Evidence supporting the use of: Epimedium extract
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Epimedium extract, also known as "Horny Goat Weed," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of conditions, including menopausal symptoms. In TCM, Epimedium is thought to "tonify the kidney yang," which is believed to help with symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, and bone weakness that can occur during menopause. There is some anecdotal support for its use to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances associated with menopause, but this is primarily based on centuries of traditional practice.
From a scientific perspective, there are very limited studies directly examining Epimedium for menopause in humans. Some preclinical research suggests that its active ingredient, icariin, may have estrogen-like effects and could potentially benefit bone health or modulate hormonal activity. However, these findings are preliminary, mostly from animal or in vitro studies, and do not amount to robust clinical evidence. Therefore, while the traditional basis for its use is strong, scientific validation remains limited and inconclusive at this time.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Epimedium extract
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Sex Drive (low)
Testosterone (low)