News is spreading in the United States about horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, a botanical used for centuries in Chinese traditional herbalism to support healthy sexual activity. And now Planetary Formulas introduces a FULL SPECTRUM™ formulation of this herb.

Planetary Formulas FULL SPECTRUM™ HORNY GOAT WEED combines a standardized extract of Epimedium sagittatum with whole leaf epimedium. It is standardized to 10% flavonoids as icariin. The suggested daily use, one tablet, supplies 500 mg of standardized epimedium extract and 100 mg of epimedium whole leaf.

A History of Traditional Use
Epimedium is one of the most valued tonics of Chinese herbalism. Its first recorded use dates back to the ancient text, Shen Non Ben Cao Jing (ca. 200 B.C..-100 A.D.) It was viewed as a warming herb that benefited jing (semen or life essence), and was used in tea as a traditional male tonic. It received its colloquial name, horny goat weed, when goats grazing on the herb were observed to increase their sexual activity.

In recent years, epimedium has been extensively used in China for support of the heart and liver. It has also been the subject of a number of animal studies. In vitro animal studies suggest that icariin, found in epimedium, may enhance the production of testosterone. More research is needed to confirm its effects, if any, in humans.

The Full Spectrum Difference
Combining standardized epimedium extract with whole leaf maintains the integrity of the botanical while providing a concentrated source of its valuable constituents. All Planetary Formulas products are selected or developed by licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist, Michael Tierra. A clinician since 1972, Michael is an authority on the world’s herbal traditions.