Description
Epimedium is a genus of twenty-one related plant species.
The Chinese refer to epimedium as "yin yang huo",
which has been loosely translated by some as "licentious
goat plant" and explains why Western supplement companies
have adopted the titillating name by which it is known
in the U.S: (horny goat weed). Epimedium is grown as an
ornamental herb in Asia and the Mediterranean region,
and various species are used for medicinal purposes, including
Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium
wushanense, Epimedium koreanum, and Epimedium pubescens.The
traditional use of epimedium for treating fatigue and
boosting sex drive, the majority of the claims for Western
dietary supplements center around sex drive: ? Boosts
libido (sex drive) ? Increases energy levels ?Enhances
recovery from exercise (via cortisol-control)? Makes you
more sexy (not really, but this is what the ads would
suggest)The use of epimedium as a medicinal herb dates
back to at least 400 A.D., where it has been used as a
tonic for the reproductive system (boosting libido and
treating impotence) and as a rejuvenating tonic (to relieve
fatigue). Epimedium is thought to work via modulation
of cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone). Under
conditions of high stress, the increased cortisol levels
are known to cause fatigue and depress sex drive - so
bringing cortisol levels back into normal ranges is also
thought to help restore normal metabolism, energy levels
and libido.
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Product Specifications
Icarrin 5% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 98% Test By HPLC
Different specs of Epimedium Extracts available |
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Icariin Structure
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Dosage
Because all of the existing scientific evidence for the
anti-stress and cortisol-controlling effect of epimedium
has been demonstrated for water-extracted epimedium (that
is, as a tea), and because this form of extraction may
result in a safer form of epimedium (compared to the high-icariin
alcohol extract), it may be prudent to select supplements
that specifically use a more traditional formulation.
There have been no reports of adverse side effects associated
with the traditional preparation of epimedium (water-extracted)
at the suggested dosage (250-1,000mg/day in 2-3 divided
doses). |
