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Icariin (Epimedium extract)

Bone health · Testosterone · Cardiovascular

Tier 3 — Trending

What it is

The primary bioactive flavonoid in Epimedium, available as a standardised 40–98% icariin extract. Icariin inhibits PDE5 (similar mechanism to sildenafil, though far weaker), supports testosterone receptor signalling, and promotes osteoblast differentiation. Human RCTs in postmenopausal women demonstrate significant bone density marker improvements. Standardised icariin extracts offer substantially more predictable pharmacology than crude horny goat weed products.

Efficacy

3/5

Safety

4/5

Research

2/5

Onset

2/5

Cost

3/5

Drug-int.

3/5

Dose

200–500 mg standardised extract (40%+ icariin) twice daily

Time of day & tips

Take with food; avoid high-dose combination with PDE5 inhibitor medications; significantly more reliable than crude whole-plant products

Sensitive populations: This supplement's evidence base touches pregnancy, pediatric, or other sensitive populations. Confirm any change with your healthcare provider before use.

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