Icariin is a naturally occurring compound isolatable from several plant species within the genus Epimedium which is mostly endemic to China. Plant extracts containing icarrin have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as aphrodisiacs and to treat erectile dysfunction. Icariin has been investigated in humans as a treatment method for bipolar disorder and alcohol or cocaine abuse (Phase III). For the treatment of impotence, icariin has been shown to be a weak PDE5 inhibitor capable of enhancing the production of nitric oxide. Also related to PDE5 activity icarrin has been investigated as a potential treatment in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Icariin is sold worldwide as an over-the-counter medication for sexual performance, athletic performance, and other health benefits (it improves memory function, protects from osteoporosis, etc).

L-methylephedrine is an isomer of DL form, which possesses beta 1-adrenoceptor agonist activity, while d-isomer is suggested to have only low or no affinity for beta 1-adrenoceptors.

Baicalin is a flavonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity extracted from Scutellarua rivularis. Limited distribution data suggest that baicalin reached several sites such as the brain, eye lens, thymus, etc. Metabolism data suggest the rapid conversion of baicalin to baicalein. Baicalin has the potential to be used in novel anti-cancer therapeutic formulations for treatment of ovarian cancer and other cancers. Baicalin markedly inhibits replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in a concentration-dependent manner in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro. The preventive medication of baicalin shows a protective effect on C57 BL mouse with Parkinson's disease induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).