Epimedium spp. (Horny goat weed)
How does it work?
Epimedium is a western and tradional herbal medicine used for its aphrodisiac function.1 This is thought to be due to epimedium’s active chemical constituent, Icariin (ICA) which may increase the percent of smooth muscle and nitric oxide synthesis in penile tissue.2 Epimedium is also used traditionally for bone health post-menopausally due to its phyto-oestrogenic properties.3
What results can be expected?
Epimedium may act as an aphrodisiac in both men and women through assisting with increasing sexual function and libido and improving erectile dysfunction.4 Epimedium also contains phyto-oestrogens which act similarly to endogenous oestrogen, and may help reduce menopausal symptoms and bone loss associated with oestrogen reduction post-menopausally.5
1WebMD. (2009). Vitamins and Supplements – Horny Goat Weed. Retrieved Jan 2014, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-699-horny%20goat%20weed.aspx?activeIngredientId=699&activeIngredientName=horny%20goat%20weed
2Lui, W. (2005 ). Effects of icariin on erectile function and expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in castrated rats. Asian J Androl., 7(4), 381-88. Retrieved Jan 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281085
3Yap, S. (2007). Molecular and pharmacodynamic properties of estrogenic extracts from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Epimedium. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 113(2), 218-24. Retrieved Jan 2014, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874107002747
4WebMD. (2009). Vitamins and Supplements – Horny Goat Weed. Retrieved Jan 2014, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-699-horny%20goat%20weed.aspx?activeIngredientId=699&activeIngredientName=horny%20goat%20weed
5WebMD. (2009). Vitamins and Supplements – Horny Goat Weed. Retrieved Jan 2014, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-699-horny%20goat%20weed.aspx?activeIngredientId=699&activeIngredientName=horny%20goat%20weed