Epimedium sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed)

Epimedium sagittatum is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so its nutritional profile is characterized primarily by bioactive phytochemicals rather than macronutrient content. Dried aerial parts contain approximately 5–10% total flavonoids by weight, with icariin being the principal bioactive compound at concentrations of 1–5% in dried leaf material (varying significantly by plant part, season, and processing method). Icariin is a prenylated flavonol glycoside and serves as the primary marker compound for standardized extracts. Other key flavonoids include icariside I, icariside II (des-O-methylicariiin), epimedin A, epimedin B, and epimedin C, collectively present at 0.5–3% of dry weight. Baohuoside-1 (icariside II) is a deglycosylated metabolite formed during digestion and is considered more bioavailable than icariin itself. The herb contains polysaccharides at approximately 8–15% dry weight, contributing immunomodulatory activity. Lignans including epimedokoreanin and magnoflorine alkaloids are present in trace amounts (<0.1%). Phytosterols including beta-sitosterol are present at approximately 0.1–0.3%. Mineral content includes calcium (~1,200–1,800 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (~200–300 mg/100g), potassium (~800–1,200 mg/100g), manganese (~15–25 mg/100g), and zinc (~2–5 mg/100g), though these are not primary reasons for therapeutic use. Crude protein content is approximately 10–15% dry weight and crude fiber approximately 20–30% dry weight. Bioavailability note: Icariin has poor oral bioavailability (~5–10%) due to its glycoside structure; intestinal and hepatic metabolism converts it to more active aglycones (icaritin) and icariside II, which show greater membrane permeability. Lipid-based delivery systems and piperine co-administration have been shown experimentally to improve absorption. Total phenolic content is approximately 30–60 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract.