Ginkgo Biloba
It is also called the Elixir of Youth - modern medicine from an ancient tree.
Think you have lost a little spring in your step? What about a little bounce in your brain? As long as you don't have any serious medical problems, exercising and eating right will ward off some of the physical signs of aging. Mental fitness is much more difficult to maintain - unless you know the secrets of the ginkgo.
In China, the ginkgo tree is considered sacred, and it's easy to see why. The tree has survived in that part of the world. The name may come from the Chinese "Sankyo" or "Yinkuo" (Yin Guo), meaning "hill apricot" or "silver fruit".
The Latin name Ginkgo Biloba L. (formerly Salisburia adiantifolia Sm) was bestowed in 1771 by Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist. Kaempfer, the German traveler and surgeon who was the first Westener to write about ginkgo in 1712, used the Japanese name ginkyo. As an ornamental, ginkgo was introduced into England in 1754 and into America in 1784.
The ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living species on this plant. During the las t ice age, however, it nearly became extinct and survived only in China and other parts of Asia where they stayed until at least 1000 years ago, when they were planted around monasteries in Japan...and these trees are still living! It is estimated that the tree survived in parts of China for 200 millions years and a single tree can live more than 1000 years. In fact, ginkgos are so hardy that a solitary ginkgo was the only tree to survive the atomic blast of Hiroshima. It therefore seems only natural that anything that's survived so long holds some secrets to longevity. Ginkgo is a worldwide herbal star and top selling medicine and this youth promoting herbals has been used safely for over 3000 years and has undergone extensive laboratory testing.
One way ginkgo increases longevity is by helping your body get rid of cell-destroying free radicals (cancer cells we all have in our bloodstream). The extract from the ginkgo tree is a "free radical scavenger" or natural antioxidant. It inactivates free radicals, protects the genetic material in cells, and helps slow down aging. Let's investigate what ginkgo can do for you:
Ginkgo Fights Aging
First, it widens your blood vessels so more blood can get through. Scientists have isolated a group of compounds called "flavonoids" in ginkgo extract. These flavonoids force the blood vessels to relax, which allows them to carry more blood.
Second, it also makes the blood vessels sticky by keeping platelets separated. Platelets normally help blood clot by clumping together at the site of a cut or scrape. The clotting is triggered by a substance called platelet activating factor, or PAF. While PAF is a good thing to have in your body when you have an injury, it can also cause the platelets to clump within your blood vessels. Normally, there it is not enough clumping to cause a problem. But if you already have reduced blood flow, this platelet clumping can gum up the works even further. Ginkgo makes the platelets keep their distance by blocking PAF. Doctors often prescribe blood thinning drugs for people as they get older (to avoid thickening of the blood you need to drink enough fluid every day which many elderly don't), but by blocking PAF, ginkgo acts as a natural blood thinner.
Third, ginkgo keeps the bad cholesterol "LDL" from clumping up on blood vessel walls, keeping the veins and arteries wide open for maximum blood flow.
Boost Brain Power
Like any other part of the body, the brain needs adequate blood flow, or it can't function properly. Unfortunately, your body has a hard time sending the brain all the blood it needs as you get older. Imagine the drain pipe from your kitchen sink. Over time, water begins to drain through the pipe a little slower and it happens in everybody's kitchen. If you pour a little drain opener down the sink, the water starts to flow fasters. That's exactly what ginkgo can do for blood flow to your brain!
Clinical studies show that extract of the ginkgo tree can increase blood flow to the brain. What's more, the older you are, the better ginkgo appears to work. One study found that blood flow to the brain was increased by about 20% for people ages 30 to 50, but for people ages 50 - 70, the increase was 70%!
More blood flow means more brain power and better short-term memory. It specially means protection against what doctors call "cerebral insufficiency" or dementia. Many people, especially women have some degree of dementia in their later years.
The 12 symptoms of cerebral insufficiency which ginkgo may improve are:
difficult concentrating
confusion
tiredness
sadness
dizziness
headaches
absent mindness
lack of energy
aniexty
decreased physical performance
tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
depression
Alzheimer's Disease
One of the studies came to the conclusion that women receiving for three years or more HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy increased their risk to become a Alzheimer patent by 50%, broadcasted on CKNW 98 by Art Hister, MD!!
