Chinese Herbal List

Herba Epimedii


Latin Name: Herba Epimedii  
Common Name: Epimedium  Epimedium
Scientific Name:   Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. / 
E. sagittatum (S. et Z.) Maxim. / E. pubescens Maxim. / E. wushanense T. S. Ying / E. koreanum Nakai   
 Chinese Name: 仙靈脾 / 淫羊藿
Pinyin Name: xian ling pi / yin yang huo 
 The branch and leaf of Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. Et Zucc.) Maxim. or E. brevicornum Maxim. and other Epimedium species; perennial herbal plants of the Berberidaceae family.1
Epimedium is widely distributed in mountain areas of China. It is mainly produced in provinces like Liaoling, Shananxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Shanxi and Guangxi.2
Epimedium is pungent and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, and mainly manifests its therapeutic actions in the kidney and liver meridians.1
Epimedium contains flavone glycosides, such as icariin, icariside I-II, epimedoside A, des-O-methylicariin, icaritin-3-O-α-rhamnoside, hyperin, sagitlatoside A-C, sagitlatin A-B, epinedoside c, baohuooside (I, Vi), rouhuoside, wushanicariin, epimedin A-C, epimedokorea-noside I-II. 3

Others components incldue volatile oils, polysaccharose, pytosterols, linoleic acid, tannin, oleic acid, quercitin, vitamin E, palmitic acid, magnoflorine and sterols.      
 
Epimedium warms kidney, strengthens yang, strengthens bones and tendons, dispels wind and dampness.1

 
• Impotence, infertility and urinary frequency 
When the above are associated with kidney yang deficiency, epimedium can be selected with processed rhemannia rhizome, Chinese wolfberry, and morinda root for remedy. Epimedium alone is also used to prepare medicinal wine for this purpose. 

• Joint pain and limb mobility problems
 
Modern TCM also uses epimedium to treat menopausal problems, nervous breakdown, infertility, chronic bronchitis or respiratory symptoms, coronary disease, chronic hepatitis and blood diseases.
 
1. Effects on Sexual Function 

Animal Studies 
Increase sex organ size and testosterone production in mice 
Male mice administered Herba Epimedii extract or decoction showed an increase in the weight of prostate glands, seminal vesicles and levator ani muscles7 as well as in the plasma testosterone level, testicular tissue growth and testicular secretions . Icariin was able to promote testosterone secretion and cAMP synthesis in Leydig cells.9 When female rats were administered with Herba Epimedii decoction, significant increase in the weight of anterior pituitary, ovary and uterus as well as an increase in the receptor binding affinity of hCG/LH was recorded.10  

Clinical Studies 
1. Improve impotence
Herba Epimedii was used with Semen Custaue to treat 52 cases of impotence. Together with a specific decoction bath and massage, the total effective rate was found to be 92%.11-12 A formula containing Herba Epimedii, Fructus Lycii, Cordyceps, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae was used to treat 28 cases of impotence; the overall effective rate was 86%.13  
    
2. Restore sexual function in men
Herba Epimedii was used together with Rhizoma Curculiginis and Radix Acanthopanacis Senticosi to treat 32 cases of sexual function decline, 21 cases showed significant improvement while seven cases showed improvement.14  
    
3. Alleviate the symptoms of leukoplakia vulvae
Patients treated with Herba Epimedii powder mixed in a cream made of liver oil used externally showed significant improvement in leukoplakia symptoms.15  
    
4. Improve mid-cycle menstrual bleeding
In a study where the single ingredient Herba Epimedii was used to treat 12 cases of mid-cycle menstrual bleeding, fully satisfactory results were reported in every one of these 12 cases.16  
   
2.  Effects on cardiovascular system 

Animal Studies 

1. Strengthens the contractility of heart muscle
A Herba Epimedii decoction was able to increase the contractive force of cardiomyoctes in toad hearts in vitro and in vivo. Herba Epimedii decoction was also able to restore cardiac muscular tension in a pentobarbital sodium induced heart failure toad model. Rabbits injected i.v. with Herba Epimedii decoction showed strengthened cardiac muscle tension.17  
    
