Yin Yang Huo vs Saw Palmetto

Perennial of East Asian forests; leaf used in TCM as kidney yang tonic and aphrodisiac — extensively researched for bone health and sexual function.

Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern United States, long used by Native Americans for urinary and reproductive issues. It is one of the most commonly used herbal supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and has been widely studied in Europe for prostate health.

icariin, icariside II, epimedin A, epimedin B, flavonoids

Fatty acids, Beta-sitosterol, Lauric acid, Myristic acid, Oleic acid

Kidney yang deficiency in TCM, Impotence and low libido, Musculoskeletal conditions from kidney deficiency, Used in TCM kidney yang formulas

Urinary tract support, Prostate health, Male vitality, Hair loss prevention, Anti-inflammatory

Aphrodisiac (PDE-5 inhibition from icariin), Bone health research, Anti-inflammatory, Estrogenic activity

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Male pattern baldness, Prostate inflammation, Hormonal balance in men

6–15 g dried herb as decoction; 500 mg standardized extract (10% icariin) daily

160mg standardized extract (85-95% fatty acids) twice daily, or 320mg once daily

Hormone-sensitive conditions, Pregnancy, Cardiac arrhythmias (high doses)

Hormone-sensitive conditions, Bleeding disorders, Pre-surgery

Tachycardia at high doses, Hormonal effects, GI upset, Dizziness

Mild GI upset, Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Decreased libido (rare)