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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Icariin is an active flavonoid component of the Epimedium<\/a> plant species commonly known as Horny Goat Weed<\/a>. Extracts from these plants have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for enhancing libido and male sexual function [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 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 [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 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<\/a>) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Similarly, icariin improved bone mineral density and strength in female rats with removed ovaries [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Icariin may also promote the production and activity of bone cells (osteoblast) based on the results of cell-based studies [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Icariin stimulated the generation of cultured human bone (osteoblast) cells by increasing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2<\/a>) production, a key protein involved in bone and cartilage formation [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It also enhanced the production of primary osteoblasts (by increasing bone formation markers ALP<\/a>, osteocalcin, COL-1 and OPG and decreasing RANKL, a protein involved in osteoclast formation) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Icariin inhibited the formation and bone-resorbing action of osteoclasts by increasing OPG\/RANKL ratios in bone cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is known to inhibit RANKL activity, which plays a role in osteoclast formation and bone destruction [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In addition, icariin may suppress osteoclast formation by decreasing superoxides, reactive oxygen species that are required for osteoclast survival and activity [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Icariin may also inhibit cartilage and bone breakdown in arthritic mice (by inhibiting cathepsin K, an enzyme that breaks down cartilage and bone) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although promising, the evidence to back the use of icariin supplementation to promote bone repair is based on a single clinical trial and a few animal and cell-based studies. Larger, more robust clinical trials are required.<\/p>\n In a small trial on 10 people with bipolar disorders and alcohol abuse, icariin (up to 300 mg\/day) reduced depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis plays a role in mitigating physiological responses to stress<\/a>, with hyperactivity implicated in depressive and anxiety<\/a> disorders [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Icariin normalizesd HPA axis<\/a> activity (by reducing CRF<\/a> and cytokines IL-6<\/a> and TNF-alpha<\/a>) in CMS (chronic mild stress) rat models [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Cytokines IL-6<\/a> and TNF-alpha activate CRF<\/a>, which increases HPA axis<\/a> activity characterized by high levels of cortisol<\/a>, a stress hormone [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Thus, icariin may act as an antidepressant by decreasing HPA axis<\/a> hyperactivity through inhibition of CRF<\/a> and cytokine levels in depressive patients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A small clinical trial and a few animal and cell studies cannot be considered sufficient evidence that icariin lowers stress and improves mood. Further clinical research is needed.<\/p>\n 3) Premature Ejaculation<\/b><\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 80 men with a lifelong history of premature ejaculation, PDE5 inhibitors delayed ejaculation from vibratory stimulation. This preliminary finding should be confirmed in additional clinical studies on larger populations [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n No clinical evidence supports the use of icariin for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies listed should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefits.<\/p>\nHealth Benefits of Icariin<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence for:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Bone Growth and Repair<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Lowering Stress & Improving Mood<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Animal and Cell Research (Lack of Evidence)<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n