Understanding Epimedium: The Amazing Anti-Aging Benefits of the Herb Called Bishop's Hat

Epimedium is an ancient herb that people have used for thousands of years to protect their health. Today, modern research shows why! This remarkable botanical may slow your body's rate of aging by supporting the work of your stem cells -- versatile cells that can repair and regenerate organs. When stem cells function more effectively, they can improve heart health, keep bones strong and fight many of the health problems that accumulate as we grow older. This article delves into the traditional uses of epimedium, the best way to take it as a supplement and the exciting research that offers great promise for healthier aging.

Key Takeaways

• Epimedium, the Latin name of a plant also known as Bishop’s Hat and horny goat weed (among others), is a tonic herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It represents a safe, natural way to help slow down aging.

• Researchers have been busy proving that Epimedium can be a potent aid for better aging. Its active ingredients may help fend off heart disease, limit bone loss and support the body's efforts to fight off cancer.

• Icariin, the key compound in Epimedium, has been shown to significantly increase stem cell function -- so they can keep your organs operating better as you get older. By increasing stem cell function, icariin may provide powerful support for healthier aging by supporting the health of kidneys, brain, heart, bones and other body parts.

Unlocking the Secrets of Epimedium's Health Benefits

Asian varieties of Epimedium have a long history of being used to increase physical energy. Researchers believe these herbs hold the key to addressing complex health concerns like hormone-sensitive cancers, heart disease, bone loss and the signs and symptoms of aging. Researchers from various institutions, including the Bull World Health Organ, are working together to explore the potential benefits of the key natural chemical in Epimedium, a plant that thrives in light shade environments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Epimedium

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Epimedium plants are go-to remedies for a host of health concerns such as cardiovascular support, erectile issues, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and general wellness. Its medicinal properties are largely attributed to active compounds like icariin and baohuoside I, which are believed to provide the health benefits of Epimedium plants. Epimedium extract, containing these active compounds, has been commonly used in Eastern medicine for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Among the diverse herb species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Epimedium species hold a special place due to their wide range of applications.

Epimedium isn't the first ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment to increase stem cells, acupuncture can too.

Modern Science Reveals New Health Benefits

Today Epimedium, an early spring plant that provides ground cover, has gained the interest of modern medical scientists for the way it influences stem cells. The key focus is on icariin, a component of Epimedium, for its potential to boost stem cell production and stem cell activity -- activity that repairs damaged organs in various parts of the body.

Tests in Asia shows that icariin influences signals that stem cells send each other that help strengthen bones (lowering the risk of osteoporosis) and can limit the amount of body fat you carry around. Current health benefits linked to icariin include improved cardiovascular health and increased energy levels.

Icariin and Stem Cell Health

Stem cells are versatile cells that enable the body to grow new cells and repair organs. They are unspecialized cells that can self-renew, replicate themselves and morph into various types of specialized cells. That enables them to repair and regenerate various organs throughout the body.

The potential of icariin to boost stem cell health is one of the most exciting areas of research today. Studies have found this active compound in Epimedium can increase adult stem cell function in various parts of the body, including the brain, heart and bones. Epimedium leads the way in natural approaches to improve stem cell health, but there are other natural methods to increase stem cells and fight aging.

Icariine Stimulates Stem Cells

Icariin is a flavonol glycoside found in Epimedium, and it’s the star of the show when it comes to the plant’s health benefits. The compound has been shown to help spur the repair damaged kidneys, increase the supply of cartilage stem cells and prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. This powerful compound can boost healthy stem cell production by an impressive 230 percent in as little as ten days. Also, icariin has been observed to enhance adult stem cell function in numerous parts of the body, including:

• Kidneys: Studies show that icariin can potentially help alleviate chronic kidney disease by increasing the activity of kidney stem cells.

• Brain: Lab tests indicate that icariin may stimulate the proliferation of extra neural stem cells that help protect the brain's memory centers from being impaired by aging.

• Heart: Research demonstrates that icariin can support better function of the heart muscle by altering the cellular signals sent by heart muscle cells and heart stem cells.

• Bones: Investigations of how icariin influences bone metabolism reveal that it can promote stronger bone formation by stimulating the process in which bone stem cells -- human osteoblasts -- form new bone tissue.

