Product Description
EPIMEDIUM/HORNY GOAT WEED - For more information, click on link...
Epimedium grandiflorum - Certified Organic; grain alcohol 60%, spring water. Strength 1:5.
Supports male sexual function; used for stress; supports respiratory health; used for asthma, bronchitis.*
Summary: Modern Chinese herbal medicine uses epimedium (usually in combination with other herbs) not just to treat impotence, but also for asthma, bronchitis, cervical dysplasia, congestive heart failure, leukorrhea, leukopenia, and viral infections of the heart. Exactly how the herb works is not known, but laboratory studies with animals suggest that it increases production of the pleasure chemical dopamine and decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol. The effects on male sexual performance are most closely tied to the chemical icariin, but the whole herb rather than a product standardized for icariin alone is needed for best effect. The herb also contains some of the same chemicals found in various "corti-slim" products.
Rebecca adds: Epimedium grandiflorum has phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibition properties. Wellknown pharmaceutical PDE5 inhibitors include the popular drugs Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. PDE-5 is an enzyme that decrades cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) and cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). When this degradation process is inhibited - as with the use of PDE5-inhibitors - then nitric oxide production increases, resulting in a relaxation of the blood vessels. So far, up to 10 families of phosphodiesterase enzymes have been identified. Some drugs and natural agents are specific to particular enzyme families, while others are non-specific. Some of the natural non-specific PDE-inhibitors are bilberry, acai berry, ephedra, citrus aurantium, caffeine - there are others. Pharmaceutical products that are non-specific PDE-inhibitors include theophyllin, aminophyllin, pentoxifyllene, among others.
When cAMP levels are low, cells can multiply much too fast, as seen in skin diseases such as psoriasis and in some cases contributing to the cellular proliferation found in tumor growth. Currently, Johns Hopkins is conducting a study using the pharmaceutical PDE-5 inhibitors (i.e., Viagra) in combination with other agents to treat HPV+ (human papilloma virus-positive) cancers of the head and neck (the most common HPV+ cancer is cervical cancer).
Precautions: Take no more than the recommended dose. More is not necessarily better. Maximum erectile strength is possible when blood pressure is normal and taking an excess of Epimedium may increase blood pressure and heart rate but does not have an incrementally increasing effect on erection. Not recommended for long term use. Suggested Use: Shake well. Twelve years and older, add 1-4 ml (15-60 drops) to a small amount of water and drink. Use 3-4 times daily as needed. To evaporate alcohol before drinking, add to a cup of heated water (no microwave!) and allow to sit for ten minutes before drinking. If an herb is appropriate for children, herb doses for children under 12 are typically 1/2 the adult dose; adjust by weight accordingly or check with a qualified practitioner.
*This statement not evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
