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Yīn Yáng Huò 淫羊藿

Pharmaceutical name Epimedii Herba Aerial parts of epomedium "licentious goat wort"
Category Tonify Yang
Key Properties Tonifies KD yang and the fire at the gate of vitality
Disperses wind-dampness
Properties Acrid
Sweet
Warm
Tropism KD, LV
Actions & Indications 1) Tonifies the KD and fortifies the yang
2) Dispels wind-cold-dampness and warms and unblocks the flow of yang qi (Wind-Cold-Damp Bi & Wind stroke)
Dosages 3-9g
Contraindications (TCM) Yin Deficiency with fire. Should not be taken as decoction over long period of time - injures Yin
Contraindications (Western)
Chemical Composition Icariine, des-o-methyicariine, β-anhydroicaritine, des-omethy- β-anhydroicaritine, icarisid I, isoquercetin, icariin-3-o-d-rhamnoside, hyperin, sagittatosides A, B, C; epimedins A, B, C; wushanicariin
Pharmacological Effects • Sexual and reproductive: increases sperm production, stimulates sensory nerves, and increases sexual desire and activity; leaves and root have the strongest therapeutic effect, followed by fruit and stem; other studies have shown increase in secretion of endogenous hormones, such as corticosterone, cortisol, and testosterone
• Respiratory: marked antitussive, expectorant and antiasthmatic effects; antitussive effect attributed to effect on CNS
• Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus albus, S. aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Cardiovascular: water and alcohol extracts have antihypertensive effect, as demonstrated in rabbit, cat, rat and other animal studies; in rats with renal hypertension, has immediate antihypertensive effect, though blood pressure rebounded upon discontinuation of the herb; antihypertensive effect in cats not reversed by injection of atropine
• Antihyperlipidemic: tabbits with high plasma cholesterol levels were treated with 5 ml of decoction twice daily for 30 days; study reported decrease in cholesterol levels but increase in triglyceride levels
• Antidiabetic: extract given orally significantly lowered plasma glucose levels in rats, for up to 60 minutes
• Anti-inflammatory: subcutaneous injectiion decreased vascular permeability and decreased extent of swelling and inflammation in rats
Herb-Drug Interactions
Classical Formula(s)


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This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.