淫羊藿 / 仙灵脾 / 三枝九叶草 — Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. (incl. E. sagittatum)

Pinyin: Yínyánghuò / Xiānlíngpí · Malay: Rumput Tanduk Kambing · Family: Berberidaceae (小檗科)

Energetics

Warm (温)

Flavor

Pungent, sweet (辛、甘)

Meridians

Kidney (肾), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

Tonifies Kidney and strengthens Yang, fortifies sinews and bones, dispels wind-dampness. Foremost Yang tonic for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, male infertility, female uterine coldness, joint stiffness, and senile osteoporosis.

Cautions & Contraindications

Excessive dosages may induce dizziness or thirst. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire (red tongue, rapid pulse, nocturnal emissions).

Clinical Applications

Erectile dysfunction, male hypogonadism, postmenopausal osteoporosis/osteopenia, climacteric vasomotor symptoms, chronic fatigue, and cognitive decline.

Quality Markers

Icariin (淫羊藿苷) >= 0.50% & Epimedin A, B, C (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Icariin and icariside II act as selective PDE5 inhibitors, elevating intracellular cGMP in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle to mediate arterial engorgement. 2. Serves as a natural SERM/SARM, upregulating osteoblast Wnt/b-catenin, Runx2, and OPG/RANKL ratio, halting bone loss. 3. Attenuates neuroinflammation and preserves synaptic plasticity.

Preparation & Dosage

Raw dried leaves for wind-damp arthralgia; Mutton-Fat Stir-Fried Epimedium (You Zhi Yin Yang Huo / 油炙淫羊藿 - stir-fried with goat fat) to maximally enhance Kidney-Yang potency. Decoct 6-15 g daily. Standardized Icariin extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Er Xian Tang (二仙汤) with Curculigo orchioides (Xian Mao) and Morinda officinalis for menopausal hypertension. 2. Zan Yu Dan (赞育丹) with Morinda officinalis, Cistanche, and Cuscuta chinensis for male infertility.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only