The origin of Epimedium Herb in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Eighteenth Edition is the terrestrial part of Epimedium koreanum Nakai, Epimedium grandiflorum Morren var. thunbergianum Nakai, Epimedium pubescens Maximowicz, Epimedium brevicornu Maximowicz, Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying, Epimedium sagittatum Maximowicz or Epimedium sempervirens Nakai (Berberidaceae). Epimedium Herb is used for medicinal liquors and health drinks. Epimedium Herb contains icariin as a characteristic compound.
In order to help better understanding and facilitate quality control of Epimedium Herb, methods for quantitative analyses of icariin in Epimedium Herb are elaborated.
