Horny Goat Weed Extract

Horny Goat Weed Extract (Epimedium spp.)

(Powder, Tablets, and Capsules)

Parameter Specification
Botanical Source Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim.
Part Used Aerial parts (leaves, stems)
CAS Number 489-32-7 (Icariin)
Active Compounds Prenylflavonoids (Icariin, Icariside II, Icaritin)
Standard Specifications 10% – 50% Icariins (HPLC); 5% – 98% Icariin (HPLC)
Test Method HPLC
Packaging 25kg/drum, double food-grade poly bags inside. Nitrogen-flushed foil packaging available.
Main Benefits Supports sexual health & libido, enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, promotes bone health, cardiovascular support
Application Dietary supplements, men’s health formulas, sports nutrition, functional foods

Clinically Standardized Prenylflavonoids. Traditional Wisdom, Modern Science.

SRBio Horny Goat Weed Extract is a high-potency, standardized phytonutrient derived from the aerial parts of Epimedium species (commonly known as Yin Yang Huo in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Our extract is meticulously standardized to bioactive prenylflavonoids, primarily Icariin, which is clinically validated for its dual action: inhibiting PDE5 for enhanced blood flow and supporting bone health via estrogenic pathways. Sourced from premium cultivation regions in China and processed through patented extraction technology, we deliver a consistent, bioavailable ingredient for men’s health, women’s health, and beyond.

Uncompromising Quality: SRBio’s Manufacturing Excellence

1. Precision Phytochemical Control

Parameter SRBio Standard Test Method
Icariin Content 5% – 98% (customizable) HPLC
Total Icariins 10% – 50% (customizable) HPLC
Appearance Brown to yellow fine powder Visual
Loss on Drying ≤5.0% Gravimetric
Heavy Metals (Total) <10 ppm (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) ICP-MS
Residual Solvents <50 ppm (ICH Q3C compliant) GC-FID
Microbiological TAMC <1000 CFU/g, TYMC <100 CFU/g, Pathogens Absent USP <2023>

2. Advanced Extraction & Standardization Technology

  • Superior Raw Material Sourcing:

    • Origin: Epimedium species sourced from sustainable cultivation zones in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces, China—regions known for optimal prenylflavonoid content .

    • Authentication: HPTLC species fingerprinting and pesticide residue analysis (GC-MS, 468 compounds) ensure raw material authenticity and safety.

  • Patented Extraction & Purification Process:

    • Multi-Stage Extraction: Food-grade ethanol/water extraction under controlled conditions (≤60°C) preserves heat-sensitive prenylflavonoids.

    • Macroporous Resin Enrichment: Selectively concentrates Icariin and other bioactive prenylflavonoids (Icariside II, Icaritin) to achieve precise specifications .

    • Low-Temperature Concentration & Drying: Vacuum concentration at low temperature followed by spray drying or freeze-drying (for high-purity grades) preserves molecular integrity.

  • Customizable Specifications:

    • Standard Grades: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% Total Icariins.

    • High-Purity Grades: 98% Icariin (for pharmaceutical research and specialized formulations) .

  • Eco-Impact: Closed-loop solvent recovery system reduces ethanol consumption by 85%; water recycling rate >90%.

3. Stability & Shelf-Life Superiority

  • Accelerated Stability Data: Retains ≥95% of initial Icariin content after 24 months at 25°C/60% RH (ICH Q1A tested) .

  • Protection from Degradation: Nitrogen-flushed, moisture-proof foil packaging with desiccant prevents oxidation and caking, ensuring product integrity during transit and storage.

  • Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture.

Scientific Evidence: Mechanism & Clinical Efficacy

1. Sexual Health & Erectile Function

  • Mechanism of Action: Icariin, the primary bioactive compound in Horny Goat Weed, inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), similar to pharmaceutical agents like sildenafil (Viagra). This inhibition increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, promoting smooth muscle relaxation and enhancing blood flow to the corpus cavernosum for improved erectile function .

    • Nitric Oxide (NO) Pathway: Icariin also activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing nitric oxide production and further supporting vasodilation via the NO-cGMP pathway .

  • Clinical Outcomes:

    • Animal studies demonstrate improved erectile function with purified Icariin treatment .

    • A 2021 review identified Icariin as the most effective plant-based PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction .

    • Note: While effective, Icariin is estimated to be 80 times less potent than sildenafil in test-tube studies .

2. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Support

  • Mechanism of Action: Epimedium prenylflavonoids (icaritin and its glycosides) exert potent estrogenic effects, making them attractive for bone health applications. They enhance osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization while inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption .

  • Clinical Outcomes:

    • Human studies in postmenopausal women show that 60 mg Icariin daily is an active dose for bone health, preventing bone loss .

    • Animal studies demonstrate Icariin prevents bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rat models .

    • A 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial confirmed Epimedium-derived flavonoids exert beneficial effects on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women .

3. Cardiovascular Health

  • Mechanism: Icariin demonstrates significant cardiovascular benefits through positive actions on vascular reactivity, endothelial function, and thrombosis .

  • Clinical Outcomes:

    • Icariin induces NO-dependent vasorelaxation of precontracted coronary arterial rings with intact endothelium .

    • Epimedium prenylflavonoids (EP) can prevent steroid-associated osteonecrosis and reduce thrombosis incidence in animal models .

4. Traditional & Additional Benefits

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine uses Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo) as an invigorative, tonic, and anti-rheumatic agent .

  • Traditionally applied for men suffering from impotence and low sperm count, and for women with decreased sexual motivation .

  • Stimulates androgen hormone production with no observed effect on estrogen .

Dosage Information & Bioactivity

  • Active Dosage Range: Clinical effects on bone health have been observed with 60 mg Icariin daily .

  • Higher Dosage Range: Testosterone-boosting effects in rats (200 mg/kg of 40% extract, equivalent to 80 mg/kg Icariin) translate to estimated human doses of 900-1500 mg Icariin depending on body weight .

  • Lower Dosage Range: Studies using 1-10 mg/kg Icariin in rats translate to approximately 11-180 mg Icariin for humans .

  • Pharmacokinetic Research: Ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials are evaluating single oral doses of Epimedium Prenylflavonoid (EP) extract at 370 mg, 740 mg, and 1110 mg capsules in healthy men to assess safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic effects .

Formulation-Ready Advantages

Property SRBio Horny Goat Weed Extract Conventional Extract
Standardization Precise HPLC control (Icariin/Icariins) Variable
Specification Range 5% – 98% Icariin; 10% – 50% Icariins Often limited
Appearance Consistent brown to yellow fine powder May vary
Solubility Soluble in ethanol; water-dispersible grades available Limited
Particle Size Customizable (standard 80 mesh) Often inconsistent
Residual Solvents <50 ppm Often >500 ppm

Application-Specific Benefits:

  • Men’s Health Formulas:

    • Sexual Vitality Complexes: Ideal for capsules and tablets targeting libido and erectile function.

    • Testosterone Support Blends: Synergistic combinations with Tribulus Terrestris, Fenugreek, and Zinc.

    • Pre-Workout Formulas: Enhanced blood flow and NO production for pumps and performance.

  • Women’s Health Applications:

    • Bone Health Supplements: Standardized Icariin (60 mg active dose) for postmenopausal bone support .

    • Libido Enhancement: Traditional use for decreased sexual motivation in women .

  • Functional Foods & Beverages:

    • Energy & Vitality Drinks: Soluble grades available for RTD beverages.

    • Functional Teas: Compatible with tea bag formulations.

  • Pharmaceutical Research:

    • High-Purity Icariin (98%): Available for research and drug development applications .

Safety & Regulatory Profile

Safety Overview:

  • Generally considered safe for most adults when used for short-term periods .

  • Limited long-term safety data available; not enough studies on prolonged use .

  • LD₅₀: Not established, but traditional use suggests wide safety margin.

Reported Side Effects :

  • Sweating or flushing

  • Rapid heartbeat (tachyarrhythmia)

  • Increased energy

  • Mood changes (hypomania reported in rare cases)

  • Vasculitic rash (rare case report with combination products)

Contraindications 

  • Do not use if you have:

    • Heart disease or high blood pressure

    • History of hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, uterine)

    • Allergy or sensitivity to plants in the Berberidaceae family

Drug Interactions :

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets)

  • Medications causing irregular heartbeat

  • Other PDE5 inhibitors (risk of additive effects)

Regulatory Status:

  • EU Novel Food: Under evaluation; compliance documentation available.

  • USA: Sold as a dietary supplement; GRAS self-affirmation documentation available.

