Description
Epimedium grandiflorum is a species of flowering plant in the barberry family, Berberidaceae, that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It is also known as “Horny Goat Weed” to the Chinese. According to legend, this name came about when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed.
This plant is a slow growing, deciduous perennial plant. It has bright red stems with green heart shaped leathery leaves which are slightly hairy on the bottom. The leaves can grow up to 1 foot long. The plant spreads by underground stems. The flowers of this plant are one to two inches wide, have long spurs and vary in color (purple, pink, yellow or white). The leaves of the plant contain a variety of flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine.
Use
General Application. Epimedium grandiflorum is a traditional botanical medicine used in China and Japan, for disorders of the kidneys, joints, liver, back and knees.
As an aphrodisiac. According to one herbal author, Epimedium grandiflorum has testosterone-like effects that can stimulate sexual activity in both men and women, increase sperm production, stimulate the sensory nerves and increase sexual desire.
In recent studies, a daily dose of Epimedium grandiflorum extract has shown significant results as a sexual performance enhancer for both men
and women – boosting sexual energy and stamina.
Epimedium grandiflorum is thought to lower blood pressure by dilating capillaries and blood vessels while slowing the adrenal production that can hinder blood flow to the sex organs. Men are said to achieve better erections due to this effect, and it is thought that women benefit from the increased blood flow as well, and perhaps from other testosterone-like alkaloids and sterols within the plant. Research has also shown that Epimedium grandiflorum significantly increases testosterone in mice.
The “active ingredient” in Epimedium is icariin. Like sildenafil (Viagra), icariin inhibits the activity of Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). PDE-5 is an enzyme which essentially prevents an increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. With icariin, the PDE-5 is “inhibited” and blood flow is increased during sexual activities.
To retard the ageing process. The Chinese Academy of Sciences recommends the regular use of Epimedium grandiflorum to slow the ageing process, as it improves the overall quality of life as well.
Osteoporosis. Animal studies indicate that Icariin also stimulates osteoblast activity in bone tissue, leading to the development and marketing of medicinal products based on Epimedium extracts for treatment of osteoporosis.