2. Increase cardiac output
The cardiac output of rabbits injected i.v. with a Herba Epimedii decoction (=1g raw herb/kg) was significantly increased. In contrast, when rabbits were injected i.v with icariin(1mg/kg), their cardiac output decreased significantly.18  
    
3. Increase Coronary Blood Flow
When guinea pig or rabbit hearts were treated with a Herba Epimedii decoction or extract, respectively, in vitro, their coronary blood flow increased.19-20 When anethesized dogs were injected i.v. with a non amino acid extract or water extract of Herba Epimedii, their coronary blood flow was significantly increased.21-22 A Herba Epimedii injection was able to restore the pituitrin induced coronary blood flow reduction in guinea pigs.23  
    
4. Protect against inadequate blood supply (ischemia)
Herba Epimedii decoction, water and non amino acid extracts showed a protective effect against ischemic damage in rat myocytes. 21,22,24 
    
5. Lower blood pressure
When applied i.v., a Herba Epimedii decoction was able to lower the blood pressure in rabbits, rats and cats.7 In a hypertensive rat model, Herba Epidmedii (by gavage) was able to lower the animals' blood pressure significantly. However, the hypertension resumes after cessation of medication. 25  
    
6. Promote platelet aggregation
Both Herba Epimedii decoction and Herba Epidmedii polysaccharides were able to promote blood platelet aggregation and lower hematocrit both in vitro and in vivo.26 
    
7. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Administration of Herba Epimedii by gavage to hyperlipidemic rabbits was able to lower their beta-lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 27  
    
Clinical Studies
 
1. Decrease symptoms of angina
Herba Epimedii tablet and Herba Epimedii extract tablet were used to treat coronary heart disease patients in two separate clinical trials. The patients in both studies showed improvement in ECG readings as well as in the seriousness of angina.28-29  In another study where coronary heart disease patients were treated with Herba Epimedii injection (intramuscular), the patients experienced improvement in ECG readings as well as symptoms such as angina pain, palpitations and shortness of breath.30  
    
2. Lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension
In a study where Herba Epimedii extract tablets were used to treat 115 cases of hypertension, the patients' blood pressure was decreased by 10.7kPa/ 5.33kPa (80/ 40mmHg) and the overall effective rate was 78%. 31  
 
3. Effects on Immune Function  

Animal studies 

1. Increase antibody production 
When mice immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were s.c. injected with Herba Epimedii flavone, Herba Epimedii polysaccharide or icariin, their serum antibody level and the splenic antibody level were significantly increased. 32-34 
    
2. Modulate lymphocyte proliferation
Mice injected s.c. with Herba Epimedii flavone or Herba Epimedii polysaccharide once a day for seven days showed significant increase in lymphocyte transformation. 32-33 Murine lymphocytes treated with Herba Epimedii polysaccharide were more responsive to phytohaemoagglutinin(PHA) stimulation.32 Fifty percent ethanol extracts of were able to inhibit mitogen induced lymphocytic growth in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Previous studies on mice treated with overdose of cyclophosphamide showed that Herba Epimedii polysaccharide (injected s.c.) was able to promote T cell production that was suppressed by cyclophosphamide, which in turn inhibited antibody production. However, when cyclophosphamide treated mice were injected s.c. with icariin, the T cell production was suppressed and the antibody production rate was increased.34 In a hydropredinsolone acetate induced yang deficient mouse model, administration of Herba Epimedii decoction by gavage was able to increase 3H-TdR incorporation rate during lymphocyte transformation and to increase erythrolysin level as well as anti-blood coagulation factor titer.35 In another study, mice were rendered immuno-depressed by lymphocyte antiserum treatment. When lymphocyte antiserum induced immune-depressed mice were administered with Herba Epimedii decoction, their reduced splenic lymphocyte and splenic plaque forming cell counts were restored.36  
    
3. Increase / restore phagocytic activity of macrophages
Macrophages isolated from mice administered s.c. with Herba Epimedii polysaccharides or Herba Epimedii flavone showed increased phagocytic activities.33 In an immune depressed mouse model induced by anti-lymphocyte antibody treatment, Herba Epimedii was able to restore the carbon phagocytic activity of macrophages.36  
    