The potential for such a wide range of health benefits makes icariin a remarkable compound worthy of further investigation. Especially since, along with research on people, it shows great promise in supporting healthy aging in various species and has been looked at in preclinical studies.

Epimedium in Pharmacological Investigations

Pharmacological studies on Epimedium and icariin have produced remarkably encouraging outcomes. Research has shown that herbal epimedium can improve bone metabolic disorders by inducing osteogenic differentiation from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which is relevant to stem cell health. Additionally, epimedium has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-aging properties, which are important for maintaining overall stem cell function and health.

Furthermore, the compound icariin derived from epimedium has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are relevant to various health conditions, including those affecting stem cell function. These findings suggest that epimedium may have potential benefits for stem cell health, particularly in the context of bone health and overall physiological function.

In addition, lab tests that focused on rats treated with icariin have revealed startling potential. In a European study, results suggest that it may be able to help you live longer, produce better health into old age and help you shrug off the harmful effects of stress.

The Advantage of Stem Cell Restore

One of the best ways to get the aging advantage of icariin is to take our Green Valley Naturals formula Stem Cell Restore -- a premier source of Epimedium and icariin-- designed to rejuvenate stem cells and enhance their anti-aging power.

And it's only the beginning of what Stem Cell Restore offers to support more youthful stem cell levels in your body. This revolutionary formula also offers:

• Black Currant Fruit Extract-- Early nutrient stem cell studies found that an anthocyanin-rich berries, like black currant, acted synergistically to increase stem cell growth.

• Sea Buckthorn Berry (CyanthOx)-- This powerful berry extract increased endothelial stem cell levels up to 33 percent in as little as two hours.

• Grapeseed Extract--  Contains  a potent type of antioxidant polyphenol proanthocyanidins (OPCs) that's 50 times more powerful than vitamin C. OPC’s protect your cells against free radical attack and support the collagen structure of all the organs in your body. Collagen, in turn, supports healthy stem cell levels.

• Resveratrol (Transresveratrol)-- The red grape compound shown in clinical studies to support healthy repair stem cells generated from within your own body.

• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)-- In addition to supporting your immune system vitamin D increases levels of human bone marrow stem cells and induces transformation of stem cells into muscle cells.

Stem Cell Restore is formulated to support the function of the three main types of stem cells -- mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial stem cells (ESCs), and CD34+ stem cells. The action of those stem cells can dramatically increase your physical energy and increase your overall resilience to aging.

Safety and Considerations of Epimedium Use

Epimedium and icariin offer potential health benefits and have been shown to be safe when used as directed.

Stem Cell Restore, like all products from Green Valley Naturals, undergoes rigorous quality control processes. Our manufacturing adheres to cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. This includes comprehensive assay testing to verify the potency of raw materials, FTNIR (Fourier-Transform Near-Infrared) spectrometer testing to confirm ingredient identity, and thorough screening for pathogens and contaminants. Additionally, we ensure that each finished product comes with a Certificate of Analysis, which provides detailed test results confirming its potency, purity, and identity. For your safety and assurance, each bottle is securely sealed and labeled with a “best-by” date.

Summary

Modern medical research has shown why Epimedium has been a widely used herb that supports better health. The traditional uses of this powerful herb and its potential benefits for anti-aging and better stem cell function promise to revolutionize the science of aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is epimedium?

Epimedium, also known as Bishop's Hat and horny goat weed, is a Chinese herb with traditional uses for combating fatigue and sexual issues. It's under investigation for its potential to treat various health concerns related to aging because of its positive impact on adult stem cells in the body, which are the keys to unlocking your body's most powerful regenerative processes.

What does epimedium do for the body?

Epimedium is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, arthritic pain, nerve pain, and sexual dysfunction. Reviews of its effects show that its key natural ingredient, icariin, may slow aging, support the improved function of stem cells, limit inflammation and provide antioxidant anti-aging benefits.

Is epimedium safe for the liver?

Epimedium is safe for the liver when used as directed. In addition, its main ingredient, icariin, is good for the liver and help fight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) , one of the most serious global public health concerns today.

Which epimedium is medicinal?

Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium sagittatum are the medicinal species used as dietary supplements containing icariin and have been historically used for ailments such as poor blood flow, sexual dysfunction, joint pain, and fatigue. The latest research shows icarrin also has a positive impact on adult stem cells and can support the body in healthy aging.