Table of Contents
What is Epimedium Extract?
Epimedium Extract Powder is sourced from 100% Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. and Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim. — two of the most researched species in the Epimedium genus, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The extract is standardized to icariin (the primary bioactive flavonoid glycoside) at ≥10%, 20%, or 40%, with the full flavonoid spectrum — including epimedin A, B, and C — preserved through a proprietary water-ethanol extraction process. This synthetic-solvent-free extraction method, using only water and ethanol, ensures the product meets the strictest requirements while maintaining the complete phytochemical profile of the herb.
Formulators should note that epimedium extract has a slightly bitter and astringent herbal taste; cocoa powder or lemon juice powder are effective masking agents. Maintaining a near-neutral pH in finished formulations preserves flavonoid stability and prevents degradation.
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | 100% Epimedium brevicornu / sagittatum leaves |
| Processing | Water-ethanol extraction (ethanol only; no synthetic solvents) |
| Icariin Content | ≥10%, 20%, or 40% (customizable) |
| Active Compounds | Icariin, Epimedin A/B/C, total flavonoids |
| Appearance | Fine powder; green to pale yellow-brown |
| Particle Size | 80–100 mesh |
| Solubility | Good solubility in hydroalcoholic and aqueous systems |
| pH | Near-neutral (recommended for formulation) |
| Packaging | 25 kg drums; 40 drums/pallet |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (from production date, sealed) |
Application Matrix
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Male vitality and libido supplements | Excellent | |
| Pre-workout and athletic performance | Excellent | |
| Bone health and osteoblast support | Excellent | |
| HPA axis and stress adaptogens | Excellent | |
| Cognitive health and neuroprotection | Good | |
| Libido and fertility blends | Excellent | Synergistic with ashwagandha, tongkat ali |
MICROBIOLOGICAL & CONTAMINANT STANDARDS
| Test | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤10,000 cfu/g |
| Yeast & Mould | ≤100 cfu/g |
| E. coli | Negative / g |
| Salmonella | Negative / 25g |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Heavy Metals (Cd) | <0.1 mg/kg |
| Heavy Metals (Hg) | <0.1 mg/kg |
| Heavy Metals (As) | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Pesticide Residues | Below EU ML / USDA-NOP limits |
| Aflatoxins | Below EFSA limits |
| Solvent Residues | Compliant with standards |
All batches tested by ICP-MS for heavy metals. CofA available with every shipment.
CERTIFICATIONS
| Certification | Status |
|---|---|
| Non-GMO Project Verified | Yes |
| Kosher | Available |
| Halal | Available |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| ISO 22000 | Yes |
| GMP | Yes |
APPLICATIONS & FORMULATION TIPS
Formulation Guidance
When formulating with epimedium extract, note the following: the slightly bitter and astringent herbal taste is best masked with cocoa powder, chocolate, or citrus flavors such as lemon juice powder. Maintaining a near-neutral pH in the finished formulation preserves the icariin and epimedin flavonoid structure and prevents degradation over shelf life. For 10% extract grades, typical serving sizes are 250–500 mg per day; 40% extracts allow smaller capsule sizes for concentrated formulations and ingredient stacking. Synergistic combinations include: with hemp protein for athletic formulas, with ashwagandha or rhodiola for adaptogen stacks, with tongkat ali for male vitality blends, and with calcium and vitamin D3 for bone health products. Epimedium’s effects on hormonal pathways mean it is typically used in cyclical protocols (e.g., 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off) rather than continuous daily use at high doses; however, it is considered safe as part of a balanced daily supplement regimen at recommended doses.
FAQ
Q: How do you achieve high icariin content while maintaining certification?
A: We use a proprietary water-ethanol extraction process that uses only water and ethanol — strictly avoiding synthetic solvents such as hexane. This extraction method is optimized through controlled temperature, solvent ratio, and extraction time parameters to maximize icariin yield from epimedium leaves while preserving the full flavonoid spectrum including epimedin A, B, and C. The extraction process is validated for consistency across batches, and icariin content is verified by HPLC on every production batch.
Q: What is the difference between 10%, 20%, and 40% icariin extract grades?
A: The 10% extract grade is suitable for general wellness and formulation stacking — it provides meaningful bioactive levels at typical 250–500 mg daily servings while leaving capsule space for additional ingredients. The 20% grade offers a mid-range concentration for consumers seeking stronger potency in smaller capsule sizes. The 40% extract is a high-concentration isolate-grade for therapeutic formulations where maximum potency in minimal volume is required, such as professional-grade or prescription-adjacent supplement products. All grades maintain the complete flavonoid spectrum of the whole extract; the standardization refers specifically to icariin concentration.
Q: Is long-term use of epimedium safe?
A: Epimedium has a documented history of safe use in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over 2,000 years. At recommended doses (250–500 mg/day of 10% extract), it is considered safe for most adults. Due to its activity on hormonal and PDE5 pathways, it is commonly used in cyclical protocols (e.g., 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off) rather than continuous high-dose use. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional before use, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, hormonal disorders, or those taking PDE5-inhibiting medications or blood thinners. It is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Q: What are your minimum order quantities and shipping options?
A: We offer 1 kg free samples via FedEx, UPS, or EMS for quality verification. Standard bulk orders start at 25 kg with private label orders at 100 kg minimum. For custom icariin specifications (e.g., non-standard concentrations or particle sizes), please contact our sales team. Production lead time is typically 10–20 working days from order confirmation. We ship from Qingdao or Tianjin ports and accept payment via T/T, L/C, D/P, D/A, MoneyGram, Western Union, or Credit Card. Documentation including CofA with icariin content by HPLC, non-GMO certificate, heavy metals ICP-MS report, MSDS, and TDS is provided with every shipment.
PACKAGING & STORAGE
Packaging
| Format | Standard Packaging | Custom Options |
|---|---|---|
| Epimedium Extract Powder | 25 kg drums; 40 drums/pallet (40 × 40 × 60 cm) | 1 / 5 / 10 / 20 kg bags; customized packaging; branded packaging for private label |
Storage Conditions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool and dry place; ≤25°C recommended |
| Humidity | Low humidity; sealed packaging |
| Light | Away from direct sunlight (protects flavonoid integrity) |
| Odor | Away from strong odors |
| pH Stability | Near-neutral pH recommended in finished formulations |
| Shelf Life (sealed) | 24 months |
| Opened Packaging | Reseal tightly after opening; use within 6 months |
