Icaritin

Icaritin is a natural prenylated flavonoid aglycone derived from the plant genus Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) that functions primarily as a clinically approved immunomodulatory anti-cancer agent, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), an osteogenic agent, and a neuroprotectant. Formed through the complete deglycosylation of parent saponins like icariin and baohuoside I, its sugar-free molecular architecture gives it exceptional lipophilicity and bioavailability. It is globally unique because it successfully transitioned from traditional herbal medicine to a formally registered pharmaceutical, specifically approved by the NMPA in China as a first-line immunomodulatory small-molecule therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).