Icariin dosage

Icariin is a glycosylated flavonoid found primarily in the genus Epimedium (or vigory goat weed), widely used in nutraceutical formulations for its aphrodisiac, tonic, and microcirculation-stimulating .
Icariin testing ensures the standardization and conformity , and traceability of Epimedium-based dietary supplements.

Principle and operation of the method

The analysis relies on high-precision chromatographic techniques, adapted to complex matrices:

• HPLC-DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection) : allows the specific quantification of icariin and its derivatives (icariside I, II, epimedin A, B, C) thanks to their characteristic absorption profiles in the UV.
• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry) : offers high-sensitivity detection, ideal for low-concentration extracts or multi-active mixtures.

These methods guarantee a reliable, sensitive and selective analysis , in accordance with the standards of the Chinese and European pharmacopoeia for Epimedium-based products.

Analytical performance and related analyses

Icariin analysis is part of standardization testing for flavonoids and polyphenols . For a complete characterization of plant extracts, this service can be combined with other analyses from the YesWeLab catalog, such as:

• the dosage of quercetin ,
• the dosage of rutin ,
• the dosage of troxerutin ,
• or the dosage of vicenin-2 .

These additional analyses make it possible to obtain a complete flavonoid profile , essential for the scientific and commercial valorization of natural extracts.

Applications and areas of use

Icariin measurement is particularly used in:

• the nutraceutical industry : to standardize Epimedium extracts used in products intended to be tonic, aphrodisiac or anti-fatigue;
• phytochemical research : to study the bioactivity, bioavailability and metabolic interactions of Epimedium flavonoids;
• quality control : to verify the conformity of plant raw materials and finished supplements with technical specifications.

The matrices analyzed include dry extracts, plant powders, capsules, tablets and liquid formulations.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab provides access to a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories specializing in chromatographic and phytochemical analyses.
Each sample is directed to the most appropriate laboratory based on the matrix and the desired method (HPLC-DAD, LC-MS/MS, etc.).

Thanks to its digital platform , YesWeLab simplifies the analytical process: quote requests, sample management, online tracking, and results viewing.
Since 2020, numerous players in the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic have trusted YesWeLab to guarantee the quality and compliance of their plant extracts.

For any specific analysis or icariin assay , contact our scientific team to obtain a customized quote and personalized technical support.