Source
The branch and leaf of Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc Maxim. Or E. brevicornum Maxim., family Berbendaceae.

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 fine bristles 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 wind-dampness 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 lymphocyt-blastogenesis rate.

Administration
Decoction: 6-15g, up to 30g for single use.

Tablet of its extract (O.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.