Epimedium Sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed)

Description
Epimedium is a genus of twenty-one related plant species. The Chinese refer to the epimedium herb as "yin yang huo." This has been loosely translated as "licentious goat plant," which explains why the Western world has adopted the titillating name by which epimedium extract is known in the U.S: horny goat weed extract. Epimedium is grown as an ornamental herb in Asia and the Mediterranean region and various species are used for medicinal purposes, specifically epimedium sagittatum.

Claims
Because of the traditional use of epimedium for treating fatigue and boosting sex drive, the majority of the medicative claims center around sex drive:

• Boosts libido
• Increases energy levels
• Enhances recovery from exercise (via cortisol-control

Theory
The use of epimedium as a medicinal herb dates back to at least 400 A.D., when it was used as a tonic for the reproductive system (boosting libido and treating impotence) and as a rejuvenating tonic (to relieve fatigue). The horny goat weed herb is thought to work via modulation of cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone). Under conditions of high stress, the increased cortisol levels are known to cause fatigue and depress sex drive. Bringing cortisol levels back into normal ranges is also thought to help restore normal metabolism, energy levels and libido.

Scientific Support
Animal studies have shown that epimedium may function a bit like an adaptogen (such as cordyceps, rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginseng) by increasing levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine when they are low (an energy-promoting effect), but reducing cortisol levels when they are elevated (an anti-stress effect). There is also evidence that epimedium can restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormone (bringing low levels back to their normal levels), which may account for some of the benefits of epimedium in improving libido (sex drive). Animal studies using epimedium have shown a reduction in bone breakdown, an increase in muscle mass, and a loss of body fat – each of which may be linked to the observed return of abnormal cortisol levels to normal values (and rhythm). In a series of studies conducted in humans and animals by Chinese researchers, immune system function was directly suppressed and bone loss was accelerated by using high-dose synthetic cortisol (glucocorticoid drugs). Subsequent administration of horny goat weed herbal extract reduced blood levels of cortisol and improved immune system function in the humans and slowed bone loss and strengthened bones in the animals.

Safety
There are at least 15 fifteen active compounds that have been identified in epimedium extracts, (luteolin, icariin, quercetin, and various epimedins), but many supplement companies only use the alcohol extract, which limits the natural compounds. With full-spectrum epimedium you are getting all the constituents nature intended. Similar to a tea or a hot-water decoction (the traditional use of epimedium. Although at least one test test-tube study has shown icariin to protect liver cells from damage by various toxic compounds, other feeding studies (in rodents) have suggested that high-dose icariin may be associated with kidney and liver toxicity. There have been no reports of adverse side effects associated with the traditional preparation of epimedium (water-extracted) at the suggested dosage (250 to 1,000mg per day). Valobrex contains a combination of both types: alcohol extraction and water decoction forms.

Dosage
500-1000 mg @ 10% Icariins is the suggested industry standard.