Epimedium
supplement extract icariin, side effects,
sexual benefits, dose and dosage, information, aphrodisiac benefits and properties
Review of combining with yohimbe. Does it influence
testosterone or nitric oxide? Does it effect blood pressure?
July 25 2018 by
Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Epimedium is a pungent
ornamental herb found in Asia and the Mediterranean. The Chinese call it Yin Yang Huo,
which loosely means "licentious goat plant." Legend has it that the name
horny goat weed came
from a herder who noticed his goats becoming more sexually active after eating the plant.
Supplement companies have adopted the provocative name by which it is known in the United States.
Horny Goat Weed - buy Epimedium supplement extract 300 mg
with icariin, and Passion
Rx herbal formula
Epimedium sagittatum
is one of the most valued tonics of Chinese herbalism. In China it is especially
used for supporting healthy sexual activity.
Supplement facts:
Each Horny Goat Weed tablet contains:
Epimedium Sagittatum 300 mg (20% flavonoids as icariin)
Buy Epimedium supplement extract with icariin, Passion Rx with horny goat weed
extract sexual enhancer
The potent herbal extracts in this sex
pill include ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium,
epimedium extract, maca extract, muira puama,
passion flower, Tongkat Ali, tribulus terrestris extract, and
yohimbe
bark.
Dosage, how much to take
There are quite a number of epimedium supplements online, in health
food stores, and on Amazon. Each product will be different than the other
depending on the amount of the herb and the potency of the extract. Therefore it
is difficult to provide exact dosages.
What the research says regarding sexual enhancement
Very little human research has been published in the Western medical literature
with epimedium supplements. Our Chinese study investigated the therapeutic effect of epimedium sagittatum on 22 patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Twelve patients with
hemodialysis were served as controls. The herb had a sex enhancing effect and improved their
quality of life.
Effect of Epimedium sagittatum on quality of life and cellular immunity in patients of hemodialysis maintenance
Dept. of Nephrology, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing. 1995
Our previous study had demonstrated that Epimedium Sagittatum exerted immune enhancing
effect on the animal model of chronic renal insufficiency. In present study, we
investigated the therapeutic effect on patients of hemodialysis
maintenance. 22 cases of regular hemodialytic patients were treated with Epimedium
in the form of decoction. The herb had
sexual potentiation effect and improved the quality of life in the patients of chronic
renal failure with regular hemodialysis. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) activity of peripheral blood
monocytes stimulated by PHA was increased significantly in the treated patients. It was suggested that this herb had therapeutic effect on sexual
disorder and immunologic inadequacy in the patients of chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.
Effects of icariin on cGMP-specific PDE5 and cAMP-specific PDE4 activities.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2004.
PDE5 was isolated from the human platelet
and PDE4 from the rat liver tissue. Icariin
and papaverine showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PDE5 and PDE4
activities. Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor that may be developed into
an oral effective agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Today I received a letter claiming that epimedium extract
to be 3 times more effective in restoring erections and increasing libido
levels, and is stronger than yohimbine hydrochloride. Is this true, or just
another false claim?
We have not seen any human studies that have compared them.
Furthermore, there are different extract potencies of each herb which makes
comparisons difficult and more complicated.
Women
I'm female that wondering if I can take the above herb to increase my libido,
since most sites only talks about helping a man on his erection.
A woman could also benefit from this herb.
DNA protection
research
Experimental study on effect of epimedium flavonoids in protecting telomere
length of senescence cells HU
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004.
Epimedium flavonoids might delay the aging of
cells through inhibiting the p16 gene expression, promoting the production of
phosphorated Rb protein and to protect the length of telomere, but not
activating the telomerase.
Influence on bone
Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban.
2011. Effects of total flavonoids of Epimedium sagittatum on the mRNA expression
of the estrogen receptor α and β in hypothalamus and hippocampus in
ovariectomized rats. To explore the effect of total flavonoids of Epimedium
sagittatum (TFE) on the mRNA expressions of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)
and estrogen receptor beta(ERβ) in hippocampus and hypothalamus in
ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats, and the mechanism of TFE against
postmenopausal osteoporosis. TFE can improve BMD
of vertebra in the OVX rats without side effects on the uterus. The mechanism
may be related to increasing the mRNA expressions of ERα and ERβ in hypothalamus
and hippocampus.
