Osthole

Abstract

Osthole is derived from Umbelliferae and Rutaceae plants. It is a Chinese medicine which is used widely by traditional medicine doctors. Cnidium has been recorded in almost all of the pharmaceutical monograph. Osthole exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects including neuroprotective, osteogenic, immunomodulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, and antimicrobial activities. It is expected to be used in the treatment of cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and immune system diseases. Further studies are needed to enrich the knowledge of the pharmacological effects and address the safety issues of osthole in order to develop this natural product and its derivatives as an agent for disease prevention and therapeutics in human.