Epimedium

Epimedium

Evidence status

Limited evidence to recommend for any consumer outcome yet.

10 papers · 0 claims · 48 outcomes scored

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

pneumonia (reported as serious infection) severe
yolk sac swelling moderate
Increased opioid cravings moderate
Gastrointestinal disorders (stomach discomfort, bloating) mild
Skin allergic reactions (rash, itching) mild
Liver enzyme elevation (AST/ALP transient increases) mild
tachyarrhythmia
hypomania

Drug interactions

Diclofenac major increases toxicity
Corticosterone moderate decreases effect
Antidepressants moderate unknown

Sources

  1. 1. The pharmacological effects and safety of the raw and prepared folium of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. on improving kidney-yang deficiency syndrome and sexual dysfunction. (2023)
  2. 2. Dietary supplementation with Epimedium contributes to the improvement of hormone levels, gut microbiota, and serum metabolite composition in the Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). (2024)
  3. 3. Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen exert beneficial effect on preventing steroid-associated osteonecrosis in rabbits with inhibition of both thrombosis and lipid-deposition. (2007)
  4. 4. The efficacy and safety of Epimedium in the treatment of primary osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2025)
  5. 5. Dietary Epimedium extract supplementation improves intestinal functions and alters gut microbiota in broilers. (2023)
  6. 6. Efficacy and safety of Epimedium total flavonoids for primary osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2024)
  7. 7. Epimedium protects steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head in rats by inhibiting autophagy. (2018)
  8. 8. Icaritin Improves Memory and Learning Ability by Decreasing BACE-1 Expression and the Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice. (2020)
  9. 9. A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), and Epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum). (2021)
  10. 10. Epimedium Polysaccharide Ameliorates Benzene-Induced Aplastic Anemia in Mice. (2020)

Generated August 14, 2026

Want personalized recommendations?

Show me what works for me