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Epimedium

EpimediumThere are more than 50 varieties of the Epimedium plant. Epimedium has been in use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. It also grows commonly in other parts of the world. Its other common names are horny goat weed, rowdy lamb herb, Bishop’s hat, and many more. Researchers have identified now more than 260 compounds in this wonderful herb.1

Although in Traditional Chinese Medicine Epimedium is a remedy for numerous health conditions from hormone regulation to boosting immunity, in the west, greater attention has been given to Epimedium’s ability to manage erectile dysfunction in men. Studies show many of Epimedium’s health benefits are related to the high content of a unique compound found in the herb called icariin.1,2

Health Benefits of Epimedium

Below are some of the well known benefits of Epimedium:

  • Erectile Dysfunction

    Epimedium extract is most commonly used to manage erectile dysfunction in men. Most supplements would refer to it by its common name, horny goat weed or mention the content of its bioactive compound icariin. Epimedium got its alternative name, horny goat weed, from shepherds, who noticed that goats become horny after consuming this plant. Studies show that it works similarly to well known drugs like Viagra and helps boost Nitric Oxide levels in penile tissue. Most men who have used it report excellent effect.3
  • Boosts Testosterone Levels

    Studies show that some of Epimedium’s benefits in male health could be due to its ability to boost testosterone levels. Thus, it is also used to enhance male fertility and treat hypogonadism, the reduction or absence of hormone secretion or other physiological activity of the gonads.4

  • Hepatoprotective

    Studies show that Epimedium may have reasonably good hepatoprotective properties. Studies using icariin shows that it may considerably reduce inflammatory enzymes related to liver inflammation. It may also have a role in protecting the liver from toxins.5

  • Bone Health

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Epimedium is used to treat bone fractures. New studies show that flavonoids in the herb may help strengthen the bones. It seems to increase the production of osteoblasts. These benefits could be due to icariin and other flavonoids found in Epimedium.6,7

  • Vascular Health

    Any compound that increases levels of Nitric Oxide has some beneficial effect on vascular health. Nitric Oxide helps relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve endothelial function. Additionally, Epimedium extract may also help due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. It also seems to also affect the lipid profile slightly. Therefore, Epimedium may help prevent atherosclerosis with prolonged use.8

  • Brain Health

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Epimedium is often given to older adults to prevent dementia and to boost mood. New studies indicate that Epimedium may help with these issues. It can help enhance the antistress abilities of the brain. Epimedium may also have some direct effect on the brain, helping modulate the action of neurotransmitters.9

  • Immunomodulation

    Icariin may have immunomodulatory action. Researchers think Epimedium could be beneficial for those living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, lupus, and even multiple sclerosis.10

  • Anti-Cancer

    Researchers are also exploring the effect of icariin on cancer cells. Initial studies show that it may help suppress cancer growth in multiple ways. Use of Epimedium may not be a potent cancer remedy, but its regular use may help prevent cancer.11

Side Effects of Epimedium

Although Epimedium is safe, it may cause some severe side effects in rare cases. There are reports of it causing dizziness, tachycardia, and even extreme mood changes. Most of these effects were reported in males who took Epimedium in large amounts for extended periods like months or even years.12,13

Properties

  • Anti-Inflammatory10
  • Anti-Stress9
  • Arthritis10
  • Asthma10
  • Atherosclerosis8
  • Blood Pressure – Reduction8
  • Blood Tonic8
  • Bone Strengthening6,7
  • Brain Function / Neuroprotective9
  • Cancer Prevention11
  • Dementia Prevention9
  • High/Good Levels of Flavonoids1,2
  • Hormonal Balance3,4
  • Immune Booster10
  • Libido & Sexual Performance3,4
  • Liver Health5

References:

  1. Ma H, He X, Yang Y, Li M, Hao D, Jia Z. The genus Epimedium: An ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;134(3):519-541. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.001
  2. Wu H, Lien EJ, Lien LL. Chemical and pharmacological investigations of Epimedium species: A survey. In: Wu H, Lien EJ, Lien LL, et al., eds. Progress in Drug Research. Progress in Drug Research. Birkhäuser; 2003:1-57. doi:10.1007/978-3-0348-8012-1_1
  3. Shindel AW, Xin Z-C, Lin G, et al. Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium spp.) In Vitro and In Vivo. J Sex Med. 2010;7(4, Part 1):1518-1528. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x
  4. Zhang Z-B, Yang Q-T. The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin. Asian J Androl. 2006;8(5):601-605. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00197.x
  5. Lee M-K, Choi Y-J, Sung S-H, Shin D-I, Kim J-W, Kim YC. Antihepatotoxic Activity of Icariin, a Major Constituent of Epimedium koreanum. Planta Med. 1995;61(6):523-526. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959362
  6. Chen KM, Ge BF, Ma HP, Liu XY, Bai MH, Wang Y. Icariin, a flavonoid from the herb Epimedium enhances the osteogenic differentiation of rat primary bone marrow stromal cells. Pharm - Int J Pharm Sci. 2005;60(12):939-942.
  7. Zhang D-W, Cheng Y, Wang N-L, Zhang J-C, Yang M-S, Yao X-S. Effects of total flavonoids and flavonol glycosides from Epimedium koreanum Nakai on the proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(1):55-61. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.04.002
  8. Fang J, Zhang Y. Icariin, an Anti-atherosclerotic Drug from Chinese Medicinal Herb Horny Goat Weed. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:734. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00734
  9. Pan Y, Kong L, Xia X, Zhang W, Xia Z, Jiang F. Antidepressant-like effect of icariin and its possible mechanism in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2005;82(4):686-694. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2005.11.010
  10. Shen R, Wang J-H. The effect of icariin on immunity and its potential application. Am J Clin Exp Immunol. 2018;7(3):50-56.
  11. Tan H-L, Chan K-G, Pusparajah P, et al. Anti-Cancer Properties of the Naturally Occurring Aphrodisiacs: Icariin and Its Derivatives. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:191. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00191
  12. Partin JF, Pushkin YR. Tachyarrhythmia and Hypomania With Horny Goat Weed. Psychosomatics. 2004;45(6):536-537. doi:10.1176/appi.psy.45.6.536
  13. Epimedium | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Accessed October 6, 2021.