Horny Goat Weed: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

When you may take horny goat weed, include treating health issues like erectile dysfunction and postmenopausal symptoms. This herbal supplement has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and includes various species in the Epimedium genus. It's 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. 

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Human-based studies on this plant and its benefits are limited. Most modern research on the health benefits of horny goat weed has only been conducted on animals or in test tubes (in vitro). Read on to learn about when to take horny goat weed, including possible benefits and risks.

Helps Improve Sexual Function

Treating erectile dysfunction is one of the more common reasons people use horny goat weed. Research has shown that icariin, or a compound found in horny goat weed, blocks phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This protein plays a role in erectile dysfunction. Most medications for erectile dysfunction, including Viagra (sildenafil), inhibit PDE5.

Animal and in vitro studies have shown the potential for horny goat weed to moderately improve blood flow to the penis. A review published in found no human studies that have examined this connection. More human-based research is needed to know if horny goat weed has a significant impact on sexual function in humans. 

May Prevent Plaque Build-Up in Arteries

Icariin has been shown to prevent the development of atherosclerosis in animals. Atherosclerosis is the build-up 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.

These studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro. It's uncertain whether these benefits would also be seen in humans.

Keep in mind that lifestyle changes can also reduce the risk of plaque build-up, high cholesterol, and heart disease. These lifestyle changes include:

• Eating plant-based foods
• Getting plenty of sleep

• Increasing your fiber intake
• Limiting saturated fats in your diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active

Might Improve Postmenopausal Symptoms

Horny goat weed has long been used in TCM to treat menopause symptoms. Icariin can mimic estrogen, which may support this benefit. 

A small study published in had postmenopausal people drink water with an extract of Herba Epimedii, or the plant's dried leaves, for six months. Those who drank the extract showed increased estrogen levels compared with those who had a placebo. 

Some postmenopausal people, especially those with metabolic syndrome, are also more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than others. In the same study, the participants who drank the extract saw reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

It's possible horny goat weed supplements may promote bone health in postmenopausal people. 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.

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 is sold in several forms, including tablets, capsules, powder, or tea. No research suggests what time of day is best or whether it needs to be taken on a full stomach. It's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage on the product label and consult a healthcare provider.  

Dosage

There's no standard recommended dose for horny goat weed. Natural products are not always safe to take in large amounts. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions listed on the product label. You can also speak to a healthcare provider to determine a safe dose for this supplement. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Epimedium Leaf Powder. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Is Horny Goat Weed Safe?

Horny goat weed may be safe when taken short-term, or less than 6 months. Avoid taking horny goat weed in high doses or long term, which can increase the risk of adverse side effects.

This supplement may not be safe for certain groups of people. Don't take horny goat weed, for example, if you have had recent surgery or have a blood disorder. Horny goat weed may slow blood clotting. 

Avoid taking this supplement if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. There's not enough research on the impacts of horny goat weed on these populations. 

Don't take horny goat weed if you have a hormone-related condition, such as endometriosis or breast cancer. Horny goat weed contains icariin, which mimics estrogen and may increase estrogen levels. 

Potential Drug Interactions

Horny goat weed may interact with some other drugs or supplements. These include: 

• Anticoagulants or antiplatelets: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This could cause bleeding and bruising when taken with other blood-thinning medications.
• Estrogens: Taking horny goat weed with estrogen could cause elevated levels of estrogen and increase estrogen-related side effects.
• Hypertensive drugs: Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure, which could cause blood pressure to drop too low if you take it with drugs that also lower blood pressure.
• Medications changed by the liver: Horny goat weed can change the speed at which certain medications are broken down by the liver. This can change the effects of the medications.

What To Look For

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimally regulates herbal supplements. 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. The product will have a seal from the company on its bottle if the supplement has been tested by one of these organizations. 

Keep in mind that these seals don't guarantee the safety or effectiveness of the product. They only ensure the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and is not contaminated by unlisted ingredients. It's best to speak to a healthcare provider when using a new herbal supplement.

Can You Take Too Much?

There's no recommended dosage of horny goat weed, so there's no known tolerable upper limit. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dose on the supplement label or that a 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. The most common side effects of horny goat weed, if taken orally, are:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reaction
• Pain
• Skin rash

Some more severe side effects have been reported, but they're rare. These include respiratory arrest and muscle spasms. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects.

A Quick Review

Horny goat weed is an herb commonly used in TCM. It may treat erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis in postmenopausal people, and atherosclerosis. There are not enough high-quality studies with humans to confirm these benefits. 

Seek guidance when considering using this herb, especially in the long term or in high amounts. Horny goat weed may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Speak to a healthcare provider if you're interested in taking this supplement to see if it's safe for you. 

Horny goat weed is an herb that has been a traditional remedy in China for centuries. It&#;s used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and other conditions.

Why do people take horny goat weed?

Some men take horny goat weed in the belief that it&#;s a natural alternative to drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED). Although still preliminary, there&#;s new evidence to support the idea. Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to increase blood flow and improve sexual function, or act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for ED. Horny goat weed also contains phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.

Horny goat weed has also been studied as a treatment for other conditions, like osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries. The results from studies conducted abroad show promise, however better clinical studies are still needed.

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