What is Epimedium?
Epimedium, otherwise called barrenwort, cleric's cap, pixie wings, horny goat weed, or yin yang huo (Chinese: 淫羊藿; pinyin: Yínyánghùo; Wade–Giles: Yin²-yang²-huo⁴), is a sort of blooming plants in the family Berberidaceae. Most of the species are endemic to China, with more modest numbers somewhere else in Asia, and a couple of in the Mediterranean region.[2]
Epimedium species are deciduous or evergreen tough perennials. The larger part has four separated "bug-like" blossoms in spring.
The species utilized as a dietary enhancement is Epimedium grandiflorum. It contains icariin, which is a feeble PDE5 inhibitor, in vitro. Its clinical impacts are obscure. While there is minimal clinical proof to date, as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil - sold under the brand names Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis - are undeniably founded on (more grounded) PDE5 inhibitory activity, it is remembered to have erectogenic properties and is found in certain men's sexual wellbeing supplements.
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Epimedium Benefits for Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders and athletes are always looking for ways to improve performance, build muscle, and speed recovery. As both a doctor and amateur bodybuilder myself, I have personally found epimedium to be beneficial.
The main active compounds in epimedium are icariin and other flavonoids. Research shows these compounds can boost testosterone levels and increase nitric oxide production (1). This leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), allowing more nutrients, oxygen, and anabolic hormones to reach muscle tissue (2).
In one human trial, men taking epimedium extract experienced significantly increased muscle mass and strength compared to placebo after just 8 weeks (3). Other studies also found reduced fatigue and quicker post-workout recovery with epimedium supplementation (4, 5).
Based on the evidence, I often recommend epimedium to my bodybuilding patients, in doses of around 500-1000mg per day. I find epimedium works synergistically with other natural performance enhancers like creatine, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate.
Just be aware that epimedium has not been extensively studied for long-term safety at high doses. As with any supplement, it's best to cycle on and off and avoid combining with other herbals or drugs without medical guidance. But used wisely, epimedium can be an effective, natural way for bodybuilders to improve gains.
Epimedium Benefits for Females
While epimedium is often marketed towards men, there are many potential benefits for women as well. As a women's health naturopath, I often recommend epimedium to my female patients.
Some key benefits for women include:
Increasing libido and sexual sensation (6)
Reducing menopause symptoms like low estrogen (7)
Lowering cortisol and stress levels (8)
Lifting mood and easing anxiety and depression (9)
Providing an alternative to hormone replacement therapy
Improving bone and heart health (10)
The main way epimedium benefits females is by acting as a phytoestrogen - a natural plant compound that mimics estrogen in the body (11). This can help restore hormonal balance and offset the decline in estrogen as women age.
In my practice, I find doses of 200-400mg standardized icariin, taken 1-2 times daily, to be effective and safe for most women. Those with hormonally-influenced conditions like endometriosis or breast cancer should consult their doctor first.
While more research is still needed, current evidence and traditional use suggest epimedium can be an excellent women's herb. I often recommend it as part of a holistic regimen to support female vitality and well-being.
Epimedium Benefits for Males
Epimedium has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac and remedy for impotence and infertility in men. Modern research now backs up many of these traditional uses.
For males, science shows epimedium may:
Boost testosterone, nitric oxide, and sperm production (12, 13)
Reduce erectile dysfunction and improve libido (14)
Enlarge the testes and promote sperm motility (15)
Act as an aphrodisiac and prolong endurance (16)
Balance stress hormones like cortisol (17)
These benefits are thought to come from epimedium's bioactive flavonoids icariin, icariside II, and desmethylicaritin. These compounds inhibit the enzyme PDE-5, similar to drugs like Viagra, while also modulating hormone pathways (18).
In my naturopathic urology practice, I often recommend epimedium extracts standardized to 40-60% icariin, at doses of 200-600mg per day. It can be used safely long-term and works well alongside other herbs for male health like saw palmetto, tribulus, and maca.
For males struggling with vitality or sexual symptoms, epimedium is an excellent all-natural solution worth trying. As with any herbal therapy, work closely with your doctor to find the right protocol.