Though it remains controversial, evidence points toward ginkgo as prevention or early natural therapy for Alzheimer's disease. One study followed 40 people with Alzheimer's. Some took 80 milligrams of ginkgo extract three times a day, while other took a placebo, a harmless unmedicated pill. The people who took the ginkgo had improved memory and were able to pay attention more than those who took the placebo. Some researcher speculate that ginkgo actually increases the number of brain receptors responsible for memory. People who are just beginning to experience symptoms of Alzheimer's might consider taking ginkgo to boost brainpower and delay further loss of memory.
Intermittent Claudication
Do you have leg pain or constant cramping in your calf muscles after even a short walk? As many people get older, their legs don't get an adequate blood supply because of hardened or blocked blood vessels. This painful condition is called intermittent claudication. Fifteen clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extract relieves the symptoms of this disease.
Raynaud's Disease
People who have this disease of the blood vessels react very strongly to colder temperatures. Even moderately cold temperatures can trigger spasm in the blood vessels of their fingers, which prevent proper blood flow. The fingers can turn blue or white and be very painful. By dilating the blood vessels, ginkgo helps to the tips of the fingers to relieve pain and restore the normal colour to the skin.
Varicose & Spider Veins
One of the compounds in the ginkgo extract, "tebonin", is particularly helpful in relieving the unsightly, and sometimes painful, varicose and spider veins that plague people, especially women, in their prime.
Lowers Cholesterol
Ginkgo can cut some of the guilt out of "Thanksgiving dinner". In one study, researchers tested people's blood levels of fat and cholesterol before the holiday season. They tested again a few weeks later after everyone had enjoyed all of the rich holiday meals and snacks. The people who took ginkgo had lower cholesterol levels after the holidays than those who did not take it. Other studies confirm that ginkgo can lower blood cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol, ginkgo may help you bring it under control.
Heart Disease
Like other flavonoids, ginkgo can reduce the risk of heart disease. One study showed that people who get the most flavonoids have about one-third the risk of heart disease compared with people who get the least flavonoids. Flavonoids are helpful, natural compounds found in citrus fruits, onions, apples, teas, as well as supplements like ginkgo, grapeseed extract, bilberry, and others.
Dizziness
Is a natural side effect of reduced blood flow to the brain. That's why it is so common among older people. Dizziness can lead to falls, and that is especially dangerous if you have osteoporosis. It does not take much of a fall to break a hip or crack a vertebra if you have brittle bones. While ginkgo won't strengthen your bones (Wild Yam cream does!), it can increase your blood flow, reduce the dizziness, and return you to your sure-footed self.
Prevents Blindness
When the eyes don't receive enough oxygen from the blood, the retina can be damaged, often robbing people of their sight as they get older. Since ginkgo increases blood flow, more oxygen can get to the eyes.
Headaches/Migraine
You don't have to be told to have headaches, but the reduced blood flow associated with aging can certainly make headaches more common. Ginkgo can help to alleviate this type of headache.
Impotence
It may be comforting to know that many men experience impotence or decreased rigidity as they age, but the only real comfort is something that restores the vigour to your sex life. Ginkgo may be just what you are looking for. Even men who have not been helped by conventional drug treatment have responded to gingko, but the results did not happen overnight! Since not all cases of impotence are caused by decreased blood flow to the penis, ginkgo will not work for every man. But if your doctor says you have arterial erectile impotence, you may discover a real aphrodisiac in ginkgo.
Tinnitus And Hearing Discorders
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears that won't go away, is an annoying problems that doctors sometimes find difficult to treat with conventional medicine. That is why some doctors are turning to ginkgo to help their patients.
People who have hearing disorders related to low blood flow to the ears can also find relief after taking ginkgo for several months. Vertigo, a type of dizziness sometimes related to problems in the inner ear, might also be relieved by ginkgo.
Diabetes
Though there is no evidence that ginkgo can cure diabetes, it can be useful in treating a heart problems called "diabetic angiopathy", that is often associated with diabetes. And it can help prevent one of the most common problems faced by people with diabetes - poor circulation which creates insomnia problems by having cold feet and legs and people can't fall asleep. In some cases, poor circulation can lead to amputation of limbs. Ginkgo has been show to increase blood flow to the arms and legs of people with diabetes by 45%.
Asthma Relief
The same substance that causes platelets to clot, PAF, can also trigger asthma. PAF causes spasms in the sacs that make up the lungs. By blocking PAF, ginkgo can prevent these spasms and make it easier to breathe.
