Evidence supporting the use of: Epimedium
For the health condition: Osteoporosis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Epimedium, also known as "Horny Goat Weed," has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various health conditions, including bone health. Modern scientific research has provided some validation for its use in supporting or treating osteoporosis, mainly due to its active flavonoid compound, icariin. Several preclinical studies (in vitro and in animal models) have demonstrated that icariin can stimulate osteoblast (bone-forming cell) activity and inhibit osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) activity, thereby promoting bone formation and reducing bone loss. For example, research published in Bone and Phytomedicine journals indicates that icariin can enhance bone mineral density and improve bone microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats, a common model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Additionally, some small clinical trials in humans have suggested potential benefit. A notable randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2007) found that a formula containing Epimedium, combined with other herbs, maintained bone mineral density in postmenopausal women over two years. However, these studies are relatively limited in size and often use multi-herbal formulas, making it difficult to attribute the effects solely to Epimedium. Overall, while there is promising preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting the use of Epimedium for osteoporosis, large-scale, high-quality human trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Osteoporosis
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
sesame
blueberry
boron
bovine
broccoli
calcium
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
curcumin
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish protein
genistein
genistin
glycitin
gooseberry
hesperetin
hesperidin
horsetail
ipriflavone
knotweed
kale
lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
maca
magnesium
manganese
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
phosphorus
pomegranate
prune
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
resveratrol
rutin
sardines
silicon
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
strontium
tocotrienols
tomato
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
seaweed
whey protein
zinc
red clover
haliotis
cistanche
dioscorea
fern
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
barrenwort
goji berry
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
soy isoflavones
8-Prenylnaringenin
Animal Tissue
Antler
Apigenin
Algas calcareas
Acacetin
Astragaloside
Ampelopsin
Algal protein
Algalin
Abalone
Arctiin
Astragalin
Animal protein
Bok Choy
Bovine Protein
biochanin
Bone Protein
Calycosin
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Chinese Ligustrum berry
DHEA
Daidzein
Diosgenin
Drynaria
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ecdysteroids
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
formononetin
Fish
Flavanones
Flavans
Flavanols
Flavones
Hyperoside
Isoflavones
icariin
Kaempferol
Lycium
Lithothamnion
Legume protein
Mineral Blend
Marine Protein
Milk Protein
Naringenin
Neoeriocitrin
Puerarin
Phytoecdysteroid
Phaeophyceae
Polysaccharides
Procyanidin
Proanthocyanidins
Polyunsaturated Fat
Paeoniflorin
Phytoestrogens
Polymethoxylated flavones
Rehmannia
Soy
Soy Protein
silica
Shilajit
Stilbenoid
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
Wakame
Xanthophyll
Other health conditions supported by Epimedium
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Infertility
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Sex Drive (low)
Testosterone (low)