Pharmazie. 2013. A systematic review of the efficacy and pharmacological profile of Herba Epimedii in osteoporosis therapy. Four databases were extensively retrieved that include two Chinese electronic databases (VIP Information and CNKI) and two English electronic databases (CA and MEDLINE). Quite a few pharmacological effects of Herba Epimedii, its extracts and active components have been identified that include improving bone health and cardiovascular function, regulating hormone level, modulating immunological function, and inhibiting tumor growth. The anti-osteoporosis activity of Herba Epimedii and its extracts have attracted world-wide attention. The literature search has revealed that a lot of studies have recently been carried out related to the bone-strengthening activity and some of its active compounds, such as total flavonoids and icariin. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of Herba Epimedii and its most abundant active component icariin, while only a few authors have reviewed the anti-osteoporosis properties of the plants.
Parkinson's
disease
Phytomedicine. 2017. Neuroprotective properties of icariin in MPTP-induced mouse
model of Parkinson's disease. Epimedium sagittatum is a traditional Chinese herb
normally which is used to treat the osteoporosis, cardiovascular dysfunction,
and to improve neurological and sexual function in China, Korea and Japan.
Icariin is the major active ingredient in Epimedium sagittatum. In the present
research, we demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of icariin on dopaminergic
neurons and the possible mechanisms in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
Mechanism of action
The exact way that epimedium works as an
Erection Enhancer remains unclear. Animal studies have shown
that it may influence levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and
dopamine and reduce cortisol levels. I am not sure how or if it influences
levesl of testosterone. Its quite possible epimedium
influences several aspects of human sexual biochemistry. Icariin is thought to
help with erectile function, does it do so by influencing nitric oxide?
Epimedium side
effects, risk, danger, testimonial
High doses of epimedium can cause side effects of overstimulation, rapid heart beat,
and perhaps heart palpitations. I am still not to what extent it effects blood
pressure.
I was recently taking a testosterone
booster that contains epidmedium, and a horny goat weed supplement,
not knowing they are both the same plant. As a result; I may have
experienced overstimulation that has not subsided after I discontinued
taking the epimedium supplement. it's been a few months and I have taken a
few supplements containing epidmedium but nothing on a regular basis on a
few weekends here and there...and yet I'm still experiencing some over
stimulation. Is it possible that it has cause permanent damage or has made me
extremely sensitive to the supplement.
Yes, taking high doses of certain herbs, such as epimedium, can cause overstimulation. It is possible that your body has
become very sensitive to this herb, and hence taking a long break, using
smaller amounts, and less frequently, is a good option.
I have been using your product Epimedium
supplement extract for a while without a problem but I started to get headaches
after a few weeks. What to do?
The best option is to take a few days off.
Review
Most users will notice a
mild to moderate sexual effect on the third or fourth day of use.
Epimedium is sold in various extract potencies, including various
percentages of icariin and epimediosides. For instance you can find it sold by herbal and ingredient suppliers as 5 percent, 10
percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, and 60 percent icariin. There are even some
suppliers who may carry a 98% extract.
Composition
Epimedium herb has a number of ingredients including prenylated flavonol glycosides, ikarisoside A, icarisid
II, epimedoside A, icariin, epimedin B, yinyanghuo A - E, and epimedokoreanoside.
Flavonoids include chrysoeriol, quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, and
luteolin. The leaves contain a variety of flavonoids,
sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine.
Herba Epimedii is an important medicinal plant which has been used in various traditional Chinese formulations for thousands of years as well as in modern proprietary traditional Chinese medicine products. It has extensive clinical indications, especially for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis. There have been more than 260 chemical moieties identified in the genus Epimedium most of which belong to flavonoids. Icariin is the most abundant constituent in Herba Epimedii.
Research on variation regularity of five main flavonoids
contents in Epimedium and processed Epimedium
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009.
To research on the variation regularity of the five main flavonoids contents
in Epimedium. The contents of Epimedin A, Epimedin B,
Epimedin C, Icariin and Baohuoside I in Epimedium and processed herb were
determined, respectively. There were varieties in the contents of Epimedin A,
Epimedin B, Epimedin C, Icariin and Baohuoside. There were different variety tendencies in different species and
different batches. The variety tendencies of the contents of five main
flavonoids depend on the processing technology.
Phytochemistry. 2015. Chemotypic and genetic diversity in Epimedium sagittatum from different geographical regions of China. Different geographical plant populations within a single species can exhibit variation, in the production of secondary metabolites. The extent of variation in the production of four flavonoid glycosides (epimedin A, B, C and icariin) were investigated in eleven wild populations of Epimedium sagittatum used in traditional Chinese medicine. Extensive genetic variation among intraspecific populations was shown.
