Horny Goat

Horny Goat

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on September 25, 2019
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.
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. A 2008 lab study found that a compound in the herb blocks the effects of an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis . Epimedium, the suspected active component of horny goat weed, appears to act as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, similar to some drugs used for ED.
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.
Horny goat weed is an unproven treatment. There is no established dose.
There are no natural food sources of horny goat weed.
Given the possible risks, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take horny goat weed.
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OTHER NAME(S): Barrenwort, Épimède, Épimède à Grandes Fleurs, Épi ... Show More
OTHER NAME(S): Barrenwort, Épimède, Épimède à Grandes Fleurs, Épi ... Show More
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.
Weak and brittle bones ( osteoporosis ). Taking a specific extract of horny goat weed for 24 months in combination with calcium supplements decreases bone loss of the spine and hip in women who have passed menopause better than taking calcium alone. Chemicals in the extract act somewhat like the hormone estrogen. Health problems after menopause.Taking horny goat weed water extract for 6 months can decrease cholesterol and increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Bronchitis . Ejaculation problems. Erectile dysfunction (ED). Fatigue . Heart disease. High blood pressure . HIV /AIDS. Joint pain . Liver disease . Memory loss . Sexual problems. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate horny goat weed for these uses.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the herb commonly called horny goat weed in the West is known as Yin-Yang-Huo. ( 1 ) TCM practitioners have used the leaves of the horny goat weed plant as an aphrodisiac to help enhance sexual health and also to treat various problems such as kidney or bone disease for centuries.
According to an article published by Acupuncture Today , “In Traditional Chinese Medicine, epimedium (horny goat weed) is believed to tonify the kidney by strengthening kidney yang, dispelling wind and eliminating dampness.” ( 2 ) Western medicine describes horny goat weed’s mechanisms of actions as: restoring circulation, supporting hormonal balance, and helping to fight various effects of aging by fighting oxidative stress (free radical damage).
Horny goat weed is a herb known as a “ natural aphrodisiac ,” as it has been shown in some animal studies to have positive effects on hormone production and libido. The plant that produces horny goat weed is the species called Epimedium, a member of the Berberidaceae plant family that mostly grows in China, other parts of Asia, and in the Mediterranean. Epimedium c ontains the active ingredient called icariin , which is responsible for most of it’s health-promoting effects.
If you’re thinking that horny goat weed has a stran
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