Your Position: Home - Plant Extract - 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:
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.
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:
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.
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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:
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.
But what conditions does horny goat weed aim to treat and is it even effective as an herbal supplement? In this article, well explain how horny goat weed is thought to help people experiencing ED, as well as how its used, where its found, and more.
When it comes to treating illness or physical health conditions, you may be curious about exploring the benefits of natural herbs and supplements. While certain medications or lifestyle changes can certainly help alleviate symptoms, you may have also heard people say that they saw similar improvements using herbs like horny goat weed.
Horny goat weed may have health benefits for people with erectile dysfunction. It may work similarly to some prescription medications.
While research is limited, horny goat weed is believed to be a possible therapeutic for congestive heart failure and osteoporosis , according to a animal study in rats. However, its probably most well known as a remedy for ED.
Epimedium is a genus that has over 50 species. When looking at horny goat weed , we most commonly will see Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium sagittatum species specifically in horny goat weed supplements.
Horny goat weed is an over-the-counter herbal supplement thats sold at most pharmacies and large retailers. The active ingredient is icariin, an extract of the Epimedium plant thats reported to benefit people with erectile dysfunction (ED) .
ED is defined as the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Most people who have a penis have experienced times when they were unable to sustain an erection, but that doesnt mean they have ED. But if it happens regularly, you may have ED.
With ED, an enzyme named protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) interferes with the nitric oxide and cGMP that relaxes the smooth muscle in the arteries. As a result, the blood cant move through the arteries and create an erection.
When youre sexually stimulated, nitric oxide signals a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that causes the smooth muscle to relax, resulting in an inflow of blood into three tube-like cylinders in the penis which then leads to an erection .
Before starting this or any supplement, consult with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits and find the best supplement for you.
However, horny goat weed may not work for everyone. Using it can also result in side effects or adverse interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Icariin inhibits the activity of the PDE5 thats blocking dilation of the arteries in the penis. This allows blood to fill the arteries and the three cylinders in the penis and create an erection. The prescription medication sildenafil ( Viagra ) works in much the same way.
There hasnt been more recent research on the effects of horny goat weed and erectile function, though it has been shown to help other conditions like an anti-inflammatory.
In a review of medicinal plants for inhibiting PDE5, the study found that icariin is the most effective plant-based option for ED.
In another study from , researchers found that icariin is effective in inhibiting human PDE5, the substance that blocks erections, in test tubes. It also determined that sildenafil is 80 times more potent than icariin.
An animal study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine involved investigating its effects on rats. Researchers found that rats treated with purified extract of horny goat weed showed improved erectile function.
The FDA also does not routinely test supplements before theyre sold to consumers for quality. To make sure your horny goat weed supplements are safe to use and to ask about the contents, talk with the manufacturer directly.
As with many supplements, the claims about the effectiveness of horny goat weed are expansive. But as with many other natural supplements, research on the effects of horny goat weed on humans is limited.
The plant is native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea. Today, its widely grown as an ornamental plant in many areas of the world, including the United States. You can find horny goat weed over-the-counter.
Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional Eastern medicine. According to legend, its name came about because a goat herder noticed his flock became sexually stimulated after eating the plant.
Also, remember that results will vary from person to person. So, its important to contact your doctor if you experience any side effects after use.
If youre unsure about what dosage is right for you, consider talking with your healthcare professional to get their recommendations on dosage and to learn how horny goat weed might affect you.
Theres no set dosage for horny goat weed other than the recommended serving size as set by the manufacturer. As a result, the amount of horny goat weed or horny goat weed extract varies generally 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) per serving depending on the brand.
The side effects of horny goat weed are minor when its taken over a few months time. But horny goat weed can cause:
Horny goat weed can be dangerous when too much is consumed. Theres no set prescription dosage because its an OTC herb. Theres also not much scientific data to back it up as a medically sound supplement.
Horny goat weed may cause an allergic reaction in some people if they have allergies to plants in the Berberidaceae family. Some symptoms of a reaction include:
You also shouldnt take horny goat weed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a bleeding disorder. If you take any of these medications or have any of the conditions listed above, you should speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed.
Some medications and medical conditions may place you at greater risk if you take horny goat weed. These include:
The organization says that people with heart disease or hormone-sensitive cancer should talk with their doctor before taking the herb. The herb can lead to sweating or feeling hot, but more research needs to be done on the effects.
It works by smoothing muscle tissue. Any strained tissue will get a bit of relief. This can help with joint pain and numbness .
Horny goat weed has other medical properties and is sometimes used to improve bone density. It may also help treat heart disease, bronchitis , and even polio .
All of these natural treatments require further study before definitively stating whether these options are good for ED. Before trying any of these treatments, talk with a healthcare professional to see what will be best for you and to rule out any illnesses that might be causing your ED.
There are other options for treating ED if horny goat weed isnt for you. Standard treatments include medications, vacuum pumps, and surgery in some cases. If youre looking for natural alternatives for treating ED, some to consider include:
Finally, if you have been taking an herbal supplement, like horny goat weed, and arent seeing improvements in your ED symptoms, your doctor can discuss exploring other supplements, lifestyle changes, or medications that may help.
Its worth noting that if you begin to see side effects from the supplement like slower blood clotting or lowered blood pressure consider discontinuing use and talking with your doctor, as horny goat weed might be interacting poorly with other medications you may be taking.
However, if you arent ready to sit down and discuss your concerns just yet, you can explore over-the-counter herbal supplements, like horny goat weed, as long as you stay within the manufacturers recommended dosage.
If youre experiencing the symptoms of ED, it may be best to reach out to your healthcare professional if you have had trouble achieving or maintaining an erection several times over the course of a few weeks. ED is a common health issue, especially as you age, and your doctor will be familiar with many of the current treatment methods.
The following includes frequently asked questions about horny goat weed.
No, there is no evidence that horny goat weed can increase penis size. In fact, there is little proof of any supplement that can increase a persons penis size and only minimal or temporary benefits can be seen from techniques like penis stretching. Horny goat weed has been studied as a possible treatment for ED but isnt believed to increase length or size.
Horny goat weed contains a chemical compound called icariin that can help promote blood flow and treat various cardiovascular diseases. One of the biggest health issues that icariin can treat is erectile dysfunction (ED) by counteracting the protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme that interferes with blood flow to the penis and prevents an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, the symptoms of ED can be reduced over time.
However, horny goat weed may not work for everyone, and using it can result in side effects or adverse interactions with other medications you may be taking. Before starting an herbal supplement like horny goat weed, consider talking with a medical professional for advice.
There is evidence that horny goat weed can treat erectile dysfunction (ED) as well as some cardiovascular diseases. While there isnt a large body of evidence or reliable studies to support its overall effectiveness, researchers have found that it shows promising results.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of ED, you may want to consider trying horny goat weed, especially because its available over the counter and doesnt require a prescription. But if you are not finding that your symptoms improve after 2 or 3 weeks of taking the supplement, it may be best to talk with a healthcare professional so they can help you build a more effective or targeted treatment plan.
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