  • China: Included in traditional medicine and food supplement catalogs.

  • Controlled Substance: Not scheduled; freely available for supplement use.

Supply Chain & Compliance Leadership

1. Audited Transparency & Traceability

  • Full Traceability: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) with complete impurity, heavy metal, and microbial data.

  • Supply Chain Visibility: Sourcing from sustainable cultivation zones with documented origin.

  • Dual Manufacturing Sites: Production across certified facilities ensures business continuity.

2. Global Regulatory Certifications

Certification / Compliance Status / ID
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
ISO 22000 Certified
Kosher / Halal Available upon request
FDA Facility Registration Registered
Allergen Statement Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, nut-free
Heavy Metal Compliance EU 1881/2006 compliant
Pesticide Residue Testing 468 compounds screened

3. Supply Chain Resilience

  • Strategic Raw Material Partnerships: Long-term agreements with cultivation zones in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces ensure supply stability.

  • Flexible MOQs: Samples from 1kg; commercial orders from 25kg; container loads for volume discounts.

  • Global Logistics:

    • Sea Freight: 18-25 days to EU/US ports.

    • Air Freight: 3-7 days door-to-door.

    • Incoterms: FOB, CIF, DDP available.

Competitive Breakdown: SRBio vs. Market Alternatives

Key Deficiencies in Standard Horny Goat Weed Extracts:

  • Inconsistent Standardization: Variable Icariin content leads to unpredictable efficacy.

  • Poor Documentation: Lack of comprehensive safety and stability data.

  • Limited Specification Range: Many suppliers offer only low-percentage extracts.

  • Insufficient Regulatory Support: Missing dossiers for global market entry.

SRBio’s Technology Edge:

Capability SRBio Typical Market Supplier
Specification Range 5% – 98% Icariin; 10% – 50% Icariins Often limited to 10% or 20%
Standardization Precision HPLC-verified, batch-to-batch consistent Variable
Regulatory Dossiers GRAS, EU Novel Food support, full COA Limited or absent
Stability Data 24-month ICH-compliant Often 12 months or less
Custom Formulation Support Full technical partnership Limited
Source Transparency Full traceability to cultivation zone Often opaque

Technical Partnership Program

1. Co-Development Services

  • Custom Formulations:

    • Men’s Vitality Complex: Horny Goat Weed + Tribulus Terrestris + Maca + Zinc.

    • Bone Health Formula: Standardized Icariin (60 mg) + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2 + Calcium.

    • Cardiovascular Support: Horny Goat Weed + Hawthorn Berry + CoQ10.

    • Libido Enhancement Blends: Custom ratios for both men’s and women’s formulations.

  • Custom Particle Engineering: Tailored particle size for direct compression, capsules, or suspensions.

  • Stability Studies: ICH-guided protocols for your specific formulation matrix.

  • Reverse Engineering: Provide a sample of your current product; we’ll match or exceed its specification.

2. Market-Ready Solutions

  • Private Label Kits: Turnkey formulas for capsules, tablets, and powder blends.

  • Custom Packaging: Nitrogen-flushed foil bags, drums with desiccants, or branded packaging.

  • Regulatory Support: Full dossiers for GRAS, Novel Food, and FDA compliance.

  • Rapid Sampling: Receive 100g – 1kg trial batches with full COA + MSDS within 72 hours.

Request Your Horny Goat Weed Discovery Kit

Includes:

  • 100g Standardized Extract (your choice of specification)

  • Full Certificate of Analysis (HPLC, heavy metals, microbiology)

  • Stability Data Summary (24 months, ICH-compliant)

  • Regulatory Dossier Excerpts (GRAS, Novel Food support)

  • Formulation Guide for Men’s & Women’s Health Applications

Partner with SRBio for Premium, Clinically Validated Epimedium Extract

Choose SRBio as your trusted Horny Goat Weed Extract partner for:

  • Precision Standardization backed by HPLC-verified purity

  • Comprehensive Specifications from 5% to 98% Icariin

  • Regulatory Excellence with full documentation packages

  • Technical Partnership supporting your product development

  • Supply Chain Reliability with dual sourcing and global logistics

  • Proven Efficacy supported by traditional use and modern science

Start Your Supplier Qualification:

→ Email: admin@plantextractssr.com
→ Phone: +86-13720408392
→ WhatsApp/WeChat: +86-13720408392

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Xi’an SR Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd

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