and the activity of platelets. Theoretically, cnidium might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

In laboratory research, cnidium has been shown to have sedative and hypnotic effects, possibly related to constituent coumarins. Theoretically, cnidium may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Cnidium: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Cnidium is the dried fruit of an Asian plant long used in traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for skin problems and sexual health. Modern human evidence for these uses is very limited, with most research coming from laboratory and animal studies. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cnidium
Scientific name
Cnidium monnieri
Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Part used
Dried ripe fruit (seeds); sometimes the rhizome
Common forms
Capsules, powdered extract, tinctures, topical creams and ointments, and as an ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal formulas
People commonly use it for
  • Skin conditions and itching
  • Erectile dysfunction and low libido
  • Eczema and dermatitis
  • Antifungal or antimicrobial washes
  • Athletic performance
  • General antioxidant support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Human safety data are limited, so use carefully and under professional guidance.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Cnidium comes from Cnidium monnieri, a flowering plant in the carrot and parsley family (Apiaceae). It grows in China and other parts of Asia. The small dried fruits, often called Cnidii Fructus or Cnidium seeds, are the part most often used.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cnidium has been used for hundreds of years. It is best known for treating skin problems such as itching, rashes, and fungal infections, and it has also been used for sexual health concerns like erectile dysfunction. Today it is sold as capsules, extracts, tinctures, and topical creams, and is sometimes combined with other herbs in traditional formulas.

Uses & effectiveness

People most commonly use Cnidium for skin conditions (itching, eczema, fungal infections) and for sexual health, especially erectile dysfunction and low libido. It is also marketed for athletic performance and as an antioxidant.

The evidence behind these uses is weak. Most of what we know comes from laboratory studies and animal experiments, not from well-designed human trials. Some lab research suggests its compounds may have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, or hormone-like effects, but this does not prove the herb works or is safe in people.

Because high-quality human studies are lacking, Cnidium should be considered unproven for any medical condition. It should not replace proven treatments for infections, skin disease, or erectile dysfunction.

How it works

Cnidium fruit contains several natural compounds. The most studied is osthole, a coumarin-type substance. It also contains other coumarins and compounds called imperatorin and xanthotoxin.

In laboratory and animal research, osthole and related compounds have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity. Some studies suggest osthole may affect blood vessels and certain signaling pathways, which is one proposed reason it has been studied for erectile dysfunction. Other compounds may have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects in test models.

It is important to remember these are mostly early, non-human findings. What happens in a test tube or animal does not always carry over to people.

Safety & precautions

There is not much reliable human safety information for Cnidium. Because of this, it should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Some compounds in Cnidium, like certain coumarins, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which may raise the risk of sunburn or skin reactions, especially with topical use. People with hormone-sensitive conditions should be cautious because some constituents may act like estrogen in laboratory studies.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Cnidium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not enough safety information, and some traditional sources caution against its use in pregnancy. Children and people with serious medical conditions should also avoid it unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects

Because Cnidium has not been well studied in humans, its full side effect profile is not known. Reported or possible effects include skin irritation when used topically and increased sensitivity to sunlight (which may lead to rash or sunburn).

As with many herbal supplements taken by mouth, stomach upset or allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for Cnidium. Traditional formulas and modern products vary widely in strength and form.

If you choose to use a Cnidium product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because product quality and concentration can differ between brands, and because human safety data are limited, it is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cnidium & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Cnidium & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our Cnidium monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Sun Y, Yang AWH, Lenon GB. Phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):1006. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Cnidium

67 brands in our database make a supplement containing Cnidium.

Product directory

Supplement products with Cnidium

175 products in our database contain Cnidium. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cnidium: Common Questions

Does Cnidium interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 351 medications with a known interaction with Cnidium. Use the checker above to see how Cnidium interacts with a specific drug.
How are Cnidium interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Cnidium with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Cnidium interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Cnidium used for?
It is traditionally used for skin problems like itching, rashes, and fungal infections, and for sexual health concerns such as erectile dysfunction. These uses come mostly from traditional medicine and have not been confirmed by strong human studies.
Is Cnidium safe to take?
Human safety information is limited, so it should be used cautiously and ideally with guidance from a healthcare professional. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid it.
Can I use Cnidium during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough reliable safety data, so it is best to avoid Cnidium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does Cnidium really help with erectile dysfunction?
Some laboratory and animal studies suggest possible effects, but there is not enough good human evidence to show it works. It should not replace proven treatments, so talk to your doctor about reliable options.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Cnidium

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Cnidium — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 175 products with Cnidium →
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