Epimedium sagittatum extract: Phyto-constituents Deserve a Look

Epimedium sagittatum, also known as horny goat weed and fairy wings in popular culture are a traditional remedy frequently used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension as well as male erectile dysfunction. Most of the species are native to the Chinese mainland, with few of the species scattered throughout the Continental Asia.  Some species of these evergreen perennial woody herbs are grown as ornamental plants, owing to their unique flowers and magnificent leaves.

Facts to Know:

Epimedium sagittatum finds notable mention in many of the texts of herbal medicine of the Chinese civilizations. The primary function of the Epimedium sagittatum was to boost the male libido, by virtue of a phyto-constituent called icariin. Recent studies have shown the Epimedium sagittatum extract to yield positive results when tested against hypertension, osteoporosis (weakening of bones), viral infection of the cardio-vascular system, bronchitis, disorders of the liver, pain in knee and other joints, polio, chronic leucopenia and in treatment of the effects of menopause.

Epimedium sagittatum extracts are comparable to some of the most potent synthetic PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors available in market, such as slidenafil and tadalafil. Though individuals taking a regular dose of organic nitrates for long term management of hypertension might be advised against taking Epimedium sagittatum extracts.

Why Erectile Dysfunction Requires a Look an Alternative Medicine?

Synthetic drugs, no matter how potent they prove to be, carry serious risks of adverse reactions and side effects, which might lead to secondary and tertiary disorders. Factoring all these together brings up the treatment costs to massive levels, which adds to the patients’ woes. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is organic, and a very insignificant portion of the active phyto-constituent is altered or engineered, to make the kinetics part of the drug more efficient. This does not necessarily alter the potency and/or trigger any unwanted reaction. Further, the crude extracts from organic sources are proof of the potency of the active phyto-constituents, which further drives market demands.

Developed nations in particular have shown an increase in demand for organic produce, for better health benefits. Alternative medicine provides just that, along with an extensive knowledge of its applications. Modern science further enhances the knowledge to microscopic levels, where necessary modifications can be made.

Epimedium sagittatum extract for Skin:

Most of the herbal extracts mentioned in the texts of alternative medicine are rich in natural antioxidants, minerals and other phyto-constituents. These, when applied in correct proportions, yield results, which would rival the performance of products from leading global FMCG manufacturers. Epimedium sagittatum extracts in particular, are known to ward off the compounds responsible for ageing of the skin surface, such as amino acids, carnosine and nucleotides. The presence of significant quantities of antioxidants keeps the free radicals in check.

Protection against Damage from Environment:

Studies of the texts from books on alternative medicine have shown people who resided near Epimedium sagittatum pastures, treated the extracts from these plants as elixirs. Research has shown the extracts contain significant quantities of micronutrients which boost the immune system, as well as the respiratory systems and cardiovascular systems of the human body. Clinical trials on animals have shown the positive impact of Epimedium sagittatum extracts in reducing the pulmonary hypertension, a medical condition created by failure of the left ventricle of the heart, which results in accumulation of fluids in the lungs.

Though the synthetic drugs of the PDE5 inhibitor classes have reported adverse effects like nasal congestion, headache, dizziness, rhinitis, etc, Epimedium sagittatum is immune from such reactions so far.

How Epimedium sagittatum Works in Erectile Dysfunction?

Inhibitors of Phosphodiesterase type 5 are linked with neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which are blocked at the synapses by the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This pathway blocks the nervous transmission of signals, and essentially maintains high blood pressure levels. this whole pathway can be attributed for boosting of the male libido, as well as treatment of male erectile dysfunction. The natural stimulant provides a robust yet risk free way to improve the sexual life of any male, provided it is done under guidance of a medical expert.

Herbal therapies of both lifestyle disorders as well as autoimmune disorders have made the fields of modern medicine more potent, albeit with less challenging aftershocks.