Thursday 31 October 2013

Chinese #Herbs – Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii)

Yin Yang Huo is also known as horny goat weed.. The acrid, sweet and warn herb has been used in TCM  as Anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine  Anti-bacterial, anti-aging, etc. agent and to treat  impotence, spermatorrhea, frequent urination , forgetfulness, withdrawal, and painful cold lower back and knees, etc., as it tonifies the Kidneys, etrengthens the Yang, expels Wind, disperses Dampness, etc., by enhancing the functions of kidney and liver channels.

Ingredients
1. Epimedin A
2. Epimedin B
3. Epimedin C
4. Epimedokoreanoside I
5. Epimedokoreanoside II
6.  Epimedoside A
7. I-karisoside A
8. 4′-methoxy-5-hydroxy-8-3, 3-dimethylallylflavone-3-glucosyl (1–2) rhamnoside-7-glucoside)
9. 4′-methoxy-5-hydroxy-8-3, 3-dimethylallylflavone-3-xylosyl (1–2) rhamnoside-7-glucoside)
10. 4′-methoxy-5-hydroxy-8-3, 3-dimethylallylflavone-3-rham-nosyl (1–2) rhamnoside-7-glucoside
11. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells 
In the study to evaluate the flavonoids of Herba Epimedii (HEF) in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, found that HEF exerts promoting effect on osteogenic differentiation, which plausibly functions via the BMP and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways. Considering the therapeutic efficiency and economical issues, HEF may be a potential candidate for promoting bone regeneration(1).
2. Lipid metabolism 
in the study to evaluate the effects of Herba Epimedii water extract on blood lipid and sex hormone levels of ninety subjects randomly divided into two groups: a trial group which received Herba Epimedii water extract and a control group which was administered an equal amount of water placebo. showed that Herba Epimedii water extract decreased the TC and TG levels (p < 0.01). Furthermore, Herba Epimedii water extract significantly increased the serum level of E(2) (p < 0.01) compared with the pre-treatment level. In conclusion, Herba Epimedii water extract produces its beneficial actions in postmenopausal women(2).
3. Melanoma
Icariside II (IS), derived from Herba Epimedii, inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro through the regulation of apoptosis by  at least in part,  inhibiting the activation of the TLR4 signal transduction pathways(3).
4. Neuroprotective effects
Icariin, an important active component in Herba Epimedii may effectively prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive degeneration, and its capability to activate quiescent NSCs may potentially be one of its mechanisms(4).
5. Improving erectile function
Icariin and icariside II (ICA II), two active components isolated from herba epimedii may be useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). In the study on the therapeutic efficacy of ICA II on ED for the effects of ICA II on improving erectile function of rats with streptozocin induced diabetes, showed that
in the penis from ICA II-treated rats. ICA II treatment attenuates diabetes-related impairment of penile hemodynamics, likely by increasing smooth muscle, endothelial function, and nNOS expression. ICA II could alter corpus cavernosum fibrous-muscular pathological structure in DM rats which could be regulated by the TGFβ1/Smad2/CTGF and NO-cGMP signaling pathways(5).
6. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Overdoses can cause dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nose bleeding
2. No not use the herb for prolonged period of time
3. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703516
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18697183
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22743248
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22687254
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22403279

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