Although epimedium, also commonly known as horny goat weed, has a long tradition of use, little science exists to back claims about it. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "Natural Sex Boosters," you'll find epimedium used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for joint, liver and kidney disorders, and you'll see it advertised in the United States as a fatigue fighter and an aphrodisiac. "Herbal and Traditional Medicine" by Lester Packer says that most existing studies were done in China and haven't been replicated elsewhere.
Cancer Preventer
In China, epimedium is officially classed as an herb that can prevent cancer growth. Lab experiments at the University of Heidelberg revealed that epimedium stimulates healthy cells to produce the anti-cancer substance necrosis factor-alpha. These studies are preliminary, but Packer says they suggest epimedium might be useful in fighting cancer. The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences also lists epimedium as an herb that promotes longevity and slows aging.
Erectile Function
In the West, epimedium is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. A study published in the 2004 Asian Journal of Andrology concluded that four weeks of treatment with icariin, epimedium's active ingredient, can improve erectile function. The study was done on castrated rats at the Andrology Center of Peking University First Hospital. However, Drugs.com says that no reliable clinical or animal research exists to back this function.
Bone Health
Epimedium may help to keep your bones strong. In fact, it is one of the most often prescribed herbs for treating osteoporosis in China. A laboratory study published in the 2002 Chinese Journal of Stomatology found that epimedium inhibits bone resorption, or bone loss. People suffer osteoporosis when their bone resorption rate outstrips their bone rebuilding rate. How much of an effect the epimedium has depends on the dosage, according to lead study author J. Li.
Under Chinese medical theory, epimedium's kidney boosting effects may come into play. TCM says toning the kidney boosts bone health because the kidney is responsible for nourishing bones, according to a 2005 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The study's laboratory and rat data both confirm that epimedium can slow bone loss, according to lead study author Fang Xie.
Epimedium use also avoids side effects in reproductive tissues, a source of concern with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) due to higher risk for ovarian, endometrial and breast cancers. ERT was popular for treating and preventing osteoporosis until it was linked with increased risk of these cancers, according to Xie. More study is needed, however, because the mechanism by which epimedium works to slow bone loss hasn't yet been identified.
Side Effects
Sahelian says that, in very high doses, epimedium can cause rapid heartbeat, over-stimulation and heart palpitations; some people may experience dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, nosebleed or vomiting. Packer, however, says that there is no record of toxicity in humans.
References
- Wiley Interscience: "Asian Journal of Andrology;" Effects of icariin on erectile function and expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in castrated rats; Wu-Jiang Liu; 2004
- Ray Sahelian: Epimedium herb extract side effects and sexual benefits
- PubMed.gov: "Chinese Journal of Stomatology;" In vitro study of the effects of Epimedium on osteoclastic bone resorption in various oral mineralized tissues; J. Li; 2002
- Oxford Journals: "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine;" The osteoprotective effect of Herba epimedii (HEP) extract in vivo and in vitro; Fang Xie, et. al.; 2005
- "Herbal and Traditional Medicine;" Lester Packer, et. al.; 2005
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