Epimedium brevicornum, also known by its common name of ‘Horny Goat Weed’, is used for impotence, involuntary ejaculation, mental and physical fatigue, hypertension and as a tonic and aphrodisiac.
There are a number of different forms of Epimedium with a wide range of potency and activity. We use the ‘Brevicornum’ form which is believed to provide the greatest sexual benefit to men. It is in a standardized extract form with an extract ratio of 33:1. In other words the daily dose of 500mgs is equivalent to 16,500mgs of the herb.
The applicable part of epimedium is the leaf. Flavonoids, icariin, polysaccharides, glycosides, ceryl alcohol, essential oils and fatty acids are the active constituents. Epimedium causes vasodilation, possibly by blocking calcium channels. It also seems to have hypotensive effects, possibly by catecholamine blockade. The glycosides in epimedium may have hormonal effects.
Research suggests that epimedium promotes semen secretion and stimulates growth of prostate, testes and anus rector muscles. Some researchers think it might increase testosterone secretion. Preliminary research suggests epimedium increases coronary blood flow and decreases platelet aggregation. It may also have immuno-stimulatory activity and activity against HIV.