Epimedium L. is well known medicinal genus of Chinese pharmacopoeia. Various species are ethno-botanically used against diseases of eye and kidney,
impotence,
asthma,
arthritis and
hypertension; besides being used as
analeptic,
expectorant, antibacterial,
hypoglycemic,
vasodilator and refrigerant. Recent studies have attributed most of these medicinal properties to its
flavonoid glycosides, especially
Icariin which is the major pharmacologically active constituent.
Icariin has been found to possess effective
aphrodisiac,
antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, vasodilatory,
antidepressant and anti-
osteoporosis activities.
Icariside-II, another active constituent, has cytotoxic and
cytostatic effects on 6
cancer cell-lines, and immunosuppressive effects on allograft rejection. In this present study, Epimedium elatum Morr. and Decne., the only species of this genus growing in Indian subcontinent, has been investigated for its medicinal value by determining the content of pharmacologically active constituents,
Icariin and
Icariside-II, by HPLC method. HPLC analysis of alcohol extract of its shade dried parts was performed with reverse phase C-18 column. The mobile phase for
Icariin was
acetonitrile-water in gradient mode; while for
Icariside-II, it was
methanol-water. The effluent was monitored at 270 nm. The results have revealed an appreciable content of
Icariin and
Icariside-II in its aerial and underground parts; the content being higher in populations growing at higher altitudes. The substantial presence of pharmacologically active constituents,
Icariin and
Icariside-II, in this species of Epimedium, signifies its value as a medicinal plant.