Several studies have shown that icariin can treat erectile dysfunction in similar ways as Viagra. However, determining how much icariin equals viagra isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
Icariin is found in various plants from the epimedium genus, including Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum), Fairy Wings (Epimedium brevicornum) and Barrenwort (Epimedium laciniatum). It works by inhibiting PDE-5, the same way Viagra and other FDA-approved ED medications work.
How Does Icariin Work?
Icariin, which is found in the herb horny goat weed, or Yin Yang Huo, has been shown to increase testosterone levels and improve ejaculation time in men with early ejaculation. It has also been shown to inhibit PDE5, which is an enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide and causes ED. However, it is less potent than sildenafil (Viagra). In one study, the icariin IC50 value was 5.9 micromolars, while sildenafil had an IC50 of 75 nM. This means that it takes 5900 nM of icariiin to achieve the same effects as 75 nM of sildenafil.
Icariin works by mimicking the action of PDE-5 and enhancing cGMP, which causes smooth muscle relaxation and increases blood flow to the penis. This is how it helps treat erectile dysfunction. Icariin comes from a plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years, called epimedium or horny goat weed. It is a popular herbal supplement and is sold in many different forms, including tablets, capsules, and teas.
Scientists have tested several herbs and plants that are commonly used as natural aphrodisiacs to see if they could inhibit PDE-5, but only the horny goat weed herb has been proven to work in a similar way to Viagra. Several studies have found that it increases sexual desire and enhances libido. It may also help reduce stress and improve bone density.
How Much Icariin Equals Viagra?
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, icariin is an effective alternative. It is made from all-natural components and works well for most people. However, it is important to consult a professional before taking icariin for ED. This way, you can know how much to consume to get the best results. The amount of icariin needed to match Viagra depends on several factors. For example, the amount of icariin taken, its strength, and how it is consumed.
Icariin is a compound that comes from the Horny Goat Weed plant and works in a similar manner to Viagra (sildenafil). It acts as a PDE5 inhibitor, constraining the movement and activity of these components. This allows blood to flow in the body, which helps to produce healthy erections. However, icariin is weaker than sildenafil at inhibiting PDE5. It would take 590 micromolar of icariin to match the effect of 74 nanolomar of sildenafil.
Regardless, icariin is still an effective aphrodisiac and is safe for most men. It can be consumed in small doses to help improve erectile function without the side effects of prescription drugs like tadalafil. It is also a great choice for those who want to avoid the side effects of Viagra.
Is Icariin Effective and Safe to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Icariin is an all-natural alternative to Viagra, the most popular prescription erectile dysfunction drug. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis and allowing it to remain erect. Icariin also increases the levels of cGMP in the body, which causes smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. Both icariin and Viagra are effective for many men, although it is important to note that Icariin is not as potent as Viagra.
Icariin comes from a number of plants in the epimedium genus, including Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium brevicornum), Fairy Wings (Epimedium grandiflorum), and Barrenwort (Epimedium species). This plant is native to China and Asia, and it has been used for generations as an aphrodisiac and ED remedy. Icariin has been found to inhibit the function of phosphodiesterase type 5, which is the same way that Viagra (sildenafil) and other FDA-approved ED medications work.
In a lab experiment, Mario Dell’Agli tested several different plants that are commonly used as natural aphrodisiacs to see if they have PDE-5 inhibitory properties. He discovered that icariin was able to constrain the activity of PDE-5 in human cavernous smooth muscle cells and enhance the levels of cGMP in the cells. This process is similar to how Viagra works, and it is thought that this is why icariin is such an effective erection aid.
Is Icariin Safe?
The icariin found in horny goat weed works similarly to Viagra (sildenafil citrate) to improve blood flow and treat erectile dysfunction. However, it’s less effective than prescription ED medications because it’s a weaker PDE5 inhibitor and therefore doesn’t improve penile nitric oxide production as well. Nonetheless, it’s still a safe supplement and it has additional health benefits that aren’t related to erections.
Icariin is also thought to help soothe the immune system and might be able to prevent or treat infection, including infections like genital herpes. It may be able to do this by modulating cells called Tregs. These are “immune system peacekeepers” that suppress harmful activated immune cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17). It might also be able to fight infections by increasing the production of a protein that helps the body recognize disease-causing microorganisms.
It has also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, improving brain blood flow, synaptic plasticity, and beta-amyloid elimination from regions of the brain important for memory and cognition. It is thought that icariin may be able to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation in the brain.
Icariin is also known to interact with certain drugs, so it’s important to check with your doctor before taking horny goat weed or any other supplements if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications. For instance, it might interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines such as warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, and heparin.
