Legends about the consumption of this herb by men as an aphrodisiac have been passed down since ancient Chinese times.

Epimedium majun is a powerful dietary supplement for increasing libido in men. But it is also used in some classic pre-workout stimulants due to its 'pumping' effect. It is precisely because of this effect that epimedium can also be found on the shelves in some gyms. In fact, I first encountered epimedium at the bar of a well-known capital fitness center.

Whatever the name of this product I am sharing, we must know that the key herb in it should be the plant epimedium. It represents a genus of flowering plants, including over fifty different species. Most of these plants are perennials found mainly in distant China and countries in East Asia. But not all species of this plant contain the active ingredient responsible for libido and the other effects of epimedium. In fact, only about 15 species of this plant can be used in this regard.

The leaves of epimedium contain the most valuable part of the plant! How does it work?

It is in them that the secret libido-boosting ingredient known as icariin is found. Specialists familiar with this plant share that almost all the benefits of taking epimedium are due to icariin. And it works in the body in several ways.

Here’s how:

1. Icariin inhibits the action of the enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which affects cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the blood vessels that supply blood to the male organ.
2. Icariin also affects the levels of bioactive nitric oxide, and some scientists share that it mimics the effect of testosterone on the body.
3. Icariin also has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, most of these benefits have been confirmed in vitro, rather than through direct studies on patients.

Epimedium reviews based on personal experience: The absorption of the active ingredient is greatest when taken on an empty stomach with more fluids. The so-called half-life of icariin in the body with oral intake is between 9 and 12 hours. This means that the dietary supplement containing the active ingredient should be taken twice a day, at intervals of twelve hours.

Epimedium in Chinese medicine

The legends about the powerful action of epimedium as an aphrodisiac have been passed down since ancient Chinese times. It is said that goat herders noticed a sharp increase in the sexual activity of goats during grazing. In fact, this happened precisely when they consumed wild epimedium. Since then, epimedium has also been used as a sex stimulant.