Epimedium Extract Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Epimedium extract is a popular aphrodisiac supplement and herbal sexual performance enhancer.

It has a long history of traditional use in China for the alleviation of erectile dysfunction and for improving libido and fertility.

Also known as Horny Goat Weed, this supplement supposedly got its name after a farmer noticed that his flock of goats were particularly aroused after eating flowers of a specific type.

These Epimedium flowers contain icariin, which is a natural compound that increases blood flow to sexual organs and promotes sex drive. Icariin has been found to increase Nitric Oxide synthesis as well as inhibiting the activity of the PDE-5 enzyme.

Epimedium extract is sold online in several different formats, including teas, capsules, bulk powders and liquid tinctures. While Horny Goat Weed supplements are generally well tolerated, there have been some side effects reported and it is important to adhere to dosage guidelines provided.

Horny Goat Weed

Herbal Supplement

Libido

Erectile Function

Testo- sterone

How It Works:

• Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
• Boosts male & female libido
• Supports erectile function & performance

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Epimedium Extract Review

Epimedium extract is derived from plants of the Epimedium genus. At least 15 Epimedium species are thought to possess medicinal characteristics.

Together these species of Epimedium are used to produce a supplement known by several names, including: barrenwort, horny goat weed and yin yang huo.

Yin yang huo is the Chinese name for the supplement, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. Within Chinese herbal medicine, yin yang huo is considered a yang tonic and given to alleviate symptoms stemming from a decrease in yang, the energetic opposite to yin.

Thus, in traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is used to enhance sexual function and fertility as well as ensure the body’s energy or qi can flow unimpeded.

Today horny goat weed is used primarily to stimulate sexual desire, enhance athletic and sexual performance, improve circulation, protect the kidneys and correct erectile dysfunction, to name only a few of its contemporary uses.

Benefits of Epimedium Extract

There is not currently enough evidence to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Epimedium. Researchers continue to investigate horny goat weed for its ability to:

• Combat mental and physical fatigue;
• Induce vasodilation and improve circulation;
• Lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients;
• Improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) through its action as a PDE5 inhibitor;
• Improve the use of free testosterone in the blood;
• Increase libido;
• Alleviate symptoms of depression and stimulate improved cognitive function;
• Protect against neurological degeneration.

Although research is in the preliminary stages, Epimedium extract supplements have been used for more than 1,000 years in Korea and China and remain popular to this day.

Icariin in Epimedium Extract

Epimedium extracts powder contain an active phytochemical called icariin.

Icariin has been observed to exhibit a number of useful traits, including renoprotective (liver protecting) hepatoprotective (kidney protecting), cardioprotective (heart protecting) and neuroprotective (brain protecting) effects.

It is also an antioxidant and can cause vasodilation. It exhibits antimicrobial characteristics and is thought to act as an aphrodisiac.

Icariin is classified as a flavonol glycoside, which is a type of flavonoid. Specifically, icariin is the 8-prenyl derivation of kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside, a prevalent and important flavonoid.

Epimedium as a PDE-5 Inhibitor

Icariin from Epimedium extract is the only natural plant substance that has been observed to inhibit PDE5 (cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5). PDE5 may not be a commonly known enzyme, but it can play a central role in erectile dysfunction.

In fact, many of the medications on the market today for ED are comprised of synthetic PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 stops the blood from entering the corpus cavernosum, the tubular formations in the penis that inflate with blood to cause an erection.

By inhibiting the actions of PDE5, blood can flood the corpus cavernosum and cause the penis to become erect. Icariin works to inhibit PDE5 just like synthetic chemical agents in common sex-enhancing drugs.

Epimedium and Sex Drive

Many people prefer the natural PDE5-inhibiting benefits of Epimedium extract over conventional ED medications. In addition to improving the symptoms of ED, icariin has been observed to increase libido. Synthetic PDE5 inhibitors only impede the actions of PDE5; they do not stimulate the sex drive.

Icariin in Epimedium extract supplements may also improve the use of free, circulating testosterone. Testosterone is closely connected to sexual libido, sexual performance, stamina, tactile sensitivity and various other factors that relate to improved sexual and athletic abilities.

Some of these effects of Epimedium supplements are attributed to its vasodilatory mechanisms. Vasodilation is the diametric widening of the inner lining (endothelium) of the lungs, heart, blood vessels and other components of the circulatory system.

When these components are relaxed, circulation may be improved without a corresponding increase in blood pressure. This means more blood nutrients, such as hormones, vitamins and minerals, can be delivered throughout the body.

This can lead to a number of benefits, from reducing recovery times after workouts and supporting organ health, to developing healthy bones and enhancing cognitive function. It may also improve sex drive in both men and women.

Are Epimedium Extracts Safe?

Reports based on current and traditional uses suggest Epimedium is generally well tolerated when taken appropriately. Certain Epimedium extracts containing 60 mg of icariin per dose have been used without any adverse side effects for periods of up to two years.

When used appropriately, icariin is thought to be likely safe. However, high doses for prolonged periods should be avoided because it can cause a host of adverse side effects.

Synthetic PDE5 inhibitor medications on the market can cause the following side effects. It is unclear whether Epimedium may also result in these side effects if overused:

• Headaches and/or upset stomach;
• Chest, face and/or neck flushing;
• Nasal congestion and/or abnormal vision;
• Backaches and/or muscle tenderness;
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea;
• Ringing in the ears;
• Abnormal heart beat and/or pains in the chest;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Swelling in the feet, legs, hands, ankles, wrists and/or gonads.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before using Epimedium extract. There are possible side effects, drug interactions and other considerations that should be discussed with your doctor prior to implementing supplementation.

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