[Progress of pharmacological research on icariin].

Icariin (ICA), as one of the flavones compounds, possess strong pharmacological effects. With wide body distribution, it even could pass through blood-brain barrier into brain tissues. When intaken as a pure compound, distribution of ICA in body was accord with open type of two compartment model. If it is one ingredient of a complex prescription, other component of these could promote the absorption and distribution of ICA. After metabolism, the main component left was its aglycone. A lot of research about ICA based on immunology, phymatology, genesiology and endocrinology sustained it was a valuable compounds. Recently more research about ICA concentrated their interesting to its mysterious effect on bone tissues, cardiovascular system and especially nervous systems.