Evidence supporting the use of: Epimedium extract
For the body system: Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Epimedium extract, commonly known as "horny goat weed," has a long history of traditional use in Chinese herbal medicine for supporting the reproductive system, particularly male sexual health and libido. The herb is believed to enhance sexual performance, increase libido, and address issues such as erectile dysfunction. The main active compound, icariin, is thought to have mild PDE5 inhibitory effects, similar to some prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, but the potency is much lower.
While there are some small animal studies and limited clinical evidence suggesting that Epimedium may influence sexual function and hormone levels, robust human research is lacking. Most of the support for its use comes from centuries of traditional use in East Asian countries, where it is often included in formulas for sexual vitality and reproductive health. Overall, the evidence supporting its efficacy is primarily anecdotal and based on traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. As a result, it is commonly rated low to moderate for evidence (2/5), reflecting widespread traditional use but limited scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients that support Reproductive System
acetyl l-carnitineamino acids
ashwagandha
beta-sitosterol
black cohosh
bovine
bovine liver
broccoli
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese salvia root
choline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
fish protein
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
ginger
ginseng
gokhru
hops
inositol
iodine
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-arginine
l-carnitine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
licorice root
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
magnesium
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
muira puama
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
pomegranate
protein
pumpkin
quail egg
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
saffron
saw palmetto
selenium
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
vitamin E
seaweed
water
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
suma
squawvine
mugwort
nut grass
anise
punarnava
smilax
chaff flower
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
morinda
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
barrenwort
shepherd's purse
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
yohimbe
11-Ketotestosterone
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
8-Prenylnaringenin
Antler
Arachidonic Acid
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Ant
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Babchi
Baliospermum
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bugbane
Bulbine natalensis
Black Gram
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
Barbasco
Bee products
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Curculigo orchicides
Cohosh
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Cyathula
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Casticin
Campylandra fimbriata
Catuaba
Costus
Carthamus
Canscora
DHEA
Daidzein
Deer Velvet
Dong Quai
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Embelia
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
Lotus
Orchid
yohimbine
Other body systems supported by Epimedium extract
BloodCirculatory System
Female Reproductive System
Immune System
Kidneys
Male Reproductive System
Muscles
Reproductive System
Skeletal System (Bones)
Testosterone