Standardized horny goat weed extract — a natural PDE5 inhibitor for men's health and sports nutrition
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.
| Test Items | Specifications | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (Icariin) | 3.0%~98% | HPLC |
| Extract solvents | 75%Ethanol & 25%Water | / |
| Loss on drying | 5.0% Max | USP |
| Ash | 5.0% Max | USP |
| Sieve analysis | 80 Mesh | USP |
| Pb | 0.5ppm Max | ICP-MS |
| As | 1.0ppm Max | ICP-MS |
| Hg | 0.1ppm Max | ICP-MS |
| Cd | 0.5ppm Max | ICP-MS |
| Residual solvent (Ethanol) | 5000ppm Max | GC |
| Bulk density | 0.4g/ml Min | USP |
| Tapped density | 0.5g/ml Min | USP |
| Microbiology Control | ||
| Total Plate Count | 1000cfu/g Max | USP-NF |
| Mold & Yeast | 100cfu/g Max | USP-NF |
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.
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.
Icariin promotes testosterone synthesis and improves gonadal function by upregulating key proteins involved in steroidogenesis (such as StAR) and related enzymes (3β-HSD).
Icariin enhances the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing NO production and thereby improving vascular endothelial function.
Icariin promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits osteoclast formation, regulating bone metabolism through signaling pathways such as BMP-2 and Wnt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-aging products.
By regulating bone metabolism pathways and promoting calcium absorption and deposition, this formula synergistically supports bone density maintenance and skeletal health, making it suitable for products targeting middle-aged and elderly individuals as well as bone health.
This combination of adaptogens and micronutrients supports immune function and physical recovery, enhances resistance to fatigue, and improves overall physiological condition.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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
We deliver more than Icariin — we ensure consistent performance across real-world formulations.
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 | AIDU Biotech | 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 | 3.0%–98% flexible customization | Limited options |
| Support | Formulation + OEM support | Raw material only |
Icariin content can be standardized anywhere from 3.0% up to 98% by HPLC, with 10% being the most widely used commercial grade. Custom specifications are available for contract volumes.
Icariin is CAS 489-32-7 (C₃₃H₄₀O₁₅, MW 676.66). The extract is produced from the stems and leaves of Epimedium sagittatum using 75% ethanol and 25% water.
Beyond label percentage, we apply targeted purification to reduce non-target flavonoids and residual impurities, and test every batch for heavy metals, residual solvents and by-products — the main causes of formulation failure when sourcing icariin on content claims alone.
Approximately 100–300 mg of icariin per day for men's health (equivalent to 1000–3000 mg of the 10% extract), and 100–200 mg per day in sports nutrition combined with NO-boosting ingredients. Contact idusc@aidubio.com for samples, MOQ and delivery from our Los Angeles, CA warehouse.
Tell us the ingredient and volume you need. Our team will respond with pricing, lead time and documentation.
