Horny Goat Weed extract 20% | Epimedium sp.

Properties: The name “Horny Goat Weed” certainly sounds sort of amusing and surprising for all those who speak English. It is, however, important to notice that this name reveals the essential property of plants from the family of Epimedium. They have been used for centuries as a natural booster of male reproductive potential. The most important compound responsible for this effect is icariin. It works similarly to sildenafil, sold under the brand name of Viagra. Icariin supports erection and stimulates libido. It increases the blood flow through the body, specifically through reproductive organs, which makes sexual arousal easier to achieve.   

Moreover, icariin stimulates the production of testosterone – the key hormone of male sexuality. Testosterone is also essential for all those who take up physical activity. It increases general stamina and supports the development of musculature. Increased production of testosterone provides, therefore, not only better sexual functioning but also higher body performance. And there are even more benefits of this plant.

Horny Goat Weed influences the amount of cholesterol in the blood too, and in this way it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is also important for the well-being of the skeletal structures. Research evidence shows that icariin affects the development of bones and increases their stamina. 

Epimedium plants can influence the brain as well. They increase the activity of acetylcholine – the neurotransmitter responsible for multiple cognitive processes of the central nervous system. It helps to maintain concentration and supports the efficacy of information acquisition. What is more, icariin has neuroprotective properties – it protects nerve cells from premature exhaustion due to aging. In sum, keep in mind that epimedium has multiple beneficial properties, although libido stimulation might be the most important one.

Occurrence: Epimedium (Epimedium) is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of Berberidaceae. This family includes about 65 species, such as Epimedium grandiflorum, Epimedium sagittatum and Epimedium brevicornum. Most of them naturally grow in Asia, although some can be spotted in Central Europe too. This plant prefers partially shady, moist areas such as bamboo forests, where it grows in tight clumps. It has characteristic leaves that resemble the shape of heart or arrowhead, and pendulous bell-shaped flowers.

In traditional Chinese medicine Epimedium has been applied for over 2000 years as a remedy for all sorts of diseases, but in particular as a treatment of sexual dysfunction. As the legend has it, the latter was discovered by Chinese shepherds. They observed that goats who fed on that plant were more sexually aroused as their reproductive organs were erected more often. The gossip reached the ear of doctor Tao Hongjing who investigated the plant’s properties and began to treat his patients’ erectile dysfunction with it. He also came up with the chinese name of epimedium – Yin Yang Huo, which translates into “the herb of an aroused goat”. 

Biochemistry: The crucial substance that gives Epimedium its properties is icariin found in the above-ground parts of the plant (stem and leaves). From a chemical perspective, it is a kaempferol prenylated diglucoside – a compound that belongs to flavonoids. It occurs with other substances from that group (such as quercetin). Apart from them, this plant contains also: epimedin, organic acids, fitoesteroles, and polysaccharides.

Fun fact: In Chinese pharmacology there are five species of Epimedium. The properties of only three of them –  Epimedium grandiflorum, Epimedium koreanum i Epimedium sagittatum – were scientifically investigated.