Horny Goat Weed And Maca Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Horny Goat Weed and Maca Glycerite Liquid Extract, Horny Goat Weed: Yin Yang Huo, fairy wings, Maca: Peruvian ginseng, Epimedium grandiflorum/sagittatum and Lepidium meyenii Glycerite Extract, Epimedium/Lepidium meyenii Glycerite Extract
Overview
Horny Goat Weed and Maca glycerite liquid extract combines two herbal supplements traditionally used for enhancing sexual health and physical performance. Horny Goat Weed, derived from *Epimedium* species, contains icariin, a flavonoid with PDE5 inhibitory activity. Maca, a root vegetable from the Andes, contains macamides and macaenes, linked to endurance and hormonal effects. Horny Goat Weed is primarily used for erectile dysfunction and libido enhancement, while Maca is used to improve physical performance, sexual function, and hormonal balance. Maca has a growing body of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, while Horny Goat Weed has limited high-quality RCTs; most evidence is preclinical or observational. Both are generally considered safe when used at recommended doses, but caution is advised for individuals with specific health conditions or taking certain medications.
Benefits
Maca supplementation shows a large effect size on physical performance measures such as forced swimming, grip strength, and rota-rod tests, indicating substantial improvements in endurance and strength. Maca may also improve sexual desire and hormone levels, although effect sizes vary. Horny Goat Weed’s active ingredient icariin has been shown in animal models to improve erectile function and may reduce diabetic kidney disease progression via G protein-coupled estrogen receptor modulation, but human clinical data are sparse and inconclusive. Horny Goat Weed may have mild vasodilatory and bone-protective effects, but these are primarily from preclinical studies. Maca benefits have been demonstrated in healthy adults and athletes for physical performance enhancement. Horny Goat Weed is traditionally used in men with mild erectile dysfunction, but robust clinical evidence is lacking.
How it works
Maca’s macamides may enhance mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, improving endurance. Maca influences endocrine function, potentially modulating sex hormones and adrenal activity. Horny Goat Weed’s icariin acts as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, increasing nitric oxide and vasodilation. Horny Goat Weed affects vascular smooth muscle and may modulate estrogen receptors. Maca compounds are absorbed orally with bioavailability affected by preparation (powder vs. extract). Icariin from Horny Goat Weed has moderate bioavailability; formulations vary in absorption.
Side effects
Both supplements are generally considered safe when used at recommended doses. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported with Maca. Horny Goat Weed may cause dry mouth and dizziness. Possible allergic reactions or mild headaches are uncommon. No serious adverse events have been reported in controlled trials. Horny Goat Weed’s PDE5 inhibition may interact with nitrates or antihypertensive drugs. Maca has minimal known drug interactions. Caution is advised in patients on blood pressure or hormone-sensitive medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid due to lack of safety data.
Dosage
For Maca, studies show benefits at doses around 1.5 to 3 grams per day, with up to 5 g/day generally tolerated. For Horny Goat Weed, effective doses of icariin range from 60 to 200 mg per day in supplements, translating to 200–600 mg extract/day standardized to icariin content. Safety at high doses of Horny Goat Weed is not well established; caution is advised. Maca is often taken daily for several weeks to months. Horny Goat Weed may be taken daily or as needed. Maca glycerite liquid extracts may offer better absorption than powders. Horny Goat Weed glycerite extracts provide a standardized icariin dose. Fat-containing meals may enhance absorption of icariin.
FAQs
Is it safe to combine Horny Goat Weed and Maca?
Generally considered safe, but caution advised if taking medications affecting blood pressure or hormones. Consult a healthcare professional before combining.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Maca benefits may appear after 2-4 weeks; Horny Goat Weed effects may be more immediate but less well documented. Individual results may vary.
Are these supplements effective for erectile dysfunction?
Maca shows modest benefits; Horny Goat Weed has traditional use but limited clinical evidence. Other treatments may be more effective.
Can these supplements improve athletic performance?
Maca has strong evidence for improving endurance and strength; Horny Goat Weed lacks robust data. Maca is the more reliable choice for athletic enhancement.
Are there any risks of hormone disruption?
Maca appears to balance hormones without significant disruption; Horny Goat Weed’s estrogen receptor activity warrants caution. Monitor for any hormonal side effects.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39796542/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis including 21 studies (16 in meta-analysis) with animal and human RCTs found large effect sizes for physical performance outcomes (SMDs 2.26 to 6.26), statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study concluded that Maca significantly enhances physical performance with robust evidence, while noting heterogeneity in study designs and populations as a limitation.
- https://journals.ekb.eg/article_347204_1fde651d121ce5293898c3cba4b95919.pdf – An animal study demonstrated that icariin, the active compound in Horny Goat Weed, inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and promotes GPER expression, reducing tissue apoptosis in diabetic rats. This provides mechanistic insight into potential benefits, but lacks direct human clinical data, and the clinical relevance needs confirmation.
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/699.html – MedlinePlus provides a summary of clinical evidence and reviews on Horny Goat Weed, noting limited RCTs and mostly traditional use and preclinical studies. It suggests some evidence for mild PDE5 inhibition and libido enhancement, but emphasizes that the lack of large, well-controlled human trials limits definitive conclusions.
- https://examine.com/supplements/horny-goat-weed/research/ – Examine.com's research analysis on Horny Goat Weed highlights the limited clinical trial data and emphasizes that most evidence is based on traditional use and preclinical studies. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the lack of large, well-controlled human trials limits definitive conclusions about its efficacy.