Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) is not a particular plant, but a whole genus of flowering plants that includes over 50 different species. Most species are widely distributed in China and other countries in East Asia.
Epimedium is a scientifically proven aphrodisiac, as the positive effect on erection is due to two mechanisms – the stimulation of bioactive nitric oxide and the inhibition of the enzyme PDE5, as the effect is similar to that of "Viagra."
In vitro studies have demonstrated strong antioxidant properties of Epimedium. They are due to icariin, which possesses private antioxidant activity and protects DNA from oxidative stress, and other components in Epimedium, such as quercetin;
The most common use of Epimedium is associated with the stimulation of libido. Effective combinations can be made with Yohimbine, Tribulus Terrestris, Maca, and Long Jack.
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What Is Horny Goat Weed
Epimedium is not a particular plant, but a whole genus of flowering plants that includes over 50 different species. Most species are widely distributed in China and other countries in East Asia.
Some of the Epimedium species are deciduous species, while others are evergreen, but all of them are perennial. The different species differ in color and stem and not all of them contain the active ingredients that are the reason for the potential health benefits of Epimedium.
It is believed that about 15 Epimedium species can be used for medical purposes. The most valuable parts of the plant are the leaves because they contain the active substance icariin. Icariin is a type of flavonoid, particularly - flavonol glycoside.
It is a derivative of plant sterol kaempferol. Icariin is found in most Epimedium species but can be found also in some types of berberine. Icariin is not contained in other foods or herbs.
Other active ingredients in Epimedium are the flavonoids epimedin A, B, and C, kaempferol, sagitazin A, B, and C, as well as several types of lignans. The concentration of quercetin is also high.
Action Mechanism of Horny Goat Weed
Most experts say that almost all of the positive effects of Epimedium are due to the active substance icariin, which works through several mechanisms in the body.
First, icariin inhibits the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which affects the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the blood vessels that supply the male sexual organ with blood.
The mechanism of action is the same as "Viagra." Icariin affects the levels of bioactive nitrogen oxide and, according to some scientists, mimics the effects of testosterone in the body.
Lcariin has also antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, as well as an effect on the cytokine nuclear factor kappa-B, but most of these effects are confirmed with in vitro studies, and not with direct research on patients.
Several studies have concluded that icariin is very sensitive to the gastric environment and is vulnerable to enzymes, as only 12% is absorbed in strong enzyme activity.
It was found that the absorption is increased with the intake on an empty stomach with more liquids or in combination with compounds that inhibit the activity of the enzyme lactase.
The half-life of icariin in the body with oral intake varies between 9 and 11 hours, suggesting that icariin should be taken at least two times a day at intervals of 12 hours.
Potential and Proven Benefits on People
- Studies on menopausal women have concluded that the combination of Epimedium (60 mg icariin) and soy isoflavones dramatically slows the loss of bone mass;
- Desmetilikaritin, which is a metabolite of icariin, leads to increased estrogen in menopausal women. It was also alleged that Epimedium increases the estradiol and lowers the cholesterol, but other studies have not established a drastic change in the estrogen levels;
- Epimedium is a scientifically proven aphrodisiac, as the positive effect on erection is due to two mechanisms – the stimulation of bioactive nitric oxide and the inhibition of the enzyme PDE5, as the effect is similar to that of "Viagra."
- In vitro studies have demonstrated strong antioxidant properties of Epimedium. They are due to icariin, which possesses private antioxidant activity and protects DNA from oxidative stress, and other components in Epimedium, such as quercetin;
- Epimedium extract has potential properties for lowering high blood pressure.
Possible Side Effects:
- It is considered that in the short term Epimedium is completely safe. In the long term, however, the herb can show some side effects such as dehydration and nausea.
- Individuals may experience side effects, especially if used over the recommended dose. Such side effects may include low blood pressure, palpitations, drowsiness, difficulty erection, and cramps.
- The intake of high doses of Epimedium by people with high estrogen is not recommended.
- Not recommended intake of Epimedium by pregnant women because it is considered that there are high chances of harm to the fetus or induce stronger contractions.
It should be noted that the intake of Epimedium with certain medications is definitely not recommended.
One should avoid its concomitant use with drugs for lowering or raising blood pressure and medications that slow the blood clotting. Epimedium should not be combined with other potent inhibitors of PDE5 as “Viagra.”
What to Combine Epimedium With
- Epimedium can be used for different purposes and the specific purpose determines the appropriate combinations.
- Epimedium can be used as an adaptogen, in order to combat stress and fatigue. Appropriate combinations include other herbs such as ginseng, Rhodiola, and ashwagandha.
- The most common use of Epimedium is associated with the stimulation of libido. Effective combinations can be made with yohimbine, Tribulus Terrestris, Maca and Long Jack. It has been shown that Yohimbine complements the action as Viagra, again through the mechanism of interaction on PDE5.
- By analogy, there are suggestions that such a synergic effect will be seen with the combination of Epimedium with yohimbine.
- Some sports experts recommend Epimedium as a means to increase power performance and an increase in muscle mass. For this purpose, it is appropriate to combine Epimedium with Tribulus Terrestris, D-aspartic acid, and amino acids with an anabolic effect like L-leucine.
- The active ingredients in some herbs, such as the carotenoids in pepper and ecdysteroids, tend to inhibit the P-glycoprotein in the intestinal tract.
- The specific protein is responsible for the neutralizing and disposing of icariin from the body. The combination with pepper or a source of ecdysterone would dramatically increase the effect of icariin.
- Some research suggests that taking Epimedium may increase estrogen levels. Assuming this is true, then it is recommended the herb to be combined with agents that lower estrogen.
- These include zinc, maca, diindolylmethane (DIM) and the herb brassaiopsis glomerulata. If Epimedium is combined with a D-aspartic acid, you must use a substance to regulate the estrogen levels.
Recommended Doses:
- The dosage of the herb depends on whether it is in the form of powder or extract. In powder, the recommended doses are higher and vary between 6 and 12 grams per day.
- If you use extract, you must take into account the concentration of icariin, which may vary between 10 and 60%.
- The recommended doses of icariin for health goals are up to 100 mg daily and for sporting purposes- up to 200 mg daily. If there is decrease blood pressure with a higher dose, then reduce the dosage. Taking 75 mg icariin daily is considered a tolerance dose in all organisms.
