Cnidium monnieri vs Lu Rong

TCM herb for kidney yang and external skin conditions; coumarin osthol shown to enhance testosterone.

Immature antler velvet from sika deer, one of the most prized tonics in TCM for replenishing essence and marrow, tonifying kidney yang, and strengthening bones and blood.

osthol, isopimpinellin, xanthotoxol, bergapten, methoxsalen, isoimperatorin

IGF-1, growth factors, glycosaminoglycans, collagen, prostaglandins

impotence, vaginal itching, skin conditions, infertility, eczema

kidney yang deficiency, infertility, impotence, bone weakness, blood deficiency

aphrodisiac, antifungal, antipruritic, testosterone enhancement

anabolic, bone density, reproductive support, anti-aging

3-9g dried fruit or 300mg extract daily

1–3g powder daily or 500mg extract

pregnancy, yin deficiency with heat, children internal

yin deficiency heat, fever, hypertension, pregnancy, hormone-sensitive cancers

GI upset, photosensitivity with topical use

hypertension, nosebleeds, heat symptoms