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Horny Goat Weed Aerial Extract

Also known as: Horny goat weed, Bishop’s hat, Fairy wings, Rowdy lamb herb, Barrenwort, Yin Yang Huo, Epimedium

Overview

Horny goat weed, scientifically known as *Epimedium*, is a perennial plant found in Asia, Europe, and Africa. It has a long history in traditional medicine, where it's used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and antirheumatic agent. The plant contains over 200 chemical constituents, with flavonoids like icariin, icaritin, and epimedin considered the active ingredients. It is often used to address conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular issues. The extract is believed to improve blood flow and sexual function, and it contains phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen. Research on horny goat weed is somewhat limited, with most evidence stemming from small clinical trials, animal studies, and traditional use. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Benefits

Horny goat weed is purported to offer several health benefits, though the evidence supporting these claims varies. Icariin, a key flavonoid, has shown potential in inhibiting PDE5, similar to sildenafil, suggesting a possible benefit for erectile dysfunction, but human studies are limited and inconclusive. A meta-analysis indicated that horny goat weed total flavonoids may increase bone mineral density in individuals with osteoporosis, although the clinical significance of this effect is uncertain. Some studies suggest potential cardiovascular benefits, such as treating high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, but these findings require confirmation through rigorous trials. It may also help alleviate menopausal symptoms by decreasing cholesterol and increasing estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, but current evidence is insufficient to support its use for these conditions. Benefits, if any, are typically observed over several months.

How it works

Horny goat weed's primary mechanism of action is attributed to icariin, which inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme involved in regulating blood flow and erection. This inhibition is similar to how sildenafil works. Additionally, horny goat weed exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activities. It interacts with the cardiovascular and reproductive systems by improving blood flow and potentially enhancing sexual function. The phytoestrogen content also contributes to its estrogen-like effects. The absorption and bioavailability of horny goat weed extracts are not well-studied, but it is typically administered orally in tablet or capsule form.

Side effects

Horny goat weed is generally well-tolerated when used short-term, but long-term use or high doses may lead to adverse effects. Common side effects include minor abdominal discomfort and nausea. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include hypersensitivity reactions, skin rash, and allergic dermatitis. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, can include severe breathing problems and other serious issues. It may interact with medications metabolized by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 substrates) and may increase the effects and side effects of estrogen when taken concurrently. It is possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking certain medications should consult a doctor before use. Those with allergies to plants in the *Berberidaceae* family should avoid it, and it should not be combined with ibuprofen or other OTC pain relievers.

Dosage

Typical dosages of horny goat weed range from 250 to 500 mg per day, although the minimum effective dose is not well-established. Extracts containing icariin or phytoestrogens have been used safely for up to 6 months to 2 years in some studies. There is no established maximum safe dose, but high doses or long-term use may increase the risk of adverse effects. It is generally taken once daily, and no specific timing recommendations are available. Horny goat weed is available in tablets and capsules, often combined with other botanicals. The absorption factors are not well-studied, but oral administration is the common method. It is sometimes used in combination with other supplements or calcium for osteoporosis treatment.

FAQs

Is horny goat weed safe?

It is generally safe when used short-term, but long-term use or high doses may pose risks. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and if you have certain medical conditions or are taking specific medications. Consult a healthcare provider.

When should I take horny goat weed?

It can be taken once daily, but there are no specific timing recommendations. Consistency is key, so choose a time that is easy to remember and stick to it.

How long does it take to see results?

Benefits, if any, are typically observed over several months. However, the evidence for its efficacy is limited, and individual results may vary. Manage expectations accordingly.

Is horny goat weed an effective treatment for ED?

It is often misconceived as a highly effective treatment for ED without sufficient scientific evidence. While some studies show potential, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Research Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583203/ – This source provides a general overview of herbal supplements, including horny goat weed. It notes that horny goat weed has not been associated with liver injury in large registries and case series, suggesting a relatively low risk of hepatotoxicity.
https://examine.com/research-feed/study/1YeRK1/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that horny goat weed total flavonoids increased bone mineral density in participants with osteoporosis. However, the study also notes that the clinical significance of this effect is uncertain due to the limited number of studies and small sample sizes.
https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/horny-goat-weed – This article provides an overview of horny goat weed and its purported benefits for erectile dysfunction. It highlights that human studies evaluating its efficacy for ED are limited and have yielded no definitive findings, suggesting that more research is needed.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-699/horny-goat-weed – This source offers general information about horny goat weed, including its uses, side effects, and potential interactions. It emphasizes the need for caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding and advises consulting a healthcare provider before use.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31036522/ – This study analyzes popular online erectile dysfunction supplements, including horny goat weed. It concludes that human studies evaluating the efficacy of horny goat weed for ED are limited and have yielded no definitive findings, and consumer reviews often show biased and unreliable results.