Description
An extract from Epimedium species (commonly known as horny goat weed or yin yang huo in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Standardized to icariin content, the principal active flavonoid glycoside. Used in male-enhancement and energy supplements globally.
Light brown to dark brown free-flowing powder. Limited water solubility; freely soluble in alcohol.
We supply food-grade Epimedium Extract from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include 10 percent Icariin (standard supplement grade), 20 percent Icariin (premium grade), 60 percent Icariin (high-end concentrated grade), and 98 percent Pure Icariin (pharmaceutical-grade isolated active).
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering icariin content (HPLC), total flavonoids, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology.
Introduction
Epimedium has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years for kidney-yang deficiency, fatigue, and reproductive health. The plant's English common name (horny goat weed) reflects observations of mating behavior in goats grazing on the plant.
Industrial production proceeds by hot-water and ethanol extraction of dried Epimedium leaves, followed by purification and standardization to defined icariin content.
Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Approved as a traditional medicine ingredient in China and several Asian markets; sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and many other markets; restricted in some European markets pending Novel Food review.
The compound's mechanism for male-enhancement positioning involves PDE5 inhibition (the same enzyme target as sildenafil), supported by some clinical research. Clinical efficacy at typical supplement doses is more modest than pharmaceutical PDE5 inhibitors but contributes to the substantial commercial market for natural male-enhancement products.
Strategic positioning is dominated by male-enhancement and sexual-health supplements globally, with secondary applications in traditional medicine and bone-health products.
Where it is used
- Male-enhancement dietary supplements: the dominant commercial application globally
- Sexual-health and libido-support formulations
- Traditional Chinese Medicine products: yin yang huo decoctions and modern granule formats
- Bone-health and joint-support supplements (icariin has been studied for osteoporosis)
- Sports nutrition and testosterone-support positioning
- Pharmaceutical research applications
- Veterinary applications for breeding animals
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light brown to dark brown free-flowing powder |
| Icariin content (HPLC) | 10% / 20% / 60% / 98% (grade dependent) |
| Total flavonoids | ≥ 30% (10% icariin grade) |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 5.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
| Source | Epimedium leaves (E. brevicornum, E. sagittatum, others) |
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