Epimedium elatum
Epimedium elatum, commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, is a perennial herb prized in traditional Chinese medicine. Renowned for its bioactive flavonoids, particularly icariin, it is frequently used to support vitality, reproductive health, and bone density. This versatile plant offers significant therapeutic potential for modern wellness and hormonal balance.
- Scientific name: Epimedium elatum
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Epimedium elatum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the Berberidaceae family within the genus Epimedium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Berberidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Epimedium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Epimedium elatum, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as Horny Goat Weed, a name that highlights its traditional uses. In Chinese, it is widely recognized as Yin Yang Huo, reflecting its significance in traditional medicine. Additionally, it is sometimes called Yi Zhi Cao in certain contexts.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, Epimedium elatum, exhibits a specific geographical range within the Asian continent. Its distribution is notably concentrated within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found growing in the regions of Pakistan. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the West Himalaya area. These distinct locations define the primary natural habitats where this medicinal plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Chemicals
Epimedium elatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Icariin, Icariside-II.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Icariin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Icariside-II | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Epimedium elatum has 13 reported activities identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analeptic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analeptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aphrodisiac | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Epimedium elatum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, asthma, hypertension, impotence, kidney.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| impotence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |