Delving into the Latest Updates on Epimedium Extract with Synapse

Overview

Basic Info

Drug Type

Herbal medicine

Synonyms

Epimedium Prenylflavonoids Extract, Icariin, Yin Yang Huo

Target

AMPK x PGC-1α

Action

modulators

Mechanism

AMPK modulators(AMP activated protein kinase modulators), PGC-1α modulators(Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha modulators)

Therapeutic Areas

Skin and Musculoskeletal DiseasesOther DiseasesNervous System Diseases+ [2]

Active Indication

Acne VulgarisAtrophic acne scarChemotherapy-induced damage+ [4]

Inactive Indication

Bipolar DisorderOsteoporosisSubstance Abuse

Originator Organization-

Active Organization

Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM

Jilin Agricultural University

Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine

+ [1]

Inactive Organization

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

National University Hospital

License Organization-

Drug Highest PhaseClinical

First Approval Date-

Regulation-

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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, are directly involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix preceding uncontrolled cancer growth and metastasis. For these reasons, MMPs are considered key therapeutic targets in the development of cancer treatments. Acknowledged for its prophylactic effects against various diseases including cancer, physical exercise has been reported to boost the immune system, enhance endogenous defence mechanisms, manage oxidative stress, and regulate MMP. Despite its benefits, patients with compromised capacity for physical activity due to injuries and frailty are often unable to take advantage of them. As a possible solution for this problem, the alternative therapeutic approach of exercise mimetics has been gaining traction through pharmacological interventions. Exercise mimetics are pharmacological agents that partially mimic the molecular and physiological benefits of physical exercise without requiring actual physical activity. Recent studies have indicated that the potential of these compounds may serve as candidates for further investigation in cancer treatment. In this study, the possible anti-cancer and anti-metastatic-related effects of six selected exercise mimetics (i.e., AICAR, Icariin, Berberine, Betaine, GW501516, and Metformin) were investigated by targeting activity and/or expression of MMP-2/9 in in vitro model. These compounds (i) inhibited MMP-2 activity by interacting with the active site and/or allosteric sites, (ii) downregulated MMP-2/9 expression by influencing STAT3 signalling pathways, and (iii) reduced lung cancer cells (A549) viability to varying degrees. Among the exercise mimetics, Icariin and Berberine have relatively stronger effects on both the activity of MMP-2 and the expression of MMP-2/9 in cancer cells. These findings highlight the novel potential of exercise mimetics as targeted cancer therapeutics through the regulation of MMP activity and expression in cancer progression and metastasis.

01 Jun 2026·COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY

Quality evaluation of Epmedii Folium from different species based on spectrum-efficacy relationship

Article

Author: Cai, Zhichen ; Chen, Cuihua ; Zou, Lisi ; Shi, Jingjing ; Liu, Xunhong ; Chen, Haijie ; Xue, Jia ; Zhou, Yongyi

Epimedii Folium (EF) is a widely used traditional Chinese drug that encompasses a variety of species. It has been reported that the active constituents in EF vary, leading to the uneven quality of commercial medicinal materials. To investigate the specific differences, we developed a comprehensive evaluation method to access the quality of EF from four species. First, UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS was used to generate characteristic fingerprints of Epimedium samples; second, adenine-induced Kidney Yang deficiency model was established to evaluate the quality of four Epimedium varieties by evaluating biochemical markers and morphology; third, multivariate statistical analysis, including gray correlation analysis and bivariate correlation analysis was combined; and finally, UPLC-QTRAP MS/MS identified a potential biomarker. The results showed that 12 common peaks were identified in 40 batches derived from four Epimedium species. The severity of kidney and testicular lesions in experimental groups of rats showed significant improvement compared with the model. GCA and BCA indicated that three ingredients, icariin, quercitrin, and epimedin B were potential biomarkers, confirmed using LC-MS. In addition, epimedin B and icariin were significantly higher in EBM compared to the other three species, consistent with the pharmacological tests. The quality and efficacy of EF from different origins were stable, and all of them had protective effects on Kidney Yang deficiency of rats. Especially, all data suggested that EBM possesses superior quality than the other three. Overall, our work offers fundamental data for the thorough assessment and a fresh viewpoint on the quality control of EF from several species.

