Can You Use Epimedium Extract To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Can Epimedium Extract really help to treat erectile dysfunction? I am sure you must be curious to know the answer to this question. Not just you, but most men across the world who have been trying to cope with erectile dysfunction without much success are eager to know could Epimedium Extract actually help to manage their sexual problem.
Well… The good news is the answer is “yes!”
Finally, there is a natural remedy that could provide some relief from the ever-haunting sexual problem for men. That’s not all. This herbal remedy can also help to relieve other sexual problems such as premature ejaculation [1] and a loss of your libido. [2]
I am sure you might also have several other questions in your mind like how does this herb work? After all, today’s wise man will not believe anything unless it is backed by some scientific and clinical findings. So, here we are taking up some basic lessons about what Epimedium Extract is and how exactly it can help to manage your erectile dysfunction.
What Is Epimedium Extract?
Epimedium Extract is an extract obtained from the plant, Epimedium. It is more popularly known by its common name, Horny Goat Weed. Horny Goat Weed is a herb that belongs to the botanical family, Berberidaceae.
This plant is native to China, and some parts of Asia and Mediterranean regions. History tells us that the ancient men belonging to these parts of the world relied on this herb to enhance their sexual potency.
It has been used for several centuries for its sexuality-enhancing properties. It is a natural aphrodisiac, which means it has the ability to increase your sexual desire. [3] It is also touted as a natural testosterone booster.
Scientists were intrigued by the unique name of this plant: “Horny Goat Weed” and why was it called “Horny?”
Some digging into the matter revealed that this plant was named so due to the frisky behavior of the goats that had consumed the leaves of this plant while grazing.
This might have given the wise ancient men an ilk of the medicinal powers of this plant. The extra- playful and energetic behavior of the goats was considered an indication of the medicinal properties of this herb that could be beneficial even for the men to overcome weakness and other inhibitory factors encountered during sexual intercourse.
Now, this might have prompted even the scientists to dig deeper into the medicinal properties of Horny Goat Weed. They wanted to understand what could have prompted the ancient men to use this herb to manage their sexual problems.
They wanted to reveal the exact medicinal compounds and properties of Horny Goat Weed, which were responsible for its sexual benefits. The research conducted with these aims have yielded fruitful results. Let us have a look at some of the discoveries related to the medicinal power of Horny Goat Weed or Epimedium and its mechanism of action that might help you manage your sexual problems.
Epimedium Contains Icariin
Over the past few years, scientists have managed to isolate a flavonoid compound from Epimedium called Icariin. Most of the beneficial effects of this plant on the men’s sexual function can be attributed to this compound.
Icariin is believed to deliver the desired results through its action on the sexual functions in 2 different ways. The first mechanism of action of Icariin is related to its effect on the Nitric Oxide Signaling while the second action is linked to its ability to enhance the production of the male hormones, testosterone and its increased utilization by the body.
Now, let us learn how each of these effects may serve to enhance your natural powers to counter erectile dysfunction.
1. Nitric Oxide Signaling
Icariin has the ability to produce a rejuvenating effect on your body. [4] It can also stimulate the processes related to the up-regulation of the nitric oxide signaling. [5] This means, when you use this herb for a long time, it might enhance the natural secretion of nitric oxide in your body.
I am sure this must have brought some more questions to your mind and one of them is what is Nitric Oxide?
Let me explain.
Nitric Oxide is a small gas molecule, which is produced in our body naturally through the eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase) process.
Your body needs Nitric Oxide to perform several functions such as maintaining the blood circulation to all the parts of your body including your penis and regulating your blood pressure.
This obviously means that when your body produces a higher amount of nitric oxide, it may result in an improved supply of blood to your penis, which, in turn, will help in the complete filling of this organ during sexual intercourse. Needless to say, it will cumulate into harder erections.
The function of Nitric oxide don’t end here. It may allow your erections to last longer by ensuring a continued flow of blood into your penis. This action of Icariin may help to manage premature ejaculation as well.
