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Horny Goat Weed Leaf Extract

Also known as: Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, Bishop's Mitre

Overview

Horny goat weed (*Epimedium*) is a perennial plant used in traditional medicine as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and antirheumatic agent. It contains flavonoids like icariin, icaritin, and epimedin, believed to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activities. While used for erectile dysfunction, sexual problems, and osteoporosis, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. Research is primarily small-scale or observational, with few rigorous controlled trials. The plant is found in wetlands across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Extracts are available in various forms, often combined with other botanicals. The quality of evidence is generally low to moderate, relying on traditional use and small studies.

Benefits

Limited evidence suggests horny goat weed may improve bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis. A meta-analysis indicated that horny goat weed total flavonoids increased bone mineral density, but the clinical significance requires further clarification. Postmenopausal women may experience benefits in bone mineral density and reduced cholesterol levels, although these findings are based on small-scale studies. Some studies suggest potential improvements in sexual satisfaction, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease, but these effects lack rigorous support. Benefits, if any, are typically observed over several months of use, as shown in a study on bone loss in postmenopausal women after 24 months of use with calcium supplements. Overall, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

Horny goat weed's active ingredients, particularly flavonoids like icariin, icaritin, and epimedin, are believed to exert anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects. These compounds may act as phytoestrogens, influencing estrogen levels and related biological pathways. The herb may interact with the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure, and with the endocrine system by influencing estrogen levels. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, the flavonoids are thought to interact with cellular pathways involved in inflammation, immune response, and hormone regulation. Absorption and bioavailability information is limited, but it is generally taken orally.

Side effects

Horny goat weed is generally considered safe for short-term use, but long-term safety and high-dose safety are less clear. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects include respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid, irregular heartbeat, as well as behavioral changes such as irritable mood and feelings of aggression. Rare side effects include severe breathing problems, hypersensitivity reactions, skin rash, and allergic dermatitis. It may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, particularly those involving the CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 pathways, and with estrogen. It is possibly unsafe during pregnancy and should be used with caution in individuals taking medications metabolized by the liver.

Dosage

Typical dosages of horny goat weed range from 250 to 500 mg per day, although the minimum effective dose is not well-established. Optimal dosages are not clearly defined, but extracts containing icariin or total flavonoids have been used safely for up to 6 months to 2 years in some studies. The maximum safe dose is not established, and high doses and long-term use are associated with increased risk of side effects. It is generally taken once daily, with no specific timing recommendation. It is available in tablets and capsules, often combined with other botanicals. Limited information is available on factors affecting absorption, but oral bioavailability is assumed to be moderate. Calcium supplements may enhance bone health benefits in postmenopausal women.

FAQs

Is horny goat weed safe?

It is generally safe for short-term use, but long-term and high-dose safety are less clear. Monitor for side effects and drug interactions.

When should I take horny goat weed?

It is typically taken once daily, but there is no specific timing recommendation.

How long does it take to see results?

Benefits, if any, are typically observed over several months of use. However, evidence for most claimed benefits is insufficient.

Is horny goat weed effective for sexual health?

Despite claims, there is no strong evidence to support its use for sexual health, energy, strength, or performance.

Research Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583203/ – This source provides a general overview of horny goat weed, including its traditional uses and chemical constituents. It notes that horny goat weed has not been linked to significant liver injury, but also highlights the limited research supporting its various claimed benefits.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35998248/ – This study investigates the effects of horny goat weed. Further details about the specific findings would require direct access to the study, but it contributes to the body of evidence regarding the supplement's potential effects.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-699/horny-goat-weed – WebMD provides consumer-oriented information about horny goat weed, including its uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It serves as a general reference but should be supplemented with peer-reviewed research for clinical decision-making.
https://examine.com/research-feed/study/1YeRK1/ – This research feed summarizes a study on horny goat weed, indicating that horny goat weed total flavonoids increased bone mineral density. The study suggests potential benefits for bone health, but also acknowledges the need for further research to clarify the clinical significance.
https://www.opss.org/article/horny-goat-weed-dietary-supplements – This article discusses the risks associated with horny goat weed dietary supplements, including the potential for adulteration with prescription drugs. It highlights the lack of strong evidence supporting its use for various health conditions and warns about possible serious side effects.