01 Mar 2026·CELLULAR SIGNALLING

Icariin attenuates premature ovarian insufficiency via a phytoestrogenic mechanism mediated by the ERβ/SIRT3 pathway

Article

Author: Wang, Ning ; Tong, Siyao ; Yang, Jiaojiao ; Zhao, Piwen

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects up to 1 % of the female population worldwide. Icariin (ICA) has shown promising potential for the alleviation of POI. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of ICA warrant further exploration. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which ICA improves ovarian function via antioxidant effects mediated by the ERβ/SIRT3 pathway. Cisplatin-induced murine models of POI were used to systematically investigate the cytoprotective efficacy of ICA by comprehensive ovarian histopathological analysis, follicular quantification, estrous cycle monitoring, serum hormonal profiling, and the evaluation of biomarkers of ovarian oxidative stress and apoptosis. Then, an integrated methodological approach encompassing molecular docking, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, was implemented to analyze the mechanism of the ERβ/SIRT3 pathway in conferring antioxidant protection in vitro against ICA. In cisplatin-induced murine models of POI, the administration of ICA significantly elevated follicle counts, restored normal estrous cyclicity, and normalized serum hormone levels (p < 0.01). Furthermore, ICA activated the ERβ/SIRT3 pathway, thus ameliorating cisplatin-induced ovarian oxidative damage. In vitro, ICA conferred protection against H₂O₂-induced injury in KGN cells. Mechanistically, ICA enhanced the binding of ERβ to the promoter of the SIRT3 gene, thereby promoting the activation of SIRT3. Critically, the protective effects of ICA were abolished following the pharmacological inhibition of ERβ or SIRT3. ICA ameliorated cisplatin-induced ovarian oxidative damage by activating the ERβ/SIRT3 pathway, providing scientific evidence for its potential as a therapeutic agent for POI. This finding facilitates further optimization of drug design and could enhance the quality-of-life for patients with POI.

1

News (Medical) associated with Epimedium Extract

26 Sep 2022

·www.biospace.com

Creative Enzymes Announces the Start of Year-End Promotion on Its Kosher Certified Products

Creative Enzymes, a professional enzyme provider located in New York, USA, is always hammering away at research and trials in order to provide customers with enzyme services and products with its greatest effort. Creative Enzymes today announced extensive savings on the full range of Kosher Certified Products in its year-end promotion, which runs until December 29, 2022. Kosher Certification is the stamp of kosher approval by a rabbinic agency verifying checked products ingredients, production facility, and actual production to ensure that all ingredients, derivatives, tools and machinery have no trace of non-kosher substances. The Kosher Certified symbol assures consumers that both the actual product and its production adhere to all Kosher Law requirements. The promotion will enable biologists to save money on premium Kosher-certified products. Creative Enzymes provides the following featured Kosher certified products: Epimedium Extract Epimedium extract, also known as horny goat weed extract, has been used to treat male erectile dysfunction, which enhances sperm production, stimulates nervous sensation, and indirectly promotes sexual desire. Lotus Leaf Extract Lotus leaf extract can significantly reduce serum cholesterol levels of glycerol and glycerol, and plays a role in regulating blood lipid health. Astragalus Extract Astragalus extract astragaloside has been used to promote the discharge of urine, lower blood pressure, and increase endurance. Maca Root Extract Maca root extract powder contains several biologically active components that may help enhance physical energy and endurance. Bilberry Extract Bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavors, and tannins that inhibit cancer cell development and inflammation. Capsicum Extract Capsaicin in capsicum consists of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Rosemary Extract Rosemary extract reveals growing popularity among certain food producers due to its ability to act as a natural preservative. Native Roxburgh Superoxide Dismutase Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. SOD plays a critical role in the defense of oxygen radicals. “This promotion is definitely a unique offer. For many years, we have been committed to providing our customers with cost-effective and high-quality services and products. We are pleased to offer our customers widely discounted prices on most of our products and are fully aware that only high-quality products can reward their support and trust,” said Creative Enzymes’s Chief Scientist. About Creative Enzymes Creative Enzymes is a remarkable supplier and manufacturer in the enzymology field. Equipped with advanced technology platforms, Creative Enzymes is able to offer high-quality and professional services to customers. Its products and services have been widely used institutionally for academia and industrially for pharmaceuticals. Contact Address: Shirley, NY 11967, USA Email: contact@creative-enzymes.com

100 Deals associated with Epimedium Extract

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R&D Status

10 top R&D records.

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Indication	Highest Phase	Country/Location	Organization	Date
Bipolar Disorder	Phase 3	United States	The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center	01 Oct 2013
Substance Abuse	Phase 3	United States	The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center	01 Oct 2013
Cardiovascular Diseases	Phase 1	Singapore	National University Hospital	01 Oct 2016
Osteoporosis	Phase 1	Singapore	National University Hospital	01 Oct 2016
Acne Vulgaris	Clinical	South Korea	Seoul National University Hospital	21 Mar 2023
Atrophic acne scar	Clinical	South Korea	Seoul National University Hospital	21 Mar 2023
Chemotherapy-induced damage	Preclinical	China	Jilin Agricultural University	19 May 2025
Neurodegenerative Diseases	Preclinical	China	Jilin Agricultural University	19 May 2025
Diabetic Cardiomyopathies	Preclinical	China	Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM	01 May 2025
Myocardial fibrosis	Preclinical	China	Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM	01 May 2025