Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Horny Goat Weed is a common name used to describe Epimedium (Epimedium spp.; Berberidaceae) species, which are perennial, low-growing, herbaceous plants with leathery leaves.The genus Epimedium comprises more than 50 species, most of which are native to China; some species are also found across eastern, southern, and central Asia, and in Europe.Several Epimedium species have a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, and some other traditional Asian systems of medicine, for various medical conditions.In China and Japan, E. sagittatum (Siebold & Zucc.)Maxim.has been used to treat impotence, osteoporosis, and hypertension.In Korea, E. koreanum Nakai was also used traditionally for impotence.Today, E. sagittatum, E. koreanum, E. brevicornu Maxim., and E. wushanense T.S.Ying, are accepted as sources of Herba Epimedii by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. 1 Common namesHorny goat weed, rowdy lamb herb, barrenwort, bishop's hat, herba epimedii [English]; yin yang huo, yangheye [Chinese]; hozaki-no-ikari-sō [Japanese] and others.[NB: the common name 'goat weed' is also used for several other (unrelated) plants]. PreparationsTraditional preparations used the dried aerial parts of Epimedium plants macerated in wine, or decocted in water, for oral consumption. 1 Contemporary preparations in the global market, including New Zealand, include oral dose forms (tablets, capsules, liquid extracts) and topical dose forms (creams), containing extracts of the aerial parts of Epimedium species, formulated as single-ingredient products, or multi-ingredient products containing other herbal and non-herbal ingredients.Some products state they are standardised for content of icariin, a flavonoid compound.In New Zealand, chocolate bars labelled as containing horny goat weed and other herbal ingredients are also available.
Source: Journal of Primary Health Care
DOI: 10.1071/hc24183
Authors: E Lyn Lee, Jo Barnes
Institution: University of Auckland
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407384278