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п»їWhat Is Horny Goat Weed?
Isabel Vasquez is a freelance writer and bilingual registered dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating, culturally sensitive framework.
Published on May 26, 2023.
Medically reviewed by.
Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, operates a private practice in Santa Monica where he specializes in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative medicine.
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Horny goat weed is an herbal supplement that includes various species in the Epimedium genus. It is sometimes referred to as Epimedium, barrenwort, or Yin Yang Huo. Many of its known benefits are associated with a compound found in the plant called icariin.
Horny goat weed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health issues including erectile dysfunction, joint pain, and postmenopausal symptoms. Some research even suggests it can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. However, human-based studies on this plant and its benefits are limited.
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. The effects of supplements vary from person to person and depend on many variables, including type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements.
Benefits of Horny Goat Weed.
Most modern research on the health benefits of horny goat weed has only been conducted on animals or in test tubes (in vitro). Research on how beneficial this plant may be among humans is limited.
May Improve Sexual Function.
Treating erectile dysfunction is one of the more common reasons people use horny goat weed.
Older in vitro research has shown icariin, a compound found in horny goat weed, blocks phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), a protein that plays a role in erectile dysfunction. Most medications for erectile dysfunction, including Viagra (sildenafil), also act by inhibiting PDE5.
Other animal and in vitro studies have shown the potential for horny goat weed to moderately improve blood flow to the penis.
A systematic review of studies found no human studies examining this connection. More human-based research is needed to determine if horny goat weed has a significant impact on sexual function in humans.
May Prevent Plaque Build-Up in Arteries.
Horny goat weed’s compound of interest, icariin, has been shown to prevent the development of atherosclerosis in animals. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats and cholesterol on the artery walls, which can lead to a clogged artery.
Icariin has cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which is why it may help prevent this condition.
Again, these studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro, so it is uncertain whether these benefits would be seen in humans as well.
May Improve Postmenopausal Symptoms.
Horny goat weed has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat symptoms related to menopause. The plant’s compound of icariin, which can mimic estrogen, may support this benefit.
One small study had postmenopausal women drink water with an extract of Herba Epimedii –the plant’s dried leaves–for six months. Those who drank the extract showed increased estrogen levels compared with those who had a placebo.
After menopause, women are also more likely to have higher cholesterol levels. In the same study, the women who drank the extract saw reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Horny goat weed may also help protect bone health in women who have gone through menopause.
During menopause, decreases in estrogen can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. This is because estrogen plays an important role in regulating bone health.
Since horny goat weed contains icariin, which mimics estrogen in the body, it is possible horny goat weed supplements may promote bone health in postmenopausal women.
However, most research on horny goat weed for bone health has been done using animal models. Research on human subjects is necessary to further explore this benefit.
How to Take Horny Goat Weed.
Horny goat weed is sold in several forms including tablets, capsules, powder, or tea. There is no research to suggest what time of day is best or whether it needs to be taken on a full stomach. Since research is limited, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage on the product label and to consult with a healthcare provider.
Dosage.
There is not a standard recommended dose for horny goat weed. Natural products are not always safe to take in large amounts, so be sure to follow the dosing instructions listed on the product label. You can also speak with your healthcare provider to determine a safe dose for this supplement.
Is Horny Goat Weed Safe?
Horny goat weed may be safe when taken short-term, or less than 6 months.
The supplement may not be safe for certain groups of people. If you have had recent surgery or have a blood disorder, you should not take horny goat weed as it may slow blood clotting.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid taking this supplement since there is not enough research on the impacts of horny goat weed on these populations.
You should also not take it if you have a hormone-related condition, such as endometriosis or breast cancer. Horny goat weed contains icariin, a compound that mimics estrogen and may increase estrogen levels.
Avoid taking horny goat weed in high doses or long-term, as this can increase the risk of adverse side effects.
Potential Drug Interactions.
Medications changed by the liver: Horny goat weed can change the speed at which certain medications are broken down by the liver, potentially changing the effects of the medications. Hypertensive drugs: Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure, which could cause blood pressure to drop too low when taken with medications that also lower blood pressure. Anticoagulants or antiplatelets: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This could cause bleeding and bruising when taken with other blood-thinning medications. Estrogens: Since horny goat weed may increase estrogen levels, taking it with estrogen could cause elevated levels of estrogen and increase estrogen-related side effects.
What to Look For.
Herbal supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When buying a supplement, look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Organizations that offer third-party testing include ConsumerLab, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia. If the supplement has been tested by one of these organizations, the product will have a seal from the company on its bottle.
Keep in mind that these seals do not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of the product. They only ensure that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and is not contaminated by unlisted ingredients.
When using a new herbal supplement, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider first.
Can You Take Too Much Horny Goat Weed?
There is no recommended dosage of horny goat weed. As a result, there is no known tolerable upper limit. Since research is limited, be careful not to exceed the recommended dose on the supplement label or that your healthcare provider set for you.
Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed.
You may experience some side effects when taking horny goat weed as a supplement.
When taken orally, the most common side effects of horny goat weed are:
Dizziness Dry mouth Nosebleed Thirst Vomiting.
Some more severe side effects have been reported, though they are rare. These include respiratory arrest and muscle spasms.
There have been case reports of people taking horny goat weed who experience other symptoms like an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachyarrhythmia) or a state of higher-than-usual energy (hypomania). But because the people were taking other supplements or medications or had other conditions, it is unclear whether honey goat weed alone caused the changes.
If you experience any of these side effects, contact a healthcare provider.
A Quick Review.
Horny goat weed is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It may help treat erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis among postmenopausal women, and atherosclerosis. However, there are not enough high-quality studies with humans to confirm these benefits.
Since there is inadequate research on the benefits, risks, and safe dosages, seek guidance when considering using this herb, especially in the long term or in high amounts. Horny goat weed may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Speak with a healthcare provider if you are interested in taking this supplement to determine if it is safe for you.
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