14 Benefits of Icariin

Icariin is the main active compound of the Epimedium plant species, commonly known as horny goat weed. These plants are traditionally used in China as aphrodisiacs and to enhance erectile function. Limited research suggests icariin may help repair bone fractures, reduce stress, and improve mood. Read below to learn more about the potential health benefits of this plant flavonoid. What Is Icariin? Horny Goat Weed’s Active Compound Icariin is an active flavonoid component of the Epimedium plant species commonly known as Horny Goat Weed . Extracts from these plants have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for enhancing libido and male sexual function [ 1 ]. Due to its widespread distribution and movement in the body including the brain, icariin exhibits several potential biological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotection, anti-tumor activity, as well as promoting overall health in the heart, bones, and a variety of other organs [ 2 , 3 ]. Health Benefits of Icariin Insufficient Evidence for: Icariin increased hip and lower spine bone density in a clinical trial on 100 postmenopausal women by inhibiting a bone breakdown-marker (deoxypyridinoline) and maintaining a bone-formation one ( osteocalcin ) [ 4 ]. Similarly, icariin improved bone mineral density and strength in female rats with removed ovaries [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Icariin may also promote the production and activity of bone cells (osteoblast) based on the results of cell-based studies [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Icariin stimulated the generation of cultured human bone (osteoblast) cells by increasing bone morphogenetic protein ( BMP-2 ) production, a key protein involved in bone and cartilage formation [ 11 ]. It also enhanced the production of primary osteoblasts (by increasing bone formation markers ALP , osteocalcin, COL-1 and OPG and decreasing RANKL, a protein involved […]

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