Epimedium Extract

Epimedium extract (also known as Horny Goat Weed extract) is a standardized herbal ingredient derived from Epimedium sagittatum, with icariin as its primary bioactive component. Icariin is widely recognized as a natural PDE5 inhibitor and is therefore commonly used in men’s health supplements, testosterone boosters, and sports nutrition formulations.

As a professional supplier of icariin powder, Shanghai Aidu Biotechnology Co., Ltd. provides stable, high-quality Epimedium extract (10% icariin) to dietary supplement brands, OEM manufacturers, and formulation developers worldwide.

Product Description

Latin Name: Epimedium sagittatum

Part Used: Stems and leaves

Active Ingredient: Icariin

Appearance: Brown powder

Solubility: Partially soluble in water; soluble in ethanol

CAS No.: 489-32-7

Molecular Weight: 676.66

Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₄₀O₁₅

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Product Specifications

Product Process and Advantages

· Standardized plant extraction, safe and controlled: Using Epimedium sagittatum as the raw material, we employ an ethanol-water extraction process to strictly control pesticide residues, heavy metals, and solvent residues, ensuring the product is natural, safe, and traceable. The entire process complies with GMP standards.

· High Purity and Stable Content Control: Utilizing HPLC analysis and multi-stage purification technology, we achieve stable Icariin content (10%–98%) with strong batch consistency, meeting the requirements for large-scale production and international market standards.

· Low Impurity Profile, Enhanced Compliance: Through targeted purification processes, we effectively reduce non-target flavonoids and residual impurities, ensuring the product meets higher regulatory compliance and safety standards in European and American markets.

· Physicochemical Stability, Suitable for Multiple Dosage Form Development: The powder exhibits excellent stability and flowability, making it suitable for various dosage forms such as capsules, tablets, gummies, and solid beverages, and supporting flexible development for different specifications and application scenarios.

· Controllable Costs, Facilitating Commercialization: Leveraging mature processes and large-scale production capabilities, we optimize cost structures while ensuring quality, helping brand owners enhance product competitiveness and profit margins.

Product Functions and Mechanisms

Epimedium extract (icariin) is a functional plant compound with well-defined targets, and its core mechanisms of action have been validated in studies published in international journals such as 《Nature》, 《Cell》, and 《Aging Cell》. Its mechanisms of action primarily involve PDE5 inhibition, modulation of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway, and endocrine regulation.

1. Natural PDE5 Inhibitory Action

Icariin selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) activity, thereby increasing cGMP levels, enhancing NO signaling, and promoting vascular smooth muscle relaxation and improved blood flow.

2. Regulation of Testosterone Synthesis (Endocrine Support)

Icariin promotes testosterone synthesis and improves gonadal function by upregulating key proteins involved in steroidogenesis (such as StAR) and related enzymes (3β-HSD).

3. Activation of the Nitric Oxide (NO) Pathway

Icariin enhances the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing NO production and thereby improving vascular endothelial function.

4. Regulation of Bone Metabolism

Icariin promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits osteoclast formation, regulating bone metabolism through signaling pathways such as BMP-2 and Wnt.

5. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Icariin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, and mitigating oxidative stress damage

Applications

· Dietary Supplements:As a functional botanical ingredient, Epimedium extract (Icariin) is widely used in dietary supplements for men’s health, sports nutrition, and healthy aging. It can be formulated and dosed according to specific functional requirements and is one of the key active ingredients in functional formulations.

1 Men’s Health: The recommended daily intake of Icariin is approximately 100–300 mg (equivalent to 1000–3000 mg of 10% extract), used to support blood flow regulation and maintain male vitality.
2 Sports Nutrition: The recommended daily intake of Icariin is approximately 100–200 mg (used in combination with NO-boosting ingredients) to enhance athletic performance, increase muscle pump, and improve training efficiency.
3 Anti-Aging: Often combined with ingredients such as NMN and resveratrol to support hormonal balance and cellular health; specific dosages are adjusted according to formulation design.
4 Bone Health: Suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals as well as women, supporting balanced bone metabolism; often combined with calcium, vitamin D, and other ingredients.

