Epimedium
From Wikiwel
Other Names: Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, Épimède, Épimède à Grandes Fleurs, Épimède du Japon, Epimedium, Epimedium acuminatum, Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium grandiflorum, Epimedium Grandiflorum Radix, Epimedium koreanum, Epimedium macranthum, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium violaceum, Epimedium wushanese, Herba Epimedii, Herbe Cornée de Chèvre, Hierba de Cabra en Celo, Japanese Epimedium, Xian Ling Pi, Yin Yang Huo.
Horny goat weed is a leafy plant that is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region.
Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Special Precautions of Epimedium
- In one study, epimedium koreanum was found to cause significant inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme. This can theoretically increase the risk of loss of muscle co-ordination and jerky movements due to acetylcholine buildup in muscles.
- Animal studies also indicate that high doses of icariin, a compound found in horny goat weed, may be toxic to the kidneys and liver.
- Long-term use of these other forms of horny goat weed might cause dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nosebleed . Taking large amounts of horny goat weed might cause spasms and severe breathing problems.
- A heart arrhythmia has also been reported in a man who took horny goat weed in a commercial product used for sexual enhancement. Research also shows that a specific multi-ingredient commercial product (Enzyte, Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals) that contains horny goat weed might cause abnormal heart beats when measured by an electrocardiogram. These changes might increase the chance of having a heart arrhythmia. However, since these products contain multiple ingredients, it is not clear if these effects are caused by horny goat weed or other ingredients.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Horny goat weed is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used during pregnancy. There is a concern that it might harm the developing fetus. Avoid using it. Not enough it known about the safety of using horny goat weed during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid using.
- Low blood pressure: Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure. In people who already have low blood pressure, using horny goat weed might drop blood pressure too low and increase the risk of fainting.
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Horny goat weed.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Horny goat weed.
The benefits of Epimedium are
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Sexual Dysfunction in Women : According to folklore, horny goat weed's reputed aphrodisiac qualities were discovered when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ingested the weed.Animal studies indicate that horny goat weed may work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which relaxes smooth muscle and lets more blood flow to the penis or clitoris.Horny goat weed also appears to act by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which is the same way that the popular drug Viagra works. Some evidence suggests horny goat weed may modulate levels of the hormones cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone, bringing low levels back to normal.
- Menopause : A study tested the estrogenic activity of 32 herbs used for menopause. Epimedium brevicornum, was one of the highest estrogenic activity.
- Weak bones (Osteoporosis). Developing research shows that taking a specific extract of horny goat weed for 24 months seems to decrease bone loss of the spine and hip in women who have passed menopause. This particular extract, made by Tong Ji Tang Pharmacal Company in China, contains phytoestrogens (specifically containing 60 mg of icariin, 15 mg of daidzein, and 3 mg of genistein), chemicals in horny goat weed that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.
- Improve parkinson symptoms : Herba Epimedii (Epimedium leaf) and Herba Cistanches (desert-living Cistanche) have the ability to protect nerve cells by regulating expressions of neurotrophic and apoptosis related factors.
- Ejaculation problems.
- Sexual problems.
- Fatigue.
- Memory loss.
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- Liver disease.
- Bronchitis.
- Joint pain.
- HIV/AIDS.
