Evidence supporting the use of: Epimedium extract
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Epimedium extract, also known as "Horny Goat Weed," is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its purported aphrodisiac and tonic properties, including the enhancement of physical performance and vitality. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid is primarily rooted in this traditional context, rather than robust modern scientific validation. Traditional Chinese medicine texts suggest Epimedium can strengthen bones and muscles, improve fatigue, and increase stamina, which may have led to its association with athletic support. However, scientific studies directly examining Epimedium’s effects on exercise performance, endurance, or recovery in humans are extremely limited and mostly preliminary. The primary bioactive compound, icariin, has shown some promise in animal studies for supporting nitric oxide production and muscle function, but these findings have not been conclusively demonstrated in human trials. Overall, while Epimedium is sometimes marketed for athletic and exercise enhancement, the evidence base is almost entirely traditional and anecdotal, with minimal scientific support. Therefore, its use for this purpose should be regarded with caution, pending more rigorous clinical research.
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Epimedium extract
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Sex Drive (low)
Testosterone (low)