Herba Epimedii
Source
The branch and leaf of Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim. or
E. brevicornum Maxim., family Berberidaceae.
Characteristics
E. sagittatum: Leaves basal, petiole slender, about 15 cm long; 
ternately
compound; leaflet ovate-lanceolate, the base of central leaflet cordate,
that of lateral leaflet arrow-shaped, with fme bfistles at the margin;
blade coriaceous. Yellow when dried. E. brevicornum: leaves biternately
compound, leaflet broad-ovate. Both are acrid and sweet in taste, warm
in nature, and attributive to liver and kidney channels.
Indication
1. Invigorate kidney and strengthen yang: For deficiency of kidney-yang
manifested as impotence, emission, enuresis, frequent micturition, soreness
of the waist and the knees, sterility, etc.
2. Strengthen tendons and bones, and expel wind-dampness: For winddampness
syndrome with arthralgia, numbness, muscular spasm and flaccidity of extremities,
and infantile paralysis.
3. Eliminate phlegm and relieve cough and, asthma: For chronic cough and
asthma, especially those of yang-deficiency type. In addition, recently
also used for coronary heart diseases, hypertension and neurasthenia.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Dilating coronary artery and increasing coronary flow.
2. Acting as androgenic hormone, such as increasing the weight of prostate,
seminal vesicle and musculi levator ani in mice.
3. Enhancing lymphocyte-blastogenesis rate.
Administration
Decoction:
6-15g, up to 30g for single use.
Tablet of its extract (0.3g equivalent to 2.7g of crude herb): 4-6 tablets
bid. Tablet of its flavone (equivalent to 3g of crude herb): 2-3g tid.
Tablet of icariin (10mg equivalent to 5g of crude herb): 2 tablets tid.