2. Increases The Testosterone Utilization
Testosterone, is a male sex hormone that plays a very important role in your sexual intercourse. It can help you achieve stronger and harder erections [6] and is also responsible for your sex drive. [7]
However, unfortunately, simply having a high production of testosterone may not be suffice when trying to get a hard erection. Your body should also be able to utilize this hormone in an efficient way and this can be made possible only when all of the testosterone produced is actually available for your body to use. [8]
Horny Goat Weed may increase the levels of bioavailable testosterone in your body by directly increasing the production of testosterone. It can also increase the amount of free testosterone by mimicking the effects of the male sex hormone.
Produces PDE 5 Inhibitory Effect
PDE 5 inhibitory effect is another mechanism of action of Epimedium that can support you for improving your sexual function. PDE 5 or phosphodiesterase type 5 is a rather evil enzyme that your body produces.
Though it performs some functions in your body, an excessive production of the same can reduce your ability to get an erection. It blocks the enzyme that breaks down the molecules needed for a good sexual performance. [9]
Regular use of Horny Goat Weed may help you counter this effect of PDE 5 enzyme. It can block the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, and thus, protect the enzymes that are needed for your sexual activity.
Inhibiting the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme may also help to increase the Nitric Oxide Levels thus boosting the blood circulation to your penis and enhancing your erections further.
Neuroprotective Agent
Coming back to Icariin, let me reveal another benefit of this enzyme. It acts as a neuroprotective agent. It works by causing inhibition of the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory markers in your body.
If you are over 50 and have experienced a decline in your sexual abilities over the last few years, you can blame it on the cognitive decline and nerve damage.
As your age increases, the ability of the nerves to transmit messages from your brain to your muscles and blood vessels in your penile region reduces. As a result, your penis is left clueless about what needs to be done when you are mentally ready for sexual intercourse.
Icariin may help to prevent this by reversing cognitive decline and the damage to the nerves. The neuroprotective properties of this herb can ensure proper functioning of the nerves and allow them to signal the penis to act in a manner expected out of it during sexual activity thus resulting in a hard erection.
Nootropic Effects
Epimedium Extract may also help to raise the levels of cholinergic neurotransmitters in your body. These are substances responsible for stimulating the feeling of sexual arousal.
Horny Goat Weed can allow you to achieve this by blocking the effect of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme.
The inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase results in a higher level of Acetylcholine, an enzyme that can boost your sexual desire. [10]
Regulates The Estrogenicity
The derivatives of Icariin, Icaritin and DesmethylIcaritin, can produce an estrogenic effect in women. [11] This action can support their sexual and reproductive functions. However, while this effect is highly beneficial and laudable for women, it can be counterproductive for men as estrogen is basically a female sex hormone as it can make testosterone less effective.
Luckily, the estrogenic effect of Icariin is absent in men. Epimedium does not support Estrogenicity in men. [12]
This unique action may offer immense benefits for men as it allows for the controlled or reduced production of estrogens. This may prevent the female hormones from reducing the effectiveness of the male hormone, testosterone.
“Icariin!” This single word holds in itself an immense power that may help you overcome your sexual problems. But, if you are already overwhelmed with the potential of this single ingredient, control yourself! Epimedium Extract contains several other medicinal properties, which may provide extra support to you in your endeavors for improving your sexual abilities.
Once you start using Epimedium Extract, you may experience a steady improvement in your sex life. So, don’t you think it’s time to you leave your sexual problems to nature to solve it? Do make use of the revelations made by the scientific investigations to manage your erectile dysfunction in a safer and more effective way.
If you have any questions about how Epimedium Extract can help to treat your erectile dysfunction, leave a comment below, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Ciao for now,
Talk soon,
Derek
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23343170
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082836/#B102
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082836/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3244416/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17467673
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944463
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16042359
- https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/ingredients/sexual-benefits-of-horny-goat-weed.html#References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2518390/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/
- https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/ingredients/sexual-benefits-of-horny-goat-weed.html#References
- https://examine.com/supplements/horny-goat-weed/
