Epimedium extract is an active substance refined and concentrated from the stems and leaves of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Epimedium through modern techniques such as solvent extraction and chromatographic separation. It retains the main functional components in herbs and is an important form of modern Chinese medicine research and health product/drug development.
一：Main active ingredient
The core of its biological activity is a unique type of flavonoid compound – icariin.
（1）Icariin: It is the most representative and widely studied component and is often used as a marker for the quality control of extracts
（2）Other icariin types: Chaohuodin A, B, C, Baohuodin, etc.
（3）Other components: It also includes polysaccharides, alkaloids, lignans, etc., which work together to exert a synergistic effect.
二：Traditional Chinese medicine holds that it can “tonify kidney Yang, strengthen muscles and bones, and dispel rheumatism”. Modern pharmacological research has revealed its multiple mechanisms of action:
（1）Sexual Function and hormone Regulation (the most famous application)
l Function: Improve erectile function, enhance sexual desire, and relieve fatigue
l Inhibiting PDE5: Similar to the principle of “Viagra”, but with a milder effect, it increases the level of cGMP in the corpus cavernosa of the penis by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5, promoting vasodilation and blood flow
l Regulating endocrine: Promoting the secretion of testosterone by testicular interstitial cells by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
l Improve vascular endothelial function: Promote the production of nitric oxide and improve systemic and local blood circulation
（2）Bone health and anti-osteoporosis
l Function: Promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, and increase bone density.
l Mechanism: Its active ingredients can simulate part of the effects of estrogen, activate osteoblast-related signaling pathways (such as BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways), thereby promoting bone formation. This is the reason why it has attracted much attention in the research on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
（3） Neuroprotection and anti-aging
l Function: Improves cognitive function, has the potential to resist Alzheimer’s disease, and delays aging.
三：Mechanism：
Antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress.
Inhibit neuronal apoptosis.
Increase the expression of neurotrophic factors (such as BDNF)
（4）Cardiovascular protection
l Functions: Dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, protect the myocardium, and prevent atherosclerosis.
l Mechanism: Improve endothelial function, anti-inflammation, and regulate blood lipids.
（5） Immune regulation and anti-tumor potential
l Function: Regulate the activity of immune cells. Some studies have shown that it can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of various cancer cells (such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer).
l Mechanism: Regulating the cell cycle, activating apoptotic pathways, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, etc. Note: This field is still in the preclinical research stage and cannot replace conventional cancer treatment.
四：application area
l Dietary supplements/health products: Mainly used for men’s health (improving sexual function and energy), women’s bone health, anti-fatigue and overall health care.
l Medicine: In China and some Asian countries, it is an important ingredient in various Chinese patent medicines or compound preparations for treating osteoporosis, renal insufficiency, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and erectile dysfunction.
l Functional foods and beverages: Added to energy drinks and special functional foods.
l Animal feed additives: used to enhance the reproductive performance of breeding livestock
In summary, Epimedium extract is a natural product with a long history and multiple potential health benefits, especially having been extensively studied in the fields of reproductive health and bone health. However, it is not a “miracle drug”. Its effects vary from person to person, and there are contraindications and potential risks in its use. It is crucial to view it scientifically and prudently and use it under professional guidance.
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Post time: Feb-04-2026