Coumarins from Cnidium monnieri (L.) and their proliferation stimulating activity on osteoblast-like UMR106 cells

The proliferation of various fractions of alcoholic extracts from fruits of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss (umbelifera) were screened using the osteoblast-like UMR106 cells in vitro. The chloroform fraction from the crude extract was found to have the most stimulating activity. Three coumarins (osthole, bergapten and imperatorin) were isolated from this fraction by activity-guided assay, and their effects on osteoblastic proliferation were investigated. Osthole, a major pharmacologically active constituent, significantly promoted the cells' activity. Bergapten and imperatorin were less effective than osthole. These results suggested Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss extracts might have potential activity against osteoporosis, and its chloroform fraction might contain active constituents stimulating osteoblasts.