This aphrodisiac herb is grown in several parts of Asia and Europe. Its action was discovered when the change in the erotic behavior of the animals that had grazed its leaves was noticed. Epimedium is an endemic medicinal plant in southern China, where it is used not only as an aphrodisiac but also as the ultimate medicine to combat erectile dysfunction. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is given to both sexes. In men, in addition to erectile dysfunction, it is given to increase sperm count and for greater sexual satisfaction, while in women it is usually given to fight fatigue and hypertension that occurs after menopause.
In the West, research has shown that the active ingredient in epimedium is icarin. In 2008, the American Chemical Association published the monthly results of a study conducted by the team of University of Milan professor Mario Dell 'Agli on the impressive results of icarin against erectile dysfunction. Icarin, the active ingredient in the herb, improves blood flow to the reproductive organs and the ability to erect, by binding to the enzyme SHGB, which blocks the biological action of testosterone. It strengthens weakened organisms, increases the number of sperm in men and sexual satisfaction in women.
