Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)
Name: Epimedium Grandiflorum.
Commonly known as ‘Licentious goat weed’ or ‘Horny Goat Weed’.
Part used: The leaves.
Active constituents: The major constituents include; icariin, des-O-methylicariin, magnoflorine, sterols, palmitic acid, Linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid), oleic acid (an Omega-9 fatty acid), vitamin E and polysaccharides.
What is Epimedium used for? Horny goat weed is classified in Chinese medicine as a ‘kidney yang tonic’. ‘Kidney yang’ can be seen as a persons fundamental constitutional strength, energy and drive. Replenishing kidney yang with herbs such as horny goat weed means that our basic energy levels are boosted and a healthy sexual appetite restored. (Read the aphrodisiac section for a full account of kidney yang).
In 1990, researchers discovered that Extracts of Epimedium might have mono-amine-oxidase-inhibitor activity. In trials they showed that levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine levels were all elevated in animals given Epimedium. Higher levels of dopamine particularly, may help to explain the pro-sexual effect of Epimedium. High dopamine levels encourage the release of leutenising hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. LH in turn stimulates the testes to produce more testosterone.
Chinese researchers have also observed that extracts of Epimedium appeared to have a testosterone like effect on the testes, prostate gland and levator ani muscle. The levator ani muscle when well toned, as under stimulation from testosterone, will help create and maintain erection and increase the force of ejaculation.
Another interesting finding regarding Epimedium is that it seems to heighten the sensitivity of nerve endings in the skin, which would also indirectly reinforce sexual stimulation. This effect is particularly useful for women, the more tactile sex!
Epimedium, when given to dialysis patients with lowered immune function restored their immune system to full effectiveness. Sexual function was also reported improved in these trials. Even in animals with immune systems deliberately suppressed with cortisone the use of Epimedium restored full immune function as measured by improved cytokine and lymphocyte levels.
Epimedium is also thought to reduce the side effects of cortisone (steroid) treatment by stopping adrenal gland shrinkage and preventing osteoporosis. The polysaccharides of Epimedium are shown to stimulate red blood cell production by the bone marrow whilst stimulating the activity of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). The RES is a group of immune cells and tissues found throughout the gut and liver etc. that filter out bacteria and toxins.