4. Stimulate IL-2 production
At low concentration (100μg/ml and 1000μg/ml), Herba Epimedii polysaccharide was able to stimulate the activity of IL-2 secreted from human peripheral blood lymphocytes, while at high concentrations (2500μg/ml and 5000μg/ml), it would inhibit IL-2 production.37  
    
Increase DNA synthesis and bone marrow cell proliferation
Administration of a Herba Epimedii decoction significantly elevated DNA synthesis by 68% and enhanced bone marrow cell proliferation by 72% in a mouse yang-deficiency model.25 
    
Clinical Studies 

1. Decrease the symptoms of leucopenia
In 22 cases of leucopenia of qi deficient type, treated with a Herba Epimedii powder (15g/bag, 3 bags/ day for the first week and 2 bags/day from the second weeks onwards) for 30 to 45 days, three cases showed complete recovery, four cases showed significant improvement, five cases showed improvement and two cases experienced no change.38  
    
2. Improve quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis
Patients on erythropoietin medications were treated with Herba Epimedii for 4 months, the infection rate was decreased and IL-2 levels were increased. Improvement in parameters like energy, sleeping, appetite and male sex function were recorded.39 
   
4. Effects on Respiratory System 

Animal Studies 

Anti-asthmatic effects
Herba Epimedii extract can completely inhibit coughing caused by electrical stimulation of recurrent laryngeal nerve in cats. It can also relieve histamine-induced asthma in guinea pigs.40  
    
Clinical Studies 

Effective in treating chronic bronchiolitis
Herba Epimedii was used to treat 1066 cases of chronic bronchiolitis, the overall effective rate was 74.6%.40 
   
5. Anti-viral Effect 

Animal studies 

Antimicrobial and antiviral effect
Herba Epimedii was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria, pneumococcus, Bacillus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosdis, poliovirus, ECHO virus (type 6 and 9) and coxsackie virus (type A9, B4 and B5).7,25,41  
    
Clinical studies 

More effective than vitamin C in treating viral myocarditis
In a study on viral myocarditis, 36 cases were treated with Herba Epimedii extract tablet (7 to 10 tablets/ time, 3 times/day) and Vitamin C (3g in 500ml glucose solution, i.v. application) while 25 cases were treated with Vitamin C alone. The overall effective rate of former group and later group were 69.4% and 40% respectively.43 
   
6. Others 

1. Anti-oxidation effect in animals
Water extract of Herba Epimedii was able to inhibit lipid peroxide formation in rat heart, liver, brain and kidney homogenates.44 In an acute aging mouse model, Herba Epimedii flavone could significantly restore the depressed T and B lymphocyte proliferation, increase SOD activity, decrease lipid peroxide formation and reduce heart and liver lipofuscin.45 Additionally, icariin has been shown to have catecholamines-antagonizing effects.  
    
2. Reduce blood glucose in animals
Rats treated with Herba Epimedii extracts showed blood glucose level reduction46, as did experimental hyperglycemic rabbits.25 
    
3. Used together with other Chinese medicine to treat Neurasthenia
A 3% Herba Epimedii decoction (iontophoresically applied), a Herba Epimedii extract, Herba Epimedii flavone and Icariin were used to treat to 104, 138, 61 and 29 cases respectively, the overall effective rates were 85.6%, 89.9%, 93.44% and 89.6% respectively. Improvement in the sleeplessness symptoms were also recorded in the studies.47-48 
 
Herba Epimedii extract injected into abdominal cavity of mice, the LD50 is 36g/kg. Mice fed with Herba Epimedii alcohol extract 450g/kg for three consecutive days, the mice remained active and no toxic response. The results showed that Herba Epimedii has little toxicity. 
For decoction, the usual dose of epimedium is 6～15g. 
Epimedium is not suitable for those with yin vacuity with internal heat; adverse effects are brought about by improper extended use, including dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst and nose bleeding. Young people is not suggested to consume epimedium as sex-boosting supplement.

