Horny goat weed also referred to as Epimedium, is an herb with medicinal properties native to Asian parts of Japan, China, and Korea. It is also found in the Mediterranean region.
The plant has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years thanks to its potential health benefits, especially on sexual health.
Traditionally, it was recognized as an effective treatment for numerous illnesses, including low libido, premature ejaculation, impotence, and reduced sexual desire.
Today many countries across the world grow the plant in the United States because of the herb’s reputation of being a natural Viagra with the ability to address various sexual health problems particularly erectile dysfunction (ED).
In this article, we explore the plants' effectiveness on erectile dysfunction by focusing on the active compound in Epimedium, how it works to correct ED, if it has any scientific backing, potential side effects, etc.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed is a natural aphrodisiac with a long history of use in Asian traditional medicine. The plant is believed to contain numerous bioactive compounds, especially aphrodisiac properties that support its medical effects on ED.
In Asian countries especially China, horny goat weed has been utilized for over 2000 years after its discovery by a Chinese herder. As per the ancient records, the herder noticed an increase in sexual activity whenever his flock fed on the plant, hence the name “horny goat weed.”
After Chinese doctors studied and realized the herb’s potential benefits for sexual health and overall vitality, they decided to make the herb part of their medical regimens.
The most significant bioactive substance in Epimedium is icariin. This flavonoid is believed to have the ability to prevent PDE5, making it an ideal compound for enhancing erectile function. Icariin boosts erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penile chamber and relaxing smooth muscles.
The herb is to date renowned for its potential aphrodisiac effects, the reason why it is prized for its ability to promote sexual health and boost energy. It has been linked to virility, vigor, sexual prowess, power, and endurance.
Besides promoting sexual health, the herb has also been shown to have an effect on fatigue, joint health, brain function, and kidney health. Thanks to the numerous substances in the herb including polysaccharides and prenylflavonoids.
Can Horny Goat Weed Help with Erectile Dysfunction?
Based on ancient Chinese discoveries and current research, horny goat weed can help with erectile dysfunction and that is why many people today take ED supplements available over-the-counter online, in natural food stores, and box store retailers in the form of powders, capsules, and teas.
According to a board-certified family medicine physician Laura Purdy, MD., based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and chief of medical officer of OpenLoop, a digital health care company, horny goat weed has been studied and found to have potential health benefits that can help treat numerous healthy issues including erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Purdy further says that horny goat weed has gained popularity in the last decade for its benefits for men's health. It is consumed as a dietary supplement for enhancing sexual function mainly targeting low libido and ED.
A research study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine investigated the effect of horny goat weed consumption on ED. According to the results of the study, the compound demonstrated the ability to improve erectile dysfunction.
Another study was conducted to establish icariin’s role in inhibiting PDE5 (a substance known to block erection in the test tubes) as published in the Journal of Natural Products. The result of the study shows that icariin demonstrated the ability to inhibit human PDE5.
A similar study was carried out to investigate the role of icariin in inhibiting PDE5.
According to the results of the study, among the plant-based options for ED studied, icariin was found to be the most effective of them all. This is according to research published in the Journal of Ethno-pharmacology.
A research study published in Biochemistry Research International also investigated the effect of horny goat weed on sexual health.
The results of the study revealed that the icariin compound found in horny goat weed showed the potential of improving erectile function and also demonstrated the ability to promote the body’s overall virility.
How Fast Can Horny Goat Weed Work to Give Results?
Some sources say that it takes about three weeks to notice changes. However, it is worth noting that this does not apply to everybody. Because of various factors, the result is likely to vary among individuals.
It all depends on the individual’s health needs or the severity of the erectile dysfunction. Individuals with mild ED conditions are likely to notice results faster than those whose condition is a little severe.
Also depending on the validity given in the information, some people may feel the effect of Epimedium within hours of taking the substance while others may take weeks before they can see results.
So, if you are considering adding this natural aphrodisiac to your health regimen or you have just started using it, you need to exercise patience. As you can see, it is worth the wait because however how long it takes, it eventually works.
Countless people have used the herb and they attest that it is indeed the most effective plant-based aphrodisiac on earth. Having been in use for generations and still best at what it does - address sexual health issues, it remains the most promising herb for treating ED.
Horny Goat Weed Dosage
For best results, a daily intake of horny goat weed is recommended. It is important that you take it every day for at least 2-3 weeks for noticeable results.
The dosage recommendation may vary depending on the supplement’s form. If you are taking capsules a dosage of 250-500mg per day is recommended.
For those taking powder, you should take 1-2 grams per day. If you love the tea form, the daily recommended dosage is 1-2 cups.
However, being an over-the-counter herb, there are no set prescription dosage is available. The above dosage is from the manufacturer’s point of view and is not backed by clinical tests.
So, for safety and efficiency purposes, it is important that you first consult with a physician for advice on the right horny goat weed dosage you should take per day.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Horny goat weed despite being the best plant-based aphrodisiac herb research done by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that its compound has been linked to various health risks.
According to the organization, the substance can accelerate heart conditions and therefore, people with heart-related health conditions should first talk to a cardiologist before adding it to their health regimen.
If you use horny goat weed together with medication like blood thinners and those that trigger irregular heartbeat can increase the health risk.
Also taking horny goat weed if you have a medical condition like thyroid disease and hormone-sensitive cancer (ovarian or breast cancer) can increase the risk.
Taking horny goat weed has also been found to trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those who are allergic to plants from the Berneridaceae family. Some of the reactions include:
- Sweating
- Rash
- Feeling hot
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
Breastfeeding, pregnant mothers, or those individuals with bleeding disorders, you should also not use horny goat weed.
If you are taking any of the above-mentioned medications or have any of the conditions mentioned above, it is important that you first talk to your doctor before adding horny goat weed to your daily health regimen.
FAQs
What exactly is horny goat weed?
Horny goat weed also known by other names like yin yang huo, barrentwort, rowdy lamb herb, or randy beef grass is a medicinal herb containing an active compound called icariin, reported to benefit individuals with sexual issues, especially ED. It is an over-the-counter plant-based dietary supplement that exists in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, or tea and is available for purchase in most large retailers and pharmacies.
Is horny goat weed a good dietary supplement?
Yes, horny goat weed is a great dietary supplement because of its expansive effectiveness. Again it has gained popularity in Western medicine as a dietary supplement with the potential of promoting vitality and sexual health, especially in men.
Is horny goat weed aphrodisiac?
The herb is believed to have aphrodisiac effects because of its ability to treat sexual health conditions like premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, and erectile dysfunction.
What compounds are found in horny goat weed?
According to scientists, horny goat weed has over 250 compounds including icariin. Out of all these compounds, icariin has been identified as the most active flavonoid in this herb, and in Chinese pharmacopeia, it is defined as a quality indicator.
Does horny goat weed boost testosterone?
While there is no compelling scientific research that supports the ability of horny goat weed in boosting testosterone levels in the body, a few kinds of research like the one published in Antioxidants Journal demonstrated that horny goat weed supplementation can indeed boost testosterone levels.
Does horny goat weed lower blood pressure?
Yes, research suggests that horny goat weed can lower blood pressure. However, for those already on blood pressure medications should not use the supplement because it may cause the blood pressure to drop too low.
Final Thoughts on Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is an ancient medicinal herb that has been utilized for decades in traditional medicine and is still being used in modern medicine thanks to its potential benefits on sexual health and overall well-being.
However, while horny goat weed is vouched as the most powerful plant-based aphrodisiac here on the planet it still lacks sufficient scientific data backing to qualify it as a medically sound supplement.
This means as much as it has shown its usefulness in treating various health conditions, its efficiency claims in treating ED are still not satisfactory. There is, therefore, a need for further research to unveil the mechanism and its effect on erectile dysfunction.
Research on its safety is also needed so that its consumption safety for the general public is clarified or put in the open.
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