Epimedium
Epimedium, commonly known as horny goat weed, is a versatile medicinal herb cherished in traditional Chinese medicine. Renowned for its ability to support libido and hormonal balance, it contains bioactive icariin. This resilient perennial is widely used to promote circulation, enhance vitality, and support overall reproductive health naturally.
- Scientific name: Epimedium
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Ranunculales and the family Berberidaceae. Finally, it is classified under the specific 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, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Simplified Chinese, it is identified as 淫羊藿属 (zh-hans) and 淫羊藿属 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese, it is called 三枝九葉草 (zh-hant). This same name, 三枝九葉草, is also used in Hong Kong (zh-hk), whereas in Singapore, the Simplified character version 三枝九叶草 (zh-sg) is employed.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 淫羊藿属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 三枝九葉草 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 三枝九葉草 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 淫羊藿属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 三枝九叶草 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 淫羊藿屬 | Wikidata |
| ru | Горянка | Wikidata |
| tr | Keşişkülahı | Wikidata |
| fi | varjohiipat | Wikidata |
| de | Elfenblumen | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Epimedium, exhibits a specific range of occurrence across the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing naturally throughout the Scandinavian territories, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Additionally, its distribution extends into the eastern parts of the continent to include Finland. The plant's presence is also documented within the islands of Great Britain. Consequently, its geographical footprint is concentrated primarily within these northern European nations.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Epimedium, is a perennial herb characterized by its distinctive morphological features. The primary medicinal component is often the folium, which refers to the specialized leaf structure used in herbal preparations. These leaves are typically heart-shaped or ovate and are supported by a sturdy stem that rises from the basal rosette. During its blooming season, the plant produces delicate, small flowers that add aesthetic beauty to its medicinal foliage.- Total parts
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| folium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epimedium herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dry whole plant overground | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Epimedium has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 35 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include icariin, icaritin, Icariin, flavonoids, As.
- Total chemicals
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 35
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| icariin | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| icaritin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Icariin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| As | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Protocatechuic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| baohuoside-I | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Epimedium has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antifatigue, Antiinflammatory.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aphrodisiac | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Osteogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Epimedium has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 32 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include osteoporosis, cancer, inflammation, liver cancer, Alzheimer's disease.
- Total uses
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 32
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| osteoporosis | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lung adenocarcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Osteoporosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bone formation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| brain diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |