Last updated on May 6th, 2023 at 05:59 am
What is Icariin?
Icariin is an antibacterial agent and has a wide range of metabolite actions in plants and in humans, it is also a Geroprotector (anti-aging activity). Icariin is found in several plants of the genus Epimedium, it is also believed to be the main active ingredient in the Chinese herbal medication Herba Epimedii ( Yinyanghuo ). It is an antioxidant and has a proven role in bone density conservation.
It is found as an active pharmaceutical constituent in the Chinese herb called Ying Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed. This herb is used in the form of tea, and tonic for its benefits. In countries like China, Japan, and Korea it is used as an aphrodisiac and for its anti-rheumatic, and anti-cancer properties.
Icariin is a kaempferol which is a type of Flavanol. Flavanols are what give fruits and vegetables bright and bold colors, flavanols are linked with several benefits to humans including better cognitive function also slows down the aging process of human cells Research indicates this happens because flavanols promote blood circulation to our organs and by increasing the production of antioxidants in the human body.
Benefit of Icariin
Icariin is considered an anticancer herb and for that, it is being researched for its anticancer properties, as it is an antioxidant, Icariin is also used to manage Oxidative stress.
Icariin and Human Cell regeneration
In different studies, Icariin has been shown to promote cell growth and reduce cell damage. In animal experiments, it has been confirmed that Icariin does accelerate the process of wound healing.
Icariin is used and has been proven to help with diseases like osteoporosis, tendon-related injuries, and other bone diseases. Icariin-rich blood has been shown to increase the healing process in tendon-bone problems by promoting osteogenesis ( bone growth).
Icariin and Brain Health
Icariin is also a neuroprotector and promotes cell proliferation and has a regulatory role in the gene expression of human neural stem cells ( as shown in experiments).
These neuroprotector properties can be used to manage and help with diseases like Parkinson’s, or brain dysfunction due to spinal cord injury. It’s therefore used as a prophylactic to protect against such issues which are common with old age.
Icariin also acts as an agent to promote the release of nerve growth factors in the human brain and spinal cord.
Icariin for females and fertility
Icariin can be used in the treatment of such women whose endometrium is thin i.e.; <7mm in thickness.
Women with thin endometrium around the time of ovulation suffer from fertility issues, as the endometrium is the inner line of the uterus. This lining in the uterus has varying thickness throughout the month however an abnormally thick or thin endometrium would affect the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Thin endometrium during the time of ovulation is one of the hardest abnormalities to manage and several drugs have been tested to help with the problem to varying degrees of success. Icariin has been used traditionally and is claimed to have a higher chance of managing the thin endometrium. This is relatively a new domain for the application of Icariin in modern medication so more research is needed to establish its efficacy. However, as Icariin occurs naturally and is present in herbal form, and has been used for centuries to treat infertility in Asian countries there is no major harm to try it under the correct guidance for fertility-related issues.
Horny goat weed vs Viagra
Horny goat weed is a natural herb and has other compounds and substances including natural sugars and even carbohydrates just like any herb it’s not meant for just one particular problem or use. It has wide applications and is meant to be consumed as a part of our diet for one to be able to avail the benefits of the herb which can be a healthy heart, better brain function, quicker wound healing, higher hair growth, and even better sexual performance.
Viagra is a prescription drug meant to manage very specific issues such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and Erectile dysfunction.
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a PDE5 inhibitor that relaxes our arteries and results in higher blood circulation. It acts quickly and has a documented success rate just like any other drug.
There is no research yet which shows the complete difference in the functioning of Viagra and Horny Goat weed supplement. However, we know that both of these products increase blood flow which is what helps with erectile dysfunction.
Horny Goat weed has phytoestrogens which can act as the hormone, estrogen. In many studies, erectile dysfunction is linked to an imbalance in hormone levels with higher estrogen and lower testosterone levels.
Icariin in Horny Goat weed has testosterone-mimicking properties that help in higher free testosterone levels and this balances the estrogen levels in men, resulting in increased libido and ability to maintain an erection along with higher physical stamina.
How Much Icariin Equals To Viagra?
Icariin is 80% less Potent than Viagra, which has a recommended dose of 50 mg.
So, the recommended dose for Icariin would be 250-300 mg to possibly have the same effect as Viagra. Icariin increases the level of a chemical called cGMP in the penis, which results in an increased blood flow in the penis.
We must keep in mind that Icariin being a natural remedy is not similar to Viagra for the treatment of ED and is only 20% as potent as Viagra. However, The major benefit of Icariin is that it can be taken every day without having to worry about too many side effects, and for that reason, many men prefer to take Horny goat weed over Viagra and successfully achieve measurable results in their sexual performance along with the added benefits of this amazing ancient herbal remedy.
Side Effects of Icariin
Horny Goat weed is a natural anticoagulant and has blood-thinning properties which are usually beneficial however if you are on blood-thinning drugs you must use this herb with caution.
Some documented yet rare side effects of Horny Goat weed are- lightheadedness, nausea, low saliva production, increased intensity of thirst, muscle spasms, and serious breathing issues, as this is an anticoagulant it might cause bleeding or delay the process of wound healing.
Some of these side effects can be managed if you drink enough water and most of these are mild symptoms that occur with extremely high dosages. The majority of people with the normal use of Horny Goat Weed don’t experience these side effects.
But just like any medication if you experience any of these side effects which are persistent take proper guidance before continuing again.
Important Icariin Takeaways
Icariin in Horny goat weed is a flavonoid that is documented to show lots of benefits in several studies. It is an antibacterial and antioxidant and also a metabolite for blood serum and urine. This herb has been used for more than a millennium in Asian countries including Korea, Japan, and China for its proven pharmaceutical properties which are documented to help with wound healing and bone regeneration. It’s a neuroprotector and aids in slowing down the aging of the brain. It has been used to treat infertility in women with a thin inner membrane of the uterus.
Horny goat weed is a natural testosterone booster that is useful in the management of erectile dysfunction. As it is an herb, it would require continuous usage of either Horny Goat Weed or its supplements, to produce measurable results.
Horny goat weed is a natural testosterone booster that is useful in the management of erectile dysfunction. As it is an herb, it would require continuous usage of either Horny Goat Weed or its supplements, to produce measurable results.