Brain & Circulation Tea
ginkgo leaves 1 part
lavender ½ part
wood betony 1 part
lemon balm 1 part
stevia herb 1/8 to ¼ part
Adjust the amount of stevia according to how sweet you want your teal. Since stevia is very sweet, you might start on the low side.
Ginkgo Nut Porridge
Take a cup of rice and 10 - 15 ginkgo nuts, cook in 2.5 cups of water over slow heat, until tender. Remove ginkgo nuts, blend rice until creamy, then add ginkgo nut. Warm and serve. Add honey, butter, olive or hemp oil to taste.
Ginkgo is a supplement you can add to your list of daily vitamins and herbs, but don't wait until you feel bad to take it. You will probably have to take the supplement for four to six weeks before you notice any difference in your health.
By now you have read more than you ever wanted to know about ginkgo! Hopefully the scientific details have not been too confusing, and you have emerged with a more precise idea of how ginkgo affects the body.
As a closing comment, you might be interested to know that there is some evidence that ginkgo may be useful as a topical cream or orally for inflammation conditions such as sunburn, eczema, acne, psoriasis, rashes and skin allergies, and as a spray for hay fever or inflammation of the sinus cavity.
Ginkgo Biloba - Elixir of Youth and a Longevity Herb, give it a try!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
How Does Horny Goat Weed Work?
What's In a Name
# Horny goat weed, or epimedium, has been used by the Chinese for centuries as an aphrodisiac. It was given its name when a goat herder noticed his goats going on a sexual rampage after eating certain weeds. It is only natural this enhancer of libido be named after those who discovered it: a herd of goats.
The Enhancement Process
# Horny goat weed resembles testosterone in that it stimulates sexual desire and function. It inhibits the enzyme AChe, known for preventing the neurotransmitters responsible for sexual arousal from doing their job. Once the sexual neurotansmitters are allowed to continually reproduce in the brain, sexual desire is significantly increased and sensory nerves are stimulated.
Read more: How Does Horny Goat Weed Work? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4597146_horny-goat-weed-work.html#ixzz134ohpM93
# Horny goat weed, or epimedium, has been used by the Chinese for centuries as an aphrodisiac. It was given its name when a goat herder noticed his goats going on a sexual rampage after eating certain weeds. It is only natural this enhancer of libido be named after those who discovered it: a herd of goats.
The Enhancement Process
# Horny goat weed resembles testosterone in that it stimulates sexual desire and function. It inhibits the enzyme AChe, known for preventing the neurotransmitters responsible for sexual arousal from doing their job. Once the sexual neurotansmitters are allowed to continually reproduce in the brain, sexual desire is significantly increased and sensory nerves are stimulated.
Read more: How Does Horny Goat Weed Work? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4597146_horny-goat-weed-work.html#ixzz134ohpM93
HORNY GOAT WEED
HORNY GOAT WEED
OVERVIEW
Horny Goat Weed (also called Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo) is a Chinese herbal preparation used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. It is also used for maintaining kidney health.Chinese legends claim Horny Goat Weed got its name when a shepherd noticed his goats became particularly sexually active after eating the leaves of the Epimedium plant.
Epimedium has been shown to increase the blood levels of corticosterone and testosterone hormones. It also expands the circulatory system's blood vessels, improving the circulation of these hormones. The combination of increased testosterone levels and dilation of blood vessels has been shown to improve sexual function in males, as well as females.Epimedium has also been used to improve kidney function, particularly kidney disorders related to heart disease.
Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese : 淫羊藿), is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia.
Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs.
APHRODISIAC
Many species of Epimedium are alleged to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement, usually in raw herb or pill form and sometimes blended with other supplements. The over-exploitation of wild populations of Epimedium for use in traditional Chinese medicine is having potentially serious consequences for the long-term survival of several species, none of which are widely cultivated for medicinal purposes.
The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized extracts from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved for lab use.Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle.
OVERVIEW
Horny Goat Weed (also called Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo) is a Chinese herbal preparation used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. It is also used for maintaining kidney health.Chinese legends claim Horny Goat Weed got its name when a shepherd noticed his goats became particularly sexually active after eating the leaves of the Epimedium plant.
Epimedium has been shown to increase the blood levels of corticosterone and testosterone hormones. It also expands the circulatory system's blood vessels, improving the circulation of these hormones. The combination of increased testosterone levels and dilation of blood vessels has been shown to improve sexual function in males, as well as females.Epimedium has also been used to improve kidney function, particularly kidney disorders related to heart disease.
Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese : 淫羊藿), is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia.
Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs.
APHRODISIAC
Many species of Epimedium are alleged to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement, usually in raw herb or pill form and sometimes blended with other supplements. The over-exploitation of wild populations of Epimedium for use in traditional Chinese medicine is having potentially serious consequences for the long-term survival of several species, none of which are widely cultivated for medicinal purposes.
The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized extracts from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved for lab use.Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle.
HORNY GOAT WEED
Epimedium
Epimedium grandiflorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Epimedium
L.
Species
About 60 species in cultivation, including:
Epimedium acuminatum
Epimedium alpinum
Epimedium brachyrrhizum
Epimedium brevicornum
Epimedium campanulatum
Epimedium chlorandrum
Epimedium davidii
Epimedium diphyllum
Epimedium dolichostemon
Epimedium ecalcaratum
Epimedium elongatum
Epimedium epsteinii
Epimedium fangii
Epimedium flavum
Epimedium franchetii
Epimedium grandiflorum
Epimedium ilicifolium
Epimedium latisepalum
Epimedium leptorrhizum
Epimedium lishihchenii
Epimedium membranaceum
Epimedium mikinorii
Epimedium myrianthum
Epimedium ogisui
Epimedium pauciflorum
Epimedium perralderianum
Epimedium platypetalum
Epimedium pinnatum
Epimedium pubescens
Epimedium pubigerum
Epimedium rhizomatosum
Epimedium sagittatum
Epimedium sempervirens
Epimedium setosum
Epimedium sutchuenense
Epimedium truncatum
Epimedium wushanense
Epimedium, also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: 淫羊藿), is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia.
Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs, particularly horny goat weed
Cultivation
Some varieties and hybrids have been in Western cultivation for the last 100 to 150 years. There are now a wide array of new Chinese species being cultivated in the west, many of which have only recently been discovered, and a number of which have yet to be named. There are also many older Japanese hybrids and forms, extending the boundaries of the genus in cultivation. The majority of the Chinese species have not been fully tested for hardiness or indeed for any other aspect of their culture. The initial assumption that the plants would only thrive where their native conditions could be closely replicated have proven to be overly cautious, as most varieties are proving extraordinarily amenable to general garden and container cultivation
Propagation
While they can be successfully propagated in early spring, Epimedium are best divided in late August, with the aim of promoting rapid re-growth of roots and shoots before the onset of winter. Several breeders (in particular Darrell Probst, Tim Branney & Robin White) have also undertaken their own hybridization programmes with the genus Epimedium. Various new nursery selections are gradually appearing in the nursery trade, the best of which are extending the colour and shape range of the flowers available to the gardener.
Garden Uses
Hugely popular as garden plants for centuries in Japan, Epimedium are only just beginning to garner attention in the West. While they vary somewhat in their respective hardiness, all are essentially dwellers of the forest floor, and, as such, all require fundamentally similar conditions of moist, free draining, humus rich soil and cool shade, with some shelter for the newly emerging leaves. Some of the more robust varieties are often recommended as plants for dry shade, and whilst their tough foliage and stout rhizomes can allow them to grow successfully in such conditions, (and in more open, exposed positions too, in some instances) they will certainly not give their best. Furthermore, dryness and exposure will pretty much guarantee the early death of many of the newer and more delicate species.
Given suitable conditions most Epimedium will form beautiful ground cover plants, often with magnificent new leaves tinted in bronze, copper and reds combining with a huge variety of flower colours and forms in spring. Handsome and dense-growing foliage remains present for much of the year, with the leaves often turning purple, crimson and scarlet in autumn in some forms, and remaining evergreen in others. With all varieties, however, the foliage is best cut off at ground level shortly before new leaves emerge, so as to fully reveal their beauty of form and colour. Ideally, a mulch should then be applied to protect the new growth from frosts.
Flower Forms
Epimedium alpinum flower
From the gardeners point of view Epimedium flowers comprise two main parts, the inner sepals, which are petal-like and four in number (the four outer sepals are small, insignificant, and rapidly shed as the flowers open) and the petals, which are held within the sepals. In some species these petals have developed long spurs and in such plants they greatly exceed the size of the surrounding sepals, producing a flower shaped like an inverted crown, and also giving rise to the one of the common names for Epimedium- bishops hat. In other species, however, (such as E. perraldianum) the petals are reduced to tiny spurs, and it is the greatly enlarged and highly coloured sepals that have expanded to catch the attention of the wandering insect.
