0
5
1
Icariin is a flavonoid-like compound extracted from members of the Epimedium plant family.
These species are often collectively referred to as horny goat weed or by their Chinese name, yin yang huo.
Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Within TCM, horny goat weed is used for a number of indications, such as low libido and erectile dysfunction.
Icariin is thought to be the active constituent in horny goat weed supplements. Contemporary research has begun to focus on the particular effects of icariin in the body. This isolated compound is now available in supplement form as well, or can be derived naturally from Horny Goat Weed extract.
Today, Icariin is most popular as an aid to sexual function. In one study, itn was observed to improve erections in male diabetic rats. Researchers hypothesize it acts by down-regulating signaling pathways necessary to achieve and sustain an erection.
Libido
Erectile Function
Testo- sterone- Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
- Boosts male & female libido
- Supports erectile function & performance
Top Horny Goat Weed* ❯Uses for Icariin
Related Topics
Icariin has been observed to cause a number of positive effects for male sexual health.
It has been observed to act as a PDE5 inhibitor, which is the same mechanism of action exhibited by pharmaceuticals used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Icariin has been observed to cause dose-dependent increases in nitric oxide synthesis, which is essential in order to have an erection. It also boosts cGMP, a messenger molecule that helps increase blood flow to the penis.
Researchers have also investigated the relationship between icariin and testosterone production. Icariin was observed to increase testosterone levels in rats with damaged testicles.
Healthy testosterone levels support a number of positive health outcomes, including increased bone mass and stronger bones.
Additional Health Benefits
Besides its aphrodisiac effects, icariin has been observed to exhibit anti-cancer effects in laboratory experiments.
Scientific studies also indicate icariin has the potential to reduce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. TNF alpha is partly responsible for causing the formation of arterial plaques in human arteries.
Additionally, icariin exhibits antioxidant effects. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that cause oxidative damage. Prolonged oxidative damage is becoming increasingly correlated with the development of many diseases, including some cancers.
In animal studies, icariin has been observed to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone commonly associated with the body’s stress response. In periods of chronic stress, cortisol levels can remain consistently high, which has a number of negative health consequences.
In several animal studies, icariin has been observed to decrease cortisol levels in animals exposed to stressful scenarios. The outcome of these experiments has some researchers investigating horny goat weed extract’s capacity to act as an anti-depressant in humans.
Icariin Dosage Guidelines
Although icariin is available as an independent supplement, many consume it by using horny goat weed supplements.
For instance, some simply drink tea made from Epimedium spp.. However, drinking a tea for supplement purposes often leads to variability in dosages and some prefer to consume icariin extract.
Icariin doses between 480 and 600 mg three times daily have been used. This supplement comes in different concentrations, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. For instance, 1,000 mg of 60 percent horny goat weed extract have been used for some research studies.
Because of the variability in icariin and horny goat weed products, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and to speak with your doctor before starting to use this supplement.
Safety and Side Effects
Icariin is generally well tolerated; there are no major side effects commonly associated with taking this supplement at recommended dosages. When used in excess dosages, it may cause increased perspiration.
Although icariin is generally thought to be safe, it has been linked with a decrease in thyroid activity in male animals.
In Chinese herbal medicine (a branch of traditional Chinese medicine), horny goat weed is often balanced with yin herbs because independent long-term use is thought to lead to irritability, fever and rapid heartbeat.
Icariin is sometimes recommended only for men. Men should be healthy enough for sex before taking this supplement. This includes having good cardiovascular health.
PDE5 inhibitors (like icariin) cannot be taken with nitroglycerin and related medications taken for heart pain (angina).
It is important to speak with your doctor before beginning icariin supplementation to make sure the supplement will be safe and effective based on your personal health profile.
- Natural Medicines. Horny Goat Weed: Professional Monograph. September 2015.
- Yin XX, Chen ZQ, Liu ZJ, Ma QJ, Dang GT. Icariine stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts by increasing production of bone morphogenetic protein 2. Chin Med J (Engl). 2007 Feb 5;120(3):204-10.
- Dell'Agli M, Galli GV, Dal Cero E, Belluti F, Matera R, Zironi E, Pagliuca G, Bosisio E. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2008 Sep;71(9):1513-7.
Article last updated on: April 1st, 2018 by Nootriment