Epimedium

Epimedium is an herb that is used in many natural male enhancement products as well as other medicinal preparations. Although there are over sixty different epimedium species, the most commonly used variety for male enhancement purposes is scientifically called, Epimedium sagittatum. As most herbs have common names, Epimedium is no exception. Although there are several common names for this herb, perhaps the most commonly used is horny goat weed. If legend can be believed, Epimedium got its name from goat herders who noticed increased sexual activity from goats that ate this herb.

Current research confirms Epimedium as a natural male enhancement herb. Current studies find that the Epimedium active ingredient, icariin, increases sexual function in laboratory rats, and when injected into the rat’s penis it created relatively long lasting erections in these rats.

The earliest known mentions of Epimedium is found in the Chinese histories, no surprise there as the Chinese introduced many beneficial herbs into the world once the great divides of the countries’ borders began to deteriorate; perhaps the more common of such herbs include Ginkgo and Ginseng.

Epimedium is most commonly distributed as an extract of this plant’s leaves. It works by nitric oxide levels to relax smooth muscle allowing more blood flow to the penis, at the same time it also increases the blood flow to the penis by reducing the PDE-5 levels in the penis. PDE-5 is perhaps best describe as a gatekeeper of sorts preventing as much blood from entering the penis causing the commonly known flaccid state of the penis. When PDE-5 levels are lowered the penis becomes erect. This is the method by which Viagra works.

Perhaps most briefly described is that Epimedium causes more testosterone to be available to be used for sexual function. This is the great benefit of Epimedium, it does this without increasing blood pressure, which is something that pharmaceutical options cannot claim to do. In other words Epimedium does not have side effects where prescription pills do.