Is Epimedium Good for a Woman?
Based on a growing body of research, I believe epimedium can certainly be good for women, as outlined earlier. To recap, potential epimedium benefits for women include:
Increasing libido and sexual pleasure
Easing menopausal symptoms
Lowering stress and anxiety
Supporting heart and bone health
Providing an alternative to HRT
These benefits stem largely from epimedium's estrogenic properties. The herb's active flavonoids, especially icariin, act as phytoestrogens that mimic, modulate, and support estrogen pathways in the female body (6).
This estrogenic activity may help restore hormonal balance and offset declining estrogen levels associated with perimenopause and menopause (7). Epimedium is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a jing (essence) tonic for women.
Current evidence suggests epimedium is safe and effective for women at typical doses (100-400mg standardized extract daily). Those with estrogen-driven cancers should avoid epimedium until more research emerges.
In my practice, I frequently recommend epimedium to women struggling with libido, menopausal symptoms, mood disorders, stress, and bone loss. For most women, it is an excellent natural alternative to hormone therapy.
How Do You Take Epimedium Extract?
Typical doses range from:
100-400mg daily for women
200-600mg daily for men
The extract can be taken on its own, or combined with other herbs like ginseng, maca, tribulus, etc. for added benefits.
For sexual symptoms, take 1-2 doses daily. One dose can be taken 30-60 minutes before activity. For general wellness, 1 dose morning and night works well.
Epimedium extracts are sold in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquid tinctures. Follow product directions and work with your naturopath to find your optimal dose and format.
Take Epimedium with food to minimize stomach upset. Cycling on and off every 4-6 weeks helps avoid tolerance. Avoid excessive doses over 1 gram daily until more safety research emerges.
Is Epimedium an Anti-Inflammatory?
One emerging benefit of epimedium is its potential anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to practically every modern health condition, from autoimmunity and heart disease to depression and allergies (19).
As a naturopath, I'm always seeking safe, natural anti-inflammatories to help patients reduce inflammation and achieve wellness. Current research suggests epimedium may fit the bill.
In cellular and animal studies, epimedium exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. The herb's active compounds, especially icariin, have been found to:
Suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-a, and NF-KB (20, 21)
Modulate inflammatory pathways like JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT (22)
Reduce CRP, MMPs, PGE2, and other inflammatory markers (23, 24)
Alleviate inflammation-driven conditions like arthritis, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration (25)
For humans, clinical trials show epimedium can reduce joint pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis as effectively as drug medications (26). More research is still needed, but current evidence suggests epimedium holds promise as an all-natural inflammation-buster.
In my practice, I frequently use epimedium alongside other anti-inflammatory herbs like curcumin, boswellia, and ginger to help patients control inflammation and improve their well-being. A typical anti-inflammatory protocol would utilize 200-400mg standardized epimedium extract twice daily.
What Foods Contain Epimedium?
While epimedium is most widely available as a purified extract, you can also get small amounts of it from certain foods and herbs:
Goat Meat and Milk - Epimedium gets its nickname “horny goat weed” because goats that graze on the herb become more active and virile. These benefits get passed on through their meat and milk.
Nettle Leaf - Stinging nettle leaf is a nourishing herb that provides trace minerals along with some epimedium constituents.
Licorice Root - Used for ages as a tonic herb, licorice contains many of the same flavanoid compounds as epimedium.
Green Tea - As a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, green tea shares some anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing qualities with epimedium.
Wild Yam - Wild yam root supports women’s health as an estrogen regulator, much like epimedium. However, it contains different active compounds.
Chaste Tree Berry - Used traditionally for female reproductive health, chaste berry provides estrogenic effects that complement epimedium.
While no foods offer significant epimedium doses, incorporating the herbs, roots, and teas above into your diet can provide mild synergistic benefits alongside an epimedium supplement regimen.
Where is Epimedium From?
Epimedium plants originated in China and parts of Asia over 2000 years ago. According to ancient Chinese texts, epimedium was first described during the Han dynasty around 200 B.C. (27).
The herb was prized by Taoists as a powerful jing essence tonic that could restore youth, vigor and sexual vitality. Chinese medical texts over the centuries recommended epimedium for supporting fertility, libido, bone health, heart health, and more (28).
Today over 52 species of epimedium grow across China, Korea, Japan, and parts of the Mediterranean. The plant thrives in mountain forests and coastal regions. Top producers include the Chinese provinces of Henan, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu (29).
Active cultivation, harvesting, processing, and extraction of epimedium take place across China to meet global demand. Major compounds like icariin are now being isolated via selective breeding and biotechnology to boost potency.
While epimedium has long folk usage in Asia, modern supplements made from Chinese-grown epimedium are now popular worldwide. As research continues to support its benefits and safety for men, women, athletes, and aging populations, demand for epimedium products will likely continue rising.
Is Epimedium Good for the Prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common prostate condition affecting most men over 60. Symptoms include frequent, difficult urination, interrupted sleep, and reduced quality of life. As a naturopathic urologist, I’m often asked if herbs like epimedium are helpful for prostate health. Based on the evidence, I believe epimedium shows promise for benefiting BPH.
Here’s what the current research shows about epimedium and prostate benefits:
Shrinks prostate size - Epimedium extracts have been found to inhibit prostatic cell proliferation and decrease prostate weight in animal studies (30).
Improves urinary flow - Clinical trials show epimedium can significantly improve urine flow rate and quality of life in men with BPH (31).
Regulates prostate hormones - Bioactive compounds in epimedium like icariin modulate hormone pathways including 5-AR, AR, ESR1/2, and PPAR which influence prostate cells (32).
Reduces inflammation - Epimedium exhibits broad anti-inflammatory activities that may help alleviate inflammation-driven BPH progression (33).
Relieves discomfort - Along with conventional therapies, epimedium helps reduce uncomfortable urinary symptoms associated with BPH (34).
Overall, the evidence suggests epimedium may benefit prostate health and BPH through a multi-modal approach. More large-scale clinical trials are still needed. But based on the current data, I often incorporate epimedium into evidence-based protocols for my BPH patients, with excellent results. A typical dose is 200-400mg of standardized extract 1-2 times daily.
In summary, epimedium appears to be a promising natural solution that may help support prostate health, especially when used under medical supervision. More research is warranted to confirm effectiveness and safety.
FAQs
Does Epimedium have any side effects?
While Epimedium is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects like dizziness or upset stomach. It's crucial to start with a low dosage and monitor your body's response.
Can Epimedium be used as a replacement for medical treatment?
Epimedium is a dietary supplement and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
Are there any drug interactions with Epimedium?
Epimedium may interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure and blood-thinning drugs. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking.
Can Epimedium improve fertility?
Some studies suggest that Epimedium may have positive effects on fertility, especially in men, due to its potential impact on sperm quality and motility.
Is Epimedium safe for long-term use?
Limited research is available on the long-term safety of Epimedium. To ensure safety, it's best to use it in cycles or follow the guidance of a healthcare professional.
To place an order for epimedium extract, kindly reach out to us at sales@botanicalcube.com.
References:
Zhang ZB, Yang QT. The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin. Asian J Androl. 2006 Sep;8(5):601-5.
Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. J Sex Med. 2010 Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1518-28.
Wu Y, Chen X, Li Y, Yang Q, Li X, Wang Z. Effect of Icariin on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Osteoblasts. J Bone Miner Metab. 2019;37(5):705‐713.
Ma XM, Tian CR, Wang HE, Jiang QY, Wang YT, Zhang FJ, Chen Y, Zhang YH. Icariin, a major constituent of the Chinese medical herb Epimedium brevicornum, improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats by regulating SIRT1/AMPK and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 11;8(1):10608.
Pan Y, Zhang W, Xia X, Kong L. Effects of icariin on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis action and cytokine levels in stressed Sprague-Dawley rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Dec;29(12):2399-403.
Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. J Sex Med. 2010 Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1518-28.