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  8. 牛銳; Effects of Herba Epimedii on blood testosterone level and on sex organ, China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1989; 14(9):18. 
  9. 熊躍斌 et al. Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal 1994; 29(2):89-91. 
  10. 李炳如 et al. Effects of kidney tonic (Semen Cuscutae, Radix Morindae Officinalis, Herba Cistanches, Rhizoma Curculiginis and Herba Epimedii) on the function of hypothalamus- pituitary-sex gland axis, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1984; 25(7):63 
  11. 殷愛華; Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1989; 10(6):13. 
  12. 殷愛華; Journal of GuiYang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1990; (1):29 
  13. 王國忠; Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1994; (2):31 
  14. 金維良 et al, Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1993; (2):40.
  15. 吳新榮; Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1991; 18(9):37 
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  17. 王文正 et al. Preliminary study on the effect of Herba Epimedii on cardiovascular function. Journal of Anhui Traditional Chinese Medical College 1983; (2):60 
  18. 劉崇明 et al. Research on the efficacy of Herba Epimedii on coronary heart disease 7: Effects of Icariin on heart; Journal of Shenyang Medical College 1981; (12):28. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs 1982; (9):30 
  19. The 42nd research group of Shen Yang Medical College; Research on the efficacy of Herba Epimedii on coronary heart disease 2: Pharmacological Research on the water extract of Herba Epimedii. Journal of Shenyang Medical College 1997; (8):90. 
  20. 劉福春; Recent advance on the clinical and pharmacological researches on Herba Epimedii.  Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs 1985; 16(10):44 
  21. 李恒昌 et al. Effect of Herba Epimedii on Cardiovascular system(III): Hemodynamic and Blood rheology studies. Medicine of Chao Yang 1983;(2):25 
  22. Herba Epimedii Research group, Shen Yang Medical College, The 234 Hospital of Liberal Army. Efficacy of water extract of Herba Epimedii on Coronary heart disease. Journal of Shen Yang Medical College 1975; (7):86. 
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  27. Pharmacological research, Jinzhou Medical College; Studies on the hypolipidemic Chinese medicine. Jinzhou Technology 1977; (6):19.  
  28. The 234 Hospital of China Liberal Army. Effect of Herba Epimedii on Cardiovascular system(I): 140 cases coronary heart diseases. Journal of Shen Yang Medical College 1977; (8):85. 
  29. 王莉 et al. Efficacy of Herba Epimedii on 140 cases of Coronary heart diseases. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1989; (8):26 
  30. 于莉; Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1990; 31(3):36 
  31. Coronary heart disease prevention group; The 234 Hospital of China Liberal Army; Clinical study on the efficacy of Herba Epimedii on Coronary heart disease. Journal of Shenyang Medical College 1976; (7):92. 
  32. 王天然 et al. Research on the immune promoting function of Herba Epimedii polysaccharides. Beijing Medical Industry 1985; (2):23. 
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  34. 王天然et al. Antibody promoting effect of Icariin. Journal of Medicine 1987; 22(9):583. 
  35. 王天然; Effects of Herba Epimedii polysaccharides and icariin on suppressed T cells. Chinese Journal of Immunology 1986, 2(2):74. 
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  38. 劉虎占 chief edited; Modern Research and Application of Chinese Medicine. Xue Yuan Publisher, China Beijing 1999. 
  39. 劉福春; Effects of Herba Epimedii on treating leucopenia and on immune function. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1986; (3):32. 
  40. 廖洪軍et al. Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine 1995;14(4):202 
  41. Enshi office: chronic bronchiolitis prevention and treatment, Summary on treating chronic bronchiolitis with Herba Epimedii. Hubei Hygine 1972; (7):15. 
  42. 曾毅; Effects of Chinese medicine on poliovirus and other intestinal virus. National Medical Journal of China 1964; 50(8):521. 
  43. 朱世才; Effects of Combing Herba Epimedii with vitamin C on viral myocarditis: clinical observation on 36 cases. Journal of Integrated Tradtional and Western Medicine 1984; 4(9):523. 
  44. Zhengzhou pharmaceutical factory of Chinese medicine; Facilities and Efficacies of Anti-numbness Injections. Chinese Medicine Communication 1972; (2):28.  
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