· Functional Foods:Can be used as a plant-based active ingredient in functional food systems to enhance product functionality and market recognition. Suitable product forms: functional gummies, powdered beverages, and functional beverages.

Addition Recommendations: A single dose of approximately 50–150 mg of Icariin equivalent. It is recommended to combine with energy-boosting or NO-boosting ingredients to enhance the perceived efficacy of the product.

· Animal Nutrition:As a plant-based functional additive, it is used in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture systems to help improve animal physiological condition and production performance.

Typical Formulation Combinations

Epimedium extract (Icariin) can be formulated with a variety of functional ingredients. Through synergistic effects across multiple pathways—including “blood flow regulation, hormonal support, and energy metabolism”—it is widely used in the development of products for men’s health, sports nutrition, and health management.

·Male Vitality Formulation: Epimedium extract + L-citrulline + Tongkat Ali

This combination synergistically regulates the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and endogenous hormone levels to support blood circulation and male physiological vitality, enhancing endurance and overall performance. It is currently the mainstream formulation for male health products.

·Sports Nutrition Formula (Pre-Workout): Epimedium extract + Creatine + β-Alanine + L-Citrulline

By enhancing blood flow, boosting ATP energy metabolism, and alleviating lactic acid buildup, this formula achieves multidimensional improvements in “strength + endurance + pump sensation,” making it suitable for pre-workout and performance-enhancing product development.

·Anti-Aging Formula (Premium Product Line): Epimedium extract + NMN + Resveratrol

Focusing on cellular energy (NAD+) and the antioxidant system, this formula synergistically supports cellular repair and bodily homeostasis, making it suitable for the development of healthy aging and premium anti-ag

Packaging & Storage

Packaging Specifications: 1 kg / aluminum foil bag, 5 kg / aluminum foil bag, 25 kg / cardboard drum (lined with a double-layer food-grade PE bag). Packaging specifications can be customized according to customer requirements.

Storage Conditions: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. Recommended storage temperature: no higher than 25°C; relative humidity: no higher than 60%. Avoid storing with toxic, hazardous, or odorous substances to prevent contamination.

Shelf Life: 36 months

Built for Consistency — Not Just Icariin Content

We deliver more than Icariin — we ensure consistent performance across real-world formulations.

What Most Buyers Overlook

Many Icariin suppliers focus only on percentage content.

But in real formulations, unstable impurity profiles and batch variability often lead to inconsistent efficacy, formulation failures, and regulatory risks.

Key Factors	Us	Typical Suppliers
Purity	High purity with batch-to-batch consistency	Label claim only
Impurity Control	Fully tested (heavy metals, solvents, by-products)	Often ignored or incomplete
Process	Advanced extraction + multi-step purification	Basic extraction
Consistency	Stable in large-scale production	High variability risk
Specst	10%–98% flexible customization	Limited options
Support	Formulation + OEM support	Raw material only

What This Means for You:

✔ Fewer product inconsistencies and customer complaints

✔ Lower formulation trial and error costs

✔ Faster product launch timelines

✔ Stronger, more credible market positioning

Contact us today to secure stable, high-performance Icariin supply.

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References:

[1] Dell'Agli M, et al. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2008.
DOI: 10.1021/np800049y

[2] Zhang ZB, et al. Icariin promotes testosterone synthesis by activating steroidogenic enzymes. Andrologia. 2014.
DOI: 10.1111/and.12102

[3] Xu HB, et al. Icariin enhances endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.11.033

[4] Zhang DW, et al. Icariin promotes osteogenic differentiation via BMP-2 pathway. Bone. 2010.
DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2009.10.029

[5] Li S, et al. Icariin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Int Immunopharmacol. 2015.
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.03.015