Epimedium sagittatum
Epimedium sagittatum, commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, is a perennial herb cherished in traditional Chinese medicine. Renowned for its bioactive flavonoids, particularly icariin, it is primarily used to support reproductive health, enhance vitality, and improve bone density. This versatile plant remains a cornerstone of natural wellness practices globally.
- Scientific name: Epimedium sagittatum
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Berberidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed 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, known scientifically as Epimedium sagittatum, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is known as 三枝九叶草 (zh) or 三枝九叶草 (zh-cn), while in Taiwan, it is written as 三枝九葉草 (zh-tw). It is also identified by the traditional name 淫羊藿 (lzh). Additionally, in Arabic, the plant is called أبيمديون سهمي (ar).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 三枝九叶草 | Wikidata |
| ar | أبيمديون سهمي | Wikidata |
| lzh | 淫羊藿 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 三枝九叶草 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 三枝九葉草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 淫羊蕾根 | Wikidata |
| zh | 淫羊藿 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三枝九叶草*(箭叶淫羊藿） | Wikidata |
| zh | 箭叶淫羊藿 | Wikidata |
| zh | 三枝九叶草 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution throughout several key regions of East and Southeast Asia. Within China, it can be found across the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Its presence extends beyond mainland China into the island nation of Japan. Furthermore, the species is also documented within the Indo-China region, specifically in Vietnam. Together, these locations highlight the plant's broad ecological range across the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Epimedium sagittatum, possesses distinct morphological features that contribute to its medicinal profile. The most prominent feature is the collection of leaves, which are characterized by their distinct arrow-shaped or sagittate morphology. Each individual leaf is arranged along the plant's structure to maximize sunlight absorption. Supporting these foliage elements are the sturdy stems that elevate the plant above the soil. The central stem provides the necessary vascular transport to sustain the growth of the upper parts. Furthermore, the plant develops underground rhizomes, which serve as vital storage organs for nutrients and allow for vegetative spreading.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower bud | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fibrous root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Epimedii Folium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Epimedium sagittatum has 38 reported phytochemicals identified across 58 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include icariin, anthocyanin, icaritin, flavonoids, epimedin A.
- Total chemicals
- 38
- Scientific sources
- 58
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| icariin | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| anthocyanin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| icaritin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| epimedin A | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epimedin B | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epimedin C | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| icariside I | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| icariside II | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Epimedium sagittatum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Epimedium sagittatum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, anxiolytic, depression, impotence.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| osteoporosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Parkinson's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| impotence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuroinflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |