Horny goat weed has played a vital, multifaceted role in traditional Asian medicine for at least 1,000 years. It is considered a yang tonic, particularly for the "energetic organ" known as the kidney (which corresponds to some extent to the Western concept of the kidney). Enhancing kidney energy in this setting correlates to improving sexual function and fertility.1 Animal studies conducted in China have investigated the use of this herb within the traditional conception of a yang tonic and found effective for that purpose.2 It is also considered helpful for combating what is known as wind-damp-cold blocking circulation of the body's dynamic life energy, or qi, which in Western terms is similar to hardening of the arteries and related complications. It is particularly used to help people recover from strokes.

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In most cases, herbs in traditional Asian medicine are not used singly, but rather as a component of multiherb formulations. One animal study in China found that a combination of horny goat weed and three other herbs was effective at reducing osteoporosis resulting from the use of cortisone-like drugs, but none of the four herbs used alone was effective.3 This finding supports the traditional notion that horny goat weed may be particularly beneficial when used in combination with other herbs.

Horny goat weed contains a number of flavonoids , some of which show estrogen-inhibiting properties in the test tube.4 These hormonal actions may be part of the reason horny goat weed has been used traditionally to treat sexual disorders, and why it has shown efficacy in clinical trials in patients with kidney failure for improving sex drive.5 Other flavonoids in horny goat weed, such as icariin, appear to stimulate the cells that build bone (osteoblasts).6 Rats given flavonoid extracts of horny goat weed are protected against osteoporosis.7 A number of flavonoids showed effects on the immune system that are both stimulating and suppressing depending on the circumstances in the test tube.8 Preliminary human trials in people with kidney disease undergoing dialysis confirm that horny goat weed can improve the function of various portions of the immune system.9 Icariin protects liver cells in the test tube.10

A water extract of horny goat weed has been shown to inhibit growth of new blood vessels, a property potentially useful in stopping the growth of cancerous tumors.11 Extracts of the herb were moderately effective at inhibiting growth of cancer cells in the test tube, though icariin by itself was not.12 Icariin was effective at causing some cancer cells to become more normal in the test tube.13

Lignans have also been found in various species of horny goat weed. Some lignans have been shown in one animal study to stimulate nerve growth.14

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A combination of horny goat weed with three other herbs has been shown to inhibit inflammation in several animal studies.15 This might in part explain the observed utility in early studies on the use of horny goat weed&#;containing formulas in people with hay fever.16 The immune effects of the flavonoids might also be relevant here.

A water extract of the whole herb of horny goat weed was shown to strongly inhibit a herpes simplex virus in the test tube.17 Water extracts of horny goat weed have also been shown to reduce blood pressure in several animal species and to reduce cholesterol levels.18 These extracts have been reported to be helpful in combination with several other herbs in people with what is described in Chinese medicine as kidney yang deficiency, presenting as what would be called in the West hardening of the arteries to the brain leading to dementia.19 This formula was more effective than one not containing horny goat weed. The effectiveness was correlated with antioxidant , cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects seen in the people taking the horny goat weed&#;containing formula.

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Horny Goat Weed

What is it?

Horny goat weed refers to various herb species of the Epimedium genus, and may be known as "yin yang huo." It has limited evidence of health benefits.

Horny goat weed contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. It also contains phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.

People use horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems, weak and brittle bones, health problems after menopause, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

How effective is it?

There is interest in using horny goat weed for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it safe?

When taken by mouth: Horny goat weed extract is possibly safe when used short-term. A specific extract of horny goat weed containing phytoestrogens has been taken by mouth safely for up to 2 years. Another extract containing a chemical called icariin has been taken safely for up to 6 months.

But some types of horny goat weed are possibly unsafe when used for a long period of time or in high doses. Serious side effects including severe breathing problems have been reported.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy: Horny goat weed is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might harm the developing fetus. Avoid using it.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if horny goat weed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding. Taking horny goat weed might make bleeding disorders worse.

Hormone sensitive cancers and conditions: Horny goat weed acts like estrogen and can increase estrogen levels in some people. Horny goat weed might worsen some estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast and uterine cancer.

Surgery: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking horny goat weed at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Are there interactions with medications?

Moderate

Be cautious with this combination.

Estrogens

Horny goat weed might have some of the same effects as estrogen and might increase blood levels of estrogen in some people. Taking horny goat weed with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects of estrogen.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Horny goat weed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Horny goat weed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Horny goat weed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure. Taking horny goat weed along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. Taking horny goat weed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Caffeine-containing herbs and supplements

Horny goat weed contains an ingredient that might slow down how quickly the body processes caffeine. Taking it with caffeine-containing herbs and supplements might increase the effects and side effects of caffeine. Examples of supplements that contain caffeine include black tea, coffee, green tea, guarana, and yerba mate.

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure

Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.

Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting

Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

How is it typically used?

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of horny goat weed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Barrenwort, Épimède, Épimède à Grandes Fleurs, Épimède du Japon, Epimedium, Epimedium acuminatum, Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium grandiflorum, Epimedium Grandiflorum Radix, Epimedium koreanum, Epimedium macranthum, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium violaceum, Epimedium wushanese, Herba Epimedii, Herbe Cornée de Chèvre, Hierba de Cabra en Celo, Japanese Epimedium, Xian Ling Pi, Yin Yang Huo.

To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.

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Last reviewed - 04/12/