Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed, Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: 淫羊藿), Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Bishop’s Hat, Fairy Wings.

Icariin

Chemical Name: 5-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-7-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R) -3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-3-[(2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one
Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₄₀O₁₅ 

Mol. Wt.: 676.662

Molecular Structure:

Epimedium is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia. Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs, particularly horny goat weed. Epimedium grandiflorum (aka E. Macranthum) is a species of Epimedium. It is generally packaged with the name "Horny Goat Weed." This plant has bright red stems with green heart shaped leaves which are slightly hairy on the bottom. They grow to a maximum of six to nine inches and in the spring produce light purple colored flowers.

Icariin is a flavonol, a type of flavonoid. It is the prenyl acetylation of kaempferide 3,7-O-diglycoside. The compound is derived from several species of plants in the Epimedium family, which are commonly known as Horny Goat Weed or Yin Yang Huo. Extracts from these plants are reputed to produce aphrodisiac effects, and are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine to enhance erectile function, as well as for several other indications.

Benefits

Aphrodisiac or enhance libido

Enhance erectile

Treat impotence and improve sexual funtion

Antioxidant effects

Antidepressant effects

Nootropics effects (Enhance memory and cognition)

Beneficiary effects on treatment of osteoporosis (Stimulating osteoblast activity in bone tissue)

Mechanisms of action

It is thought that icariin is likely to be the primary active component of Epimedium extracts, as it has been shown to share several mechanisms of action with compounds used in Western medicine to treat impotence and improve sexual function. In particular, icariin has been demonstrated to act as a PDE5 inhibitor and to enhance the production of bioactive nitric oxide (which relax smooth muscle), as well as mimicing the effects of testosterone. It also shows antioxidant, antidepressant and nootropic effects in animal studies, as well as stimulating osteoblast activity in bone tissue which has been linked to a possible therapeutic role in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Safety, Adverse effects and unknowns

No side effects about using Epimedium Extract (Icariin) have been found, but long term effects of using Epimedium Extract (Icariin) are as of yet unknown. Women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant should not use the product.

Dosage

•  The typical dose is 500-1200mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
•  Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Epimedium Extract Features and Benefits:

 Epimedium Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Epimedium grandiflorum L leaves and stems.

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 60% Icariin.

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Crystal yellow to brown in appearance

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

10%, 20%, 40%, 60% Icarrin HPLC