The Neuropharmacological Effects of Herba Epimedii and its Main Bioactive Components:Icariin,IcarisideⅡand Icartin

摘要：Herba Epimedii,a traditional & Chinese medicine(T&CM),is used as a tonic, remedy for calming the nerves and anti-rheumatic agent in some Chinese proprietary medicine. Icariin,icarisideⅡ and icartin,are main bioactive products present in this herb. Previous studies have demonstrated that these compounds possess broad therapeutic capabilities,especially anti-osteoporosis, anti-oxidative stress and anti-cancer effects. In recent years,growing numbers of researches have focused on pharmacological actions of Herba Epimedii in central nervous system. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that Herba Epimedii as agent for neurological disease,and our reports showed powerful neruoprotective effects of icariin and icarisideⅡ in Alzheimer's disease(AD)and ischemic brain injury. Mechanistically,icariin increased cerebral blood flow and amyloidβ-protein (Aβ)clearance,enhanced neurogenesis and memory,promoted synaptic plasticity may through the PDE5/NO/cGMP signaling pathway. Moreover,icariin is also efficient at anti-depression,and possible molecular mechanisms involve in decrease of the hyper-responsiveness of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF),regulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine system and anti-inflammation effect. Although some Chinese proprietary medicine which are contain icariin have been used for osteoporosis in clinic,but no agents for neurological diseases. To further promote the researches on prevention and treatment of Herba Epimedii on central nervous system diseases,this review aim to summarize the anti-AD,anti-aging, and anti-ischemic brain injury effects of compounds of Herba Epimedii with reference to published data. Base on the literature compiled,the compounds of Herba Epimedii have tremendous potential to be developed therapeutic drugs for AD,ischemic stroke and depression. It is our hope that traditional Chinese medicine health industry could promote the development of health and contribute to the health welfare for all.