Medicinal Uses
Aphrodisiac
Many species of Epimedium are alleged to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement; usually in raw herb, tablet, or capsule form and sometimes blended with other supplements. The over-exploitation of wild populations of Epimedium for use in traditional Chinese medicine is having potentially serious consequences for the long-term survival of several species, none of which are widely cultivated for medicinal purposes.
The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized extracts from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved for lab use.
Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle. It has been demonstrated to relax rabbit penile tissue by nitric oxide and PDE-5 activity. Other research has demonstrated that injections of Epimedium extract directly into the penis of the rat results in an increase in penile blood pressure.
Like sildenafil (Viagra), icariin, the active compound in Epimedium, inhibits the activity of PDE-5. In vitro assays have demonstrated that icariin inhibits PDE-5 with an IC50 of around 1 micromolar, while sildenafil has an IC50 of about 6.6 nanomolar (.0066 micromolar) and vardenafil (Levitra) has an IC50 of about 0.7 nanomolar (.0007 micromolar). Measured differently, the EC50 of icariin is approximately 4.62 micromolar, while sildenafil's is .42 micromolar. The amount of oral administration of Epidemium extract necessary to achieve these relative concentrations is unclear from the literature.
A recently published Italian study modified icariin structurally and investigated a number of derivatives. Inhibitory concentrations for PDE-5 close to sildenafil could be reached. Moreover, the most potent PDE-5 inhibitor of this series was also found to be a less potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE-6) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE), thus showing it to have more specificity for PDE-5 than sildenafil.
Epimedium has been shown to up-regulate genes associated with nitric oxide production and changes in adenosine/guanine monophosphate balance in ways that other PDE5 inhibitors do not.
Epimedium grandiflorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Epimedium
L.
Species
About 60 species in cultivation, including:
Epimedium acuminatum
Epimedium alpinum
Epimedium brachyrrhizum
Epimedium brevicornum
Epimedium campanulatum
Epimedium chlorandrum
Epimedium davidii
Epimedium diphyllum
Epimedium dolichostemon
Epimedium ecalcaratum
Epimedium elongatum
Epimedium epsteinii
Epimedium fangii
Epimedium flavum
Epimedium franchetii
Epimedium grandiflorum
Epimedium ilicifolium
Epimedium latisepalum
Epimedium leptorrhizum
Epimedium lishihchenii
Epimedium membranaceum
Epimedium mikinorii
Epimedium myrianthum
Epimedium ogisui
Epimedium pauciflorum
Epimedium perralderianum
Epimedium platypetalum
Epimedium pinnatum
Epimedium pubescens
Epimedium pubigerum
Epimedium rhizomatosum
Epimedium sagittatum
Epimedium sempervirens
Epimedium setosum
Epimedium sutchuenense
Epimedium truncatum
Epimedium wushanense
Epimedium, also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: 淫羊藿), is a genus of about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The large majority are endemic to southern China, with further outposts in Europe, and central, southern and eastern Asia.
Epimedium species are hardy perennials. The majority have four-petaled "spider-like" flowers in spring. Many are believed to be aphrodisiacs, particularly horny goat weed
Cultivation
Some varieties and hybrids have been in Western cultivation for the last 100 to 150 years. There are now a wide array of new Chinese species being cultivated in the west, many of which have only recently been discovered, and a number of which have yet to be named. There are also many older Japanese hybrids and forms, extending the boundaries of the genus in cultivation. The majority of the Chinese species have not been fully tested for hardiness or indeed for any other aspect of their culture. The initial assumption that the plants would only thrive where their native conditions could be closely replicated have proven to be overly cautious, as most varieties are proving extraordinarily amenable to general garden and container cultivation
Propagation
While they can be successfully propagated in early spring, Epimedium are best divided in late August, with the aim of promoting rapid re-growth of roots and shoots before the onset of winter. Several breeders (in particular Darrell Probst, Tim Branney & Robin White) have also undertaken their own hybridization programmes with the genus Epimedium. Various new nursery selections are gradually appearing in the nursery trade, the best of which are extending the colour and shape range of the flowers available to the gardener.
