Horny Goat Weed Extract: Benefits and How to Use It

Overview

Horny goat weed extract is a herbal supplement used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is also known as yin yang huo. It is derived from certain species of the Epimedium genus herb, which grows in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today, horny goat weed extract, also known as epimedium extract, is widely available in online shops, natural food stores, and specialty retailers.

Horny goat weed has been traditionally consumed to improve sexual function in men by addressing low libido and erectile dysfunction. That’s why in the last decade or so, it has grown in popularity worldwide amongst men seeking to improve their sex life.

Uses and Effectiveness

While more research is needed to substantiate horny goat weed extract’s effects, Doctors Purdy and Powers believe that its potential health benefits include:¹

Improving Sexual Function

Men have traditionally taken horny goat weed extract as a libido booster, or aphrodisiac. According to Dr. Powers “Horny goat weed is thought to work by acting as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, [which] helps widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to sexual organs. However, more research is needed to verify this claim.”

An older study² in The Journal of Sexual Medicine seems to support this theory. Researchers studied the effects of epimedium extract on nerve damage in animals through cellular trials, and found that the active component of horny goat weed extract, icariin, may have promising effects in treating ED caused by nerve injury.

Do take note that erectile dysfunction is a complex condition, and that additional research is needed to know more about its causes.

May Help with Pregnancy

While there are few studies to confirm the safety of using horny goat weed extract during or after pregnancy, a 2020 paper³ evaluated its potential as a supplement to help address infertility.

According to the researchers’ findings, epimedium extract may improve endometrial thickness in women who have a thin one. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, and if it is less than 7mm (millimeters) thick during ovulation, embryo implantation may be more difficult. However, the researchers cited that more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm this.

Managing Joint Pain

Icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed extract, may have both anti-inflammatory and antiosteoporotic (supports bone regeneration) properties. A 2022 journal⁴ found that it has the potential to be used as treatment for osteoporosis once further studies on improving its absorption and confirming its safety is conducted.

Lowering Cholesterol

Some researchers have found that icariin, the active compound in horny goat weed, may have some anti-atherosclerotic properties⁵, which may help reduce the build-up of cholesterol in the body. However, since it may also affect hormones in the body and cause an irregular heartbeat, people with heart disease should consult their doctor before taking it.

Side Effects

Horny goat weed extract is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals when taken according to its proper dosage over a short period of time (around 6 months).

However, it is still best to consult a doctor before taking it, especially for people taking medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some of the common side effects of horny goat weed extract include:

• Changes in Mood
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth and thirst
• Muscle spasms
• Nosebleeds
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Sweating
• Vomiting

If you experience any of these side effects when taking this herbal supplement, consult your doctor immediately.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Certain individuals should avoid using horny goat weed supplements or epimedium extract if they have the following conditions⁶:

• Hormone-related cancer - horny goat weed extract has phytoestrogens, which promote estrogen production. As such, people with uterine or breast cancer should not use it, as these diseases react to estrogen.
• Heart disease - horny goat weed extract can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, as well as shortness of breath and excitability
• Bleeding disorders or surgery - epimedium extract can affect the speed of blood-clotting, which potentially makes it unsafe for those living with a bleeding disorder or undergoing surgery. Likewise, those who are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs (medication that prevents blood from getting sticky) should also avoid using it.
• Medications broken down in the liver - epimedium extract may affect how medications are processed by the liver. This may make it dangerous to take it with medicines like cytochrome P450 substrates
• Breathing Difficulties - some users have reported breathing problems as a side effect of taking horny goat weed extract. So for people with pre-existing breathing conditions, taking this supplement is ill-advised as it may trigger or exacerbate it.

Dosing

Horny goat weed or epimedium extract is available in a variety of forms such as tablets, capsules, powder, or even tea. Depending on what form you choose, your exact dosage can vary. Since there is not enough research available on the optimal dose, most products in the market range between 500mg and 1000mg, which is generally well-tolerated by healthy adults.

As with any over-the-counter food supplement, it is recommended to follow the product package’s recommended dose. Seek advice from your doctor if you’re unsure about how much to take.

If you are a man looking to improve your sexual performance, remember that there is no one solution that works for everyone. That’s why it’s important to choose a reputable supplement maker you can rely on. For more than 50 years, Nature’s Bounty^® has been a trusted partner of our customer’s wellness needs. We’re committed to excellence through rigorous scientific research and quality control, ensuring our products' exceptional potency, purity, and value.

Nature’s Bounty offers Horny Goat Weed in capsule format. It contains 500mg of Horny Goat Weed extract, as well as 75mg of Maca extract, which has traditionally been used by the Andean people to treat low libido, sexual dysfunction and infertility. The recommended dose for adults is 2 capsules twice daily, preferably with meals.

As research in this field of sexual health grows, Nature’s Bounty^® will continue to support you through producing high quality supplements to help you achieve your goals.