Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium brevicornu)

Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium brevicornu) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary food, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant in typical dosage forms. Key bioactive compounds and their approximate concentrations include: Icariin (primary flavonoid glycoside, 0.5–1.5% dry weight in leaves, up to 5% in concentrated extracts) — the principal active constituent responsible for PDE5 inhibition and nitric oxide modulation; Epimedin A, B, and C (flavonoid glycosides, collectively 0.3–1.2% dry weight) — precursors to icariin with synergistic effects; Icariside I and II (icariin metabolites, formed via gut microbial hydrolysis, higher bioavailability than parent icariin due to reduced glycosylation); Baohuoside I (0.1–0.4% dry weight), a flavonol aglycone with strong osteogenic activity. Mineral content per 100g dried herb: Calcium approximately 800–1200 mg, Magnesium 150–250 mg, Zinc 2–5 mg, Iron 10–20 mg, Manganese 3–8 mg, Potassium 400–700 mg. Polysaccharides: approximately 5–10% dry weight, contributing to immunomodulatory effects. Crude fiber: approximately 15–25% dry weight. Protein: approximately 8–12% dry weight, though not consumed in quantities relevant to protein intake. Lignans and sterols are present in trace amounts (<0.1%). Bioavailability notes: Icariin has poor oral bioavailability (~1–5%) in intact form due to its glycoside structure; gut microbiota convert it to icaritin and icariside II, which are more lipophilic and better absorbed. Co-administration with phospholipids or piperine may enhance absorption by 2–3 fold. Standard therapeutic extract doses range from 500 mg to 3 g/day of dried herb equivalent, typically standardized to 10–40% icariin content.