Garden Uses
Hugely popular as garden plants for centuries in Japan, Epimedium are only just beginning to garner attention in the West. While they vary somewhat in their respective hardiness, all are essentially dwellers of the forest floor, and, as such, all require fundamentally similar conditions of moist, free draining, humus rich soil and cool shade, with some shelter for the newly emerging leaves. Some of the more robust varieties are often recommended as plants for dry shade, and whilst their tough foliage and stout rhizomes can allow them to grow successfully in such conditions, (and in more open, exposed positions too, in some instances) they will certainly not give their best. Furthermore, dryness and exposure will pretty much guarantee the early death of many of the newer and more delicate species.
Given suitable conditions most Epimedium will form beautiful ground cover plants, often with magnificent new leaves tinted in bronze, copper and reds combining with a huge variety of flower colours and forms in spring. Handsome and dense-growing foliage remains present for much of the year, with the leaves often turning purple, crimson and scarlet in autumn in some forms, and remaining evergreen in others. With all varieties, however, the foliage is best cut off at ground level shortly before new leaves emerge, so as to fully reveal their beauty of form and colour. Ideally, a mulch should then be applied to protect the new growth from frosts.
Flower Forms
Epimedium alpinum flower
From the gardeners point of view Epimedium flowers comprise two main parts, the inner sepals, which are petal-like and four in number (the four outer sepals are small, insignificant, and rapidly shed as the flowers open) and the petals, which are held within the sepals. In some species these petals have developed long spurs and in such plants they greatly exceed the size of the surrounding sepals, producing a flower shaped like an inverted crown, and also giving rise to the one of the common names for Epimedium- bishops hat. In other species, however, (such as E. perraldianum) the petals are reduced to tiny spurs, and it is the greatly enlarged and highly coloured sepals that have expanded to catch the attention of the wandering insect.
Medicinal Uses
Aphrodisiac
Many species of Epimedium are alleged to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. It is sold as a health supplement; usually in raw herb, tablet, or capsule form and sometimes blended with other supplements. The over-exploitation of wild populations of Epimedium for use in traditional Chinese medicine is having potentially serious consequences for the long-term survival of several species, none of which are widely cultivated for medicinal purposes.
The "active ingredient" in Epimedium is icariin, which can be found in standardized extracts from 5% up to 60% potent. Strengths above that are usually reserved for lab use.
Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle. It has been demonstrated to relax rabbit penile tissue by nitric oxide and PDE-5 activity. Other research has demonstrated that injections of Epimedium extract directly into the penis of the rat results in an increase in penile blood pressure.
Like sildenafil (Viagra), icariin, the active compound in Epimedium, inhibits the activity of PDE-5. In vitro assays have demonstrated that icariin inhibits PDE-5 with an IC50 of around 1 micromolar, while sildenafil has an IC50 of about 6.6 nanomolar (.0066 micromolar) and vardenafil (Levitra) has an IC50 of about 0.7 nanomolar (.0007 micromolar). Measured differently, the EC50 of icariin is approximately 4.62 micromolar, while sildenafil's is .42 micromolar. The amount of oral administration of Epidemium extract necessary to achieve these relative concentrations is unclear from the literature.
A recently published Italian study modified icariin structurally and investigated a number of derivatives. Inhibitory concentrations for PDE-5 close to sildenafil could be reached. Moreover, the most potent PDE-5 inhibitor of this series was also found to be a less potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE-6) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE), thus showing it to have more specificity for PDE-5 than sildenafil.
Epimedium has been shown to up-regulate genes associated with nitric oxide production and changes in adenosine/guanine monophosphate balance in ways that other PDE5 inhibitors do not.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Different preparations of the same herb work differently!
The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.
Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used.
Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used.
Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive.
Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally.
Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives.
Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used.
Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used.
Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive.
Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally.
Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives.
Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
Longjack or Tongkat Ali can cure?
Can we prevent impotence with a each day consumption of organic herbs?Impotence has no 1 single cure. All males knowledge erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. each day natural consumption doesn’t precisely prevent impotence nevertheless it assists. natural dietary supplements like, ginseng, tongkat ali and gingko biloba are examples.
Tongkat Ali can be a very well-known Southeast Asian natural remedy and can also be identified by the name of longjack. These herbs are extracted from the roots of the pasak bumi tree. The roots are extended and protruding, which why they known as it–Ali’s walking stick. These herbs had been originally employed for the remedy of malaria, but with study and research, it was employed as a remedy for sexual troubles such as erectile dysfunction. It can also be identified to boost testosterone levels inside the body. Tongkat Ali can also be a well-known aphrodisiac.
Preliminary research show that horny goat weed may help regulate certain hormones like testosterone. This herb can also be mentioned to act in some means like Viagra, by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme. In any case, the name of this herb can be a dead giveaway of classic wisdom on its consequences on sexual prowess.
Ginseng and Ashwagandha are mentioned to have similar consequences. They help add up energy and enhance stamina. Some individuals who use these natural impotence remedies says that they help using the situation, despite the fact that proof from official clinical research are somewhat lacking on this regard.
Muira puama continues to be used in classic Brazilian medicine as an aphrodisiac and impotence remedy in ladies. It’s mentioned to be a mild stimulant. But there have been no research carried out to establish how it will effect to males; a lot of individuals assume that the consequences may be the same in males as in ladies.
Fo-Ti continues to be used in Chinese medicine for centuries to treat aging, weakness and erectile dysfunction. Red Fo-Ti is employed and mentioned to be for energy and vitality.
Some of these herbs have been observed to be effective and have very few side consequences when employed appropriately. In a lot of circumstances, they are safer than extended term use of prescriptions that treat and/or prevent erectile dysfunction. Indeed, herbs and dietary supplements are typically very much safer than synthetic or chemical medicines. When it involves intimacy, nobody desires to wind up disappointed, so it’s vital to discover better/safe methods to treat impotence whenever achievable. So they undoubtedly should be regarded as as achievable solutions to your issue.
As often using the consumption of herbs and natural treatments, the effectiveness of any natural impotence remedy very very much depends on the good quality of the ingredients which are employed. on this regard, for safety and best results, It’s vital to seek out top quality products.
When it involves organic and natural treatments, and that consists of any natural impotence remedy, ancient wisdom has a good deal far more to offer in terms of understanding and facts than modern science.
Tongkat Ali can be a very well-known Southeast Asian natural remedy and can also be identified by the name of longjack. These herbs are extracted from the roots of the pasak bumi tree. The roots are extended and protruding, which why they known as it–Ali’s walking stick. These herbs had been originally employed for the remedy of malaria, but with study and research, it was employed as a remedy for sexual troubles such as erectile dysfunction. It can also be identified to boost testosterone levels inside the body. Tongkat Ali can also be a well-known aphrodisiac.
Preliminary research show that horny goat weed may help regulate certain hormones like testosterone. This herb can also be mentioned to act in some means like Viagra, by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme. In any case, the name of this herb can be a dead giveaway of classic wisdom on its consequences on sexual prowess.
Ginseng and Ashwagandha are mentioned to have similar consequences. They help add up energy and enhance stamina. Some individuals who use these natural impotence remedies says that they help using the situation, despite the fact that proof from official clinical research are somewhat lacking on this regard.
Muira puama continues to be used in classic Brazilian medicine as an aphrodisiac and impotence remedy in ladies. It’s mentioned to be a mild stimulant. But there have been no research carried out to establish how it will effect to males; a lot of individuals assume that the consequences may be the same in males as in ladies.
Fo-Ti continues to be used in Chinese medicine for centuries to treat aging, weakness and erectile dysfunction. Red Fo-Ti is employed and mentioned to be for energy and vitality.
Some of these herbs have been observed to be effective and have very few side consequences when employed appropriately. In a lot of circumstances, they are safer than extended term use of prescriptions that treat and/or prevent erectile dysfunction. Indeed, herbs and dietary supplements are typically very much safer than synthetic or chemical medicines. When it involves intimacy, nobody desires to wind up disappointed, so it’s vital to discover better/safe methods to treat impotence whenever achievable. So they undoubtedly should be regarded as as achievable solutions to your issue.
As often using the consumption of herbs and natural treatments, the effectiveness of any natural impotence remedy very very much depends on the good quality of the ingredients which are employed. on this regard, for safety and best results, It’s vital to seek out top quality products.
When it involves organic and natural treatments, and that consists of any natural impotence remedy, ancient wisdom has a good deal far more to offer in terms of understanding and facts than modern science.
Tongkat Ali or Pasak Bumi?
Pasak bumi is one of several colloquial names for the small tree-like shrub Eurycoma longifolia, a plant native to Indonesia and Malaysia that has several important uses in the traditional herbal medicinal practices of the region.
In fact Pasak bumi is the common name for this plant in Indonesia. In the West we know the plant by the name Tongkat ali, its more common name in Malaysia and Singapore.
Tongkat ali has been used by the peoples of this region for thousands of years, and was traditionally used to reduce fevers, treat malaria and to combat common infections. However its most famous use, and the one for which it has attracted particular attention in the West, was as an aphrodisiac and male sexual performance enhancer.
Tongkat ali has been, and is being, intensively studied by scientists, and indeed extracts of this plant have shown potentially exciting results in-vitro against certain kinds of cancer cells. Researchers in Taiwan isolated sixty five different compounds produced by the plant thought to have an effect upon human biochemistry, of which ten were strongly toxic to human lung and breast cancer cells. It must be stressed that research in this area is still in its early phases, and only in-vitro testing has so far been carried out. To this author's knowledge, no in-vivo studies to assess the plant's efficacy against cancers have yet been performed.
Whilst the plant and its extracts are being studied for their effects against cancer cells, Pasak bumi extract continues to grow in popularity as a male performance, fertility and libido enhancer. Evidence for its efficacy in this area comes mostly from experiments upon rats and other rodents. Male rats exposed to an extract of the plant have been observed to exhibit increased mating activity, and were found to have raised levels of testosterone.
Pasak bumi is now a protected species in Malaysia. Sadly, large areas of Malaysian forest are destroyed each year thanks to both legitimate and illegal logging operations, and the plant's natural habitat is being greatly eroded as a result. The increased value of the plant due to demand from Western customers has also led to a black-market trade in the plant, further threatening its survival in Malaysia.
Added to the problems of illegal harvesting of the plant is the generally disreputable nature of many suppliers of Tongkat ali products. A recent trading standards investigation by British authorities found that as many as 70% of products sold in health shops and by online retailers contained no active ingredient at all or so little as to be ineffective. Of the remaining 30% of products, 10% were unable to adequately document their sources - in other words, unable to demonstrate that their Pasak bumi had been ethically and responsibly sourced.
It seems very likely that demand for Pasak bumi will continue to rise, and it is greatly to be hoped that manufacturers and retailers will take more care to ensure not only that their products contain enough of the plant to be effective, but that they also source their product only from Indonesian plantations or Western horticulturalists. It is also to be hoped that consumer awareness of the threat to this plant also leads to the more responsible manufacture and retail of its extract.
In fact Pasak bumi is the common name for this plant in Indonesia. In the West we know the plant by the name Tongkat ali, its more common name in Malaysia and Singapore.
Tongkat ali has been used by the peoples of this region for thousands of years, and was traditionally used to reduce fevers, treat malaria and to combat common infections. However its most famous use, and the one for which it has attracted particular attention in the West, was as an aphrodisiac and male sexual performance enhancer.
Tongkat ali has been, and is being, intensively studied by scientists, and indeed extracts of this plant have shown potentially exciting results in-vitro against certain kinds of cancer cells. Researchers in Taiwan isolated sixty five different compounds produced by the plant thought to have an effect upon human biochemistry, of which ten were strongly toxic to human lung and breast cancer cells. It must be stressed that research in this area is still in its early phases, and only in-vitro testing has so far been carried out. To this author's knowledge, no in-vivo studies to assess the plant's efficacy against cancers have yet been performed.
Whilst the plant and its extracts are being studied for their effects against cancer cells, Pasak bumi extract continues to grow in popularity as a male performance, fertility and libido enhancer. Evidence for its efficacy in this area comes mostly from experiments upon rats and other rodents. Male rats exposed to an extract of the plant have been observed to exhibit increased mating activity, and were found to have raised levels of testosterone.
Pasak bumi is now a protected species in Malaysia. Sadly, large areas of Malaysian forest are destroyed each year thanks to both legitimate and illegal logging operations, and the plant's natural habitat is being greatly eroded as a result. The increased value of the plant due to demand from Western customers has also led to a black-market trade in the plant, further threatening its survival in Malaysia.
Added to the problems of illegal harvesting of the plant is the generally disreputable nature of many suppliers of Tongkat ali products. A recent trading standards investigation by British authorities found that as many as 70% of products sold in health shops and by online retailers contained no active ingredient at all or so little as to be ineffective. Of the remaining 30% of products, 10% were unable to adequately document their sources - in other words, unable to demonstrate that their Pasak bumi had been ethically and responsibly sourced.
It seems very likely that demand for Pasak bumi will continue to rise, and it is greatly to be hoped that manufacturers and retailers will take more care to ensure not only that their products contain enough of the plant to be effective, but that they also source their product only from Indonesian plantations or Western horticulturalists. It is also to be hoped that consumer awareness of the threat to this plant also leads to the more responsible manufacture and retail of its extract.
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