Species of the plant
Epimedium is a genus of about 52 species in the family Berberidaceae, which
is also
known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Xianlinpi, Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, and
Yangheye or Yin Yang Huo. Many plants have been used for sexual dysfunction and
osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Horny goat weed was named epimedium because it is similar to a plant
found in the ancient Asian kingdom of Media, now a part of Iran. Epimedium is a genus of
many related plant species and some are used for medicinal purposes, including Epimedium
sagittatum, brevicornum, grandiflorum, and koreanum. Although this herb has a
history of traditional use for disorders of the kidneys, joints, and liver, its principle
use in the United States is as an aphrodisiac and to combat fatigue.
Comment on main species of herba epimedii
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003.
Seven species of Epimedium having broad distribution. According the area of their distribution, they were named Epimedium sagittatum, brevicornu, acuminatum,
koreanum, pubescens, leptorrhizum and wushanens. Each distribution in detail and icariin and likewise
compounds contents of these 7 species were provided. Other 8 Epimedium species
much used were proposed. Medicinal characters 15 species were provided in this
paper. On the basis of distribution character, resource quantity and
growing with other species mingled, it is suggested that 4 main production or
purchasing districts in China be divided. The most important district is
northeastern district, where only Epimedium koreanum grows there, with the best
quality. Northwestern and northern district is the second one, where Epimedium
brevicornu mainly grows with much stable quality. Then it is eastern and
southern district, where Epimedium sagittatum grows with the largest quantity
but unstable quality. Southwestern district is the last one, mingle species
complex and identification important. In Sichuan province, E. acuminatum
and E. pubescens are main species, with other 12 species growing there.
In Guizhou province, Epimedium acuminatum, E leptorrhizum and E.
wushanense are main species, other 7 species growing there and E.
leptorrhizum with poor quality.
Quality testing in China
Research on quality of Epimedium extract in market
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007. Institute of Medicinal Plant
Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical
College, Beijing, China.
To review the quality of Epimedium extract in the market. The contents of
icariin, epimedin C, sagittatoside B and total flavonoids in Epimedium extracts
sold in the market were assayed: The contents of icariin in most of the extracts
are closely similar with the ones labeled by the companies. The contents of
epimedin C, sagittatoside B and total flavonoids were different in the samples
with the same content of icariin. The difference of extracts quality mainly
comes from the difference of materials. So we suggest that Epimedium extract
product should be labeled the origin of materials, and assayed with more
compound contents, to ensure the quality stabilization.
Questions
I am a sports nutritionist psychologist and training
strength and conditioning specialist and i would like your advice for a client
for supplementation. Yourself being well educated and having experience with the
substances seem like a reliable source of information. A client of mine takes a
statin drug for high cholesterol, i am not certain of the drug (although i could
ask if it would help) this client has quite a lot of fat on the abdomen and
chest but little on the limbs which i think indicates androgen and
glucocorticoid imbalances and i think that epimedium would be a good method of
supplementation to increase testosterone, reduce estrogen and balance the stress
hormones. I am aware of the effects of taking too much, i was quite worried by a
rapid heartbeat when it happened to me but i suspected the epimedium herbal
preodut and was fortunate enough to find your articles when i researched it. I
find 1 gram a day to be a good dosage for myself, with 2 sometimes causing
problems and sometimes not. So i would propose a dose of 1g/d perhaps with 500mg
for first few days. I however, do not have a clue as to the mechanisms of these
statins or whether epimedium may be contraindicated in this case. The use of
epimedium herb is partially because it is much easier and cheaper for me to
source, tribulus terrestris is more expensive. The product i get is listed at 20% icarins
if that is of any use to you. I'm grateful for any input, I gave quite a lot of
information because I would be interested on any other thoughts you have on the
matter.
Rather than focusing on a particular herb to address
metabolic syndrome, one should rather try lifestyles changes with diet and
exercise which are much more effective and appropriate.
Q. I have been using your Epimedium for some time. One
capsule daily, with good results. I feel I could get even better results
with a second capsule before engaging in sexual activity. Would that be
ok?
A. Epimedium does not work quickly, therefore taking another
capsule before sex would not work well perhaps taking two capsules the
day before could help. The best results occur when Passion Rx with
Yohimbe or LJ100 are taken two days in a row before sexual activity.