Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Plants in Epimedium L.

Herba Epimedii is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for “strengthening the kidney” and “reinforcing bone” for a long time in China and other Asian countries. In this study, based on the large number of domestic and international references and research results, the authors reviewed pharmacological effects and the clinical application of species in genus Epimedium L. Meanwhile, chemical conversion and biotransformation of the major active compounds during the processing of the plants in Epimedium L. and their metabolism in vivo were summarized. This provides a guidance for the application and development in clinical therapy in the future.