Abstract:Through herbalogical study, the author has come to the conclusian that Epimedium brevicornum is one of the earliest herbal species used as medicine. Some other species of Epimedium have also been used. Adulterants of non-E pimedium were discovered as early as in the Song Dynasty. Commercial investigation has shown that the Epimedium presently available on the market in China comprises over 10 species, including 4 species incorporated in the 1985 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopeia.