Description

Icariin (Horny Goat Weed Extract 98%) – Product Information

Icariin is a purified extract of the Epimedium (aka horny goat weed) herb that is native to China. Preclinical research has demonstrated that Icariin may inhibit the activity of PDE5, a protein that inhibits penile erections and causes erectile dysfunction (ED). Therefore, evidence suggests that Horny Goat Weed may improve sexual performance and libido.

In a clinical study, Icariin was reported to potentially prevent bone loss and improve bone turnover markers (the measure of how much new bone is being made to replace worn-out bone tissue). Furthermore, it has been shown to potentially help slow the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.

Pure Rawz sells Icariin for laboratory and research purposes only.

What is Icariin?

Icariin is the main active ingredient in horny goat weed, a herb native to China. Horny goat weed got its name because of the ‘frisky’ behavior of the goats after eating this herb. Its extracts are widely used to treat heart disease, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and impotence. [R]

Icariin is the primary bioactive component of horny goat weed. It is a flavonol glycoside extracted from the aerial part of the plant. In vitro, Icariin has been shown to exert inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the protein that causes ED. [R][R]

Like the herb from which it is isolated, Icariin reportedly possesses anti-atherosclerotic properties. Plus, it has been reported that Icariin may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing the production of amyloid plaques, proteins whose build-up leads to AD. [R][R]

Icariin has been shown to improve bone density in postmenopausal women. It has also been found to reduce depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Health experts state that Icariin can be taken safely for up to six months at specific dosages. [R][R][R]

Icariin Research

What follows is a summary of the existing clinical and preclinical research on Icariin. The information presented in this section is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice. PureRawz does not sell Icariin as a dietary supplement.

Icariin and Bone Strength

In a 24-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial, Icariin may have increased hip and lower spine bone density in 100 postmenopausal women. Icariin reportedly may have inhibited a bone-breakdown maker (deoxypyridinoline) and maintained a bone-formation one (osteocalcin). [R]

In contrast, women treated with a placebo experienced decreased bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine at 12 and 24 months. These results make it clear that Icariin has the potential to exert a beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in menopausal women.

In preclinical studies, Icariin potentially inhibited bone and cartilage breakdown in arthritic mice. The horny goat weed extract also improved BMD and strength in female rats with ovaries removed. Plus, it increased the production and activity of bone cells in cell-based studies. [R][R][R]

Icariin and Stress

An open-label pilot study investigated the effects of Icariin treatment on 10 people with bipolar disorders and alcohol abuse. Results from the trial indicate that Icariin (up to 300 daily) may potentially reduce depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption. No participant withdrew due to side effects. [R]

Research has demonstrated that the hyperactivity of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis is responsible for depressive and anxiety disorders. In chronic mild stress (CMS) rat models, Icariin normalized the HPA axis by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines. [R][R][R]

Inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α and IL-6) activate the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the body’s chief regulator of the hormonal stress response. CRH also initiates the HPA axis response to stress. Thus, by inhibiting TNF- α and IL-6 levels, Icariin attenuates stress. [R]

Icariin and Erectile Dysfunction

A rat study was conducted to investigate the effect of Icariin on ED. Thirty-two castrated male rats were enlisted for the study and administered either oral Icariin or normal saline for 4 weeks. Final results showed that oral treatment with Icariin potentially improves erectile function. [R]

Surprisingly, another rat study showed that Icariin alone was more effective in improving erectile function than when administered alongside Sildenafil. Still, the data from the study suggest the combined use of both drugs as a potential therapy for neurogenic erectile dysfunction. [R]

Additionally, a 2011 study reported that Icariin improved erectile function in diabetic rats. The drug was found to preserve penile hemodynamics, smooth muscle, and endothelial integrity. This study is relevant because ED is common in men with diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes. [R][R]

Icariin and Premature Ejaculation

According to a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, PDE5 inhibitors may have potentially delayed the onset of ejaculation in 10 men with a history of premature ejaculation. Even though Icariin wasn’t used in the study, its results apply because this compound is a proven PDE5 inhibitor. [R][R]

In the above study, the PDE5 inhibitors didn’t stop at delaying ejaculation. In addition, the quality of penile rigidity was also found to be potentially significant in people treated with PDE5 inhibitors.

Icariin and Alzheimer’s disease

In a mouse model, Icariin treatment (60 mg/kg for 3 months) improved spatial learning memory and enhanced neurogenesis or the formation of neurons. It also reduced the circulating levels of amyloid-beta, proteins whose build-up causes cell damage in this medical condition. [R]

Furthermore, in an animal model of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, Icariin decreased the level of amyloid-beta in rat hippocampus. Aside from that, in an in vitro model, Icariin (40-160 μg/mL) dose-dependently protected cortical neurons against AB 1-40-induced damage. [R][R]

The practical possibilities of AD prevention with Icariin should be further investigated.

Icariin and Cognitive Function

According to a mice study, Icariin improved learning and memory in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. These effects could be explained by Icariin increasing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis at mRNA and protein levels, together with increased NO levels in the mice hippocampus and cortex. [R]

Furthermore, it has been shown that Icariin can improve learning dysfunction and restore cognitive deficits in AD mice. Results from another note that Icariin exerts a beneficial effect on cognitive function and delays age-related cognitive degeneration in aging rats. [R][R]

Icariin and Heart Health

In the mitochondria of diabetic rat hearts, Icariin improved heart function by reducing heart damage. A study on rabbits highlighted that Icariin could reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. [R][R]

Additionally, in another rat study, Icariin prevented heart muscle cell death in the immediate aftermath of an acute heart attack. It did that by increasing the production of an anti-cell-death factor (Bc1-2) and decreasing a pro-cell death factor (Bax). [R]

Clinical studies are needed to confirm Icariin’s cardio-protective effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Icariin Raise Testosterone levels?

In a study conducted on male rats, Icariin (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in testosterone levels. Research indicates that high testosterone levels are associated with increased sexual desire or libido. [R]

Does Icariin increase nitric oxide production?

A cell-based study showed that Icariin may have enhanced the production of bioactive nitric oxide (NO). A similar effect was observed in a study involving male castrated rats. [R][R]

How much Icariin equals Viagra?

Research has noted that Icariin is about 80 times less potent than Viagra.

Where to Buy Icariin Online?

PureRawz is the best place to buy the highest-quality Icariin online.

In order to be the best supplier of research peptides, we provide reference materials with every product we sell. All of our products come with an independent, third-party-issued Certificate of Analysis for identification, purity, and concentration.

We offer free international shipping on all orders above $100. You can pay for your purchase through various methods, including PayPal and Bitcoin. It’s recommended to store this product in a dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

Icariin Summary

Icariin, also known as Yin Yang Huo, Fairy Wings, or Bishop’s Hat, is an extract of the horny goat weed herb. It has been shown in clinical studies to potentially reduce stress, improve bone mineral density, and enhance the ejaculation time in men with a history of premature ejaculation.

PureRawz doesn’t sell Icariin for human consumption.