Horny goat weed is a low-growing perennial plant with leathery leaves used in traditional Chinese medicine. The scientific name is Epimedium sagittatum from the family of Berberidaceae. It is also known by various names, Epimedium, Bishop’s hat, fairy wings, rowdy lamb herb, barrenwort, Yinyanhuo, and Sagittate epimedium.
It is originally found in wetlands of China, the Himalayas and Japan but has spread to parts of Europe and Africa. There are over 25 species of horny goat weed.
According to legend, this plant earned the name “horny goat weed” when a Chinese goat herder realized his animals were more sexually active after eating the plant’s leaves. The name tells it all.
It might be one of the most well-known and oldest herbs for sexual health, dating back over 2000 years according to some accounts.
Today, it holds an important place in Traditional Chinese Medicine and it is gaining popularity around the world as a time-tested aphrodisiac that supports a healthy libido in men and women. The leaves, stems and flowers are used for their benefits.
Phytochemical Constituents of Horny Goat Weed
It has several hundred chemical constituents but over 200 have been identified in the plant. These include:
- Flavonoids: icariin, icaritin or epimedin.
- Lignans.
- Ionones.
- Phenol glycosides.
- Sesquiterpenes.
The active components that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and hepatoprotective activities are believed to be the flavonoids as listed above.
Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed
- Various related species of this herb have aphrodisiac properties. For this reason, plants are employed to treat impotence, as well as to increase libido or sexual desire.
- The plant is also used to treat arthritis, as well as chronic pain in the lower body.
- It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat rheumatism and high blood pressure in women with menopause.
- Extracts of the plant’s leaves have estrogenic action due to the presence of plant compounds that have actions similar to those of female hormones. Some findings suggest that horny goat weed may improve endometrial thickness in people with a thin endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. This may make it valuable in treating infertility. It is being evaluated for its potential application in the treatment of infertility.
- People used the herb as an alternative medication for:
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- Hay fever.
- Atherosclerosis (a condition where the arteries in the neck harden).
- Nerve pain.
- Fatigue.
- Osteoporosis.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Human research data to support the use of this herb is limited at best. However, some anecdotal evidence and animal and cell studies claim health benefits.
Other cell research has revealed the following possible effects:
- Anticancer effects.
- Radiosensitizing effects.
- Reversal of multidrug resistance in some tumour cells.
Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
As with any medication or herbal supplement, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions when using horny goat weed. Possible side effects may include:
- Breathing problems.
- Racing heart.
- Increased energy.
- Sweating.
- Feelings of being hot.
You need to speak with a doctor about these or any other side effects that occur with the use of horny goat weed.
Interactions with Other Meds
Horny goat weed may have negative interactions with certain medications, including:
- Warfarin.
- Amitriptyline.
- Cyclosporin.
- Phenytoin.
- Glyceryl trinitrate and other nitrates.
- Estrogen.
- Clarithromycin and Erythromycin.
- Drugs causing hypotension.
You Shouldn’t Use Horny Goat Weed If:
- You have hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries or prostrate, as the herb has been shown to promote estrogen production.
- You have heart disease, as it can potentially lead to rapid, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and excitability.
- You are sensitive to Epimedium.
- You are taking aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole.
- A doctor advises against it.
- You intend to undergo surgery since it can slow blood clotting.
- You have bleeding disorders.
Dosage and Preparations
Horny goat weed is available as a herbal supplement, usually as raw herb, tea, powder, tablet, or capsule form and it is sometimes combined with other herbs such as Yohimbe, Saw palmetto, and Maca, among others.
Some practitioners believe that an appropriate dose is 5 grams per day. However, more evidence is needed to recommend a specific dose.
Taking one dose per day may improve sexual arousal over time. A daily dose may also increase the effectiveness of your Viagra when you decide to take the drug.
Always check the label of any product you want to purchase. Similar varieties may have unwanted effects. Epimedium saggitatum and Epimedium grandiflorum are normally used in Chinese medicine.
It is important to speak with your doctor before using horny goat weed. A doctor can work out its safety and dosage based on an individual’s needs and medical history.
How Fast Does It Work
If you don’t see positive results within two to three weeks of taking horny goat weed, it’s best to hold off on using it until you consult with your healthcare provider.
Safety / Precautions
- The safety of this herb has not been adequately studied, especially during pregnancy and lactation therefore it is not advisable to use it in these two conditions.
- Certain herbs that are sometimes combined with horny goat weed, such as Yohimbe, for example, may cause high blood pressure and changes in behaviour in high doses.
- Quality control in certain herbal supplements is sometimes lacking, so it is best to consult first with a qualified health provider before taking any product containing this herb.
- There are no known studies regarding the potential herb-drug interactions between horny goat weed and prescription medications to treat erectile dysfunction. For this reason, it is not recommended to take horny goat weed, or any other herb purported to treat impotence, along with the prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, without medical advice.
Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!
Conclusion
Horny goat weed is a herbal supplement that some people use as a kind of “natural Viagra” to treat erectile dysfunction and stimulate sexual arousal. Some research suggests it has other positive effects, especially on bone health.
People who have certain conditions shouldn’t take this supplement. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you.
There are different variations of this herb and not all of them are considered safe for all people. Your dosage and whether it’s safe for you depends on several factors. These include your age, sex, and medical condition.
Look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. These organizations include U.S Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com and NSF International. Choose wisely!