Horny Goat Weed - How It Works on Sex Problems

Horny Goat Weed - Another name Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo, or Natural Viagra is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. As its name suggests, Horny Goat Weed is used to improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.

1- Phytoestrogens (compounds that act like estrogen)

2- For osteoporosis (weak and breakable bones)

This is a common condition in people going through menopause

This is a common condition in people going through menopause. In this part we will discuss the uses, side effects, and precautions of Horny Goat Weed. Let's start -

What happens in this -

Active Ingredients - Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), Icaris
Alternative names - Yin Yang Huo, Inyokaku, Herba Epimedi
Legal Status - Over-the-Counter Herbal Supplement (United States)
Recommended dosage - anywhere from 50 to 600 milligrams daily.
Post-menopausal osteoporosis clinical trial - 740 mg of extract (capsule) taken by mouth daily for six weeks or 42 days.
Safety - No significant side effects were observed in clinical trials. However, use caution if pregnant, breastfeeding, bleeding disorders, heart disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions, seek a doctor's advice.

Horny Goat Weed - Uses

Whom to Consult - Supplement use should be individualized and reviewed by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. The purpose of any supplement is to treat, cure, and cure the disease.

The main studies on horny goat weed were done in vitro (in test tubes) or animal studies, which included –

Erectile dysfunction
Bone disorders

For other possible health benefits of horny goat weed or its main constituents such as natural chemical compounds

Animal/or test tube studies include the following - such as

Effect of asthma
Effects of Premenstrual Syndrome and Menopausal Symptoms
Effects of heart disease
effects of osteoarthritis
effects of Alzheimer’s disease
effects of depression
effects of Parkinson’s disease
effects of multiple sclerosis

Effects of bone loss -

In postmenopausal individuals – one study showed that an extract of horny goat weed increased the activity of bone-forming cells and decreased bone loss.

The study was limited because it was unclear whether changes in biomarkers would translate into clinical efficacy.

The bone-protective effect of icariin, the main active ingredient in horny goat weed, is due to its estrogenic activity based on animal studies.

Another clinical trial showed that icariin prevented bone loss when compared to a placebo. Both groups were also given 300 milligrams (mg) of elemental calcium daily. Since the treatment group included icariin and other sources of phytoestrogens, the effect of icariin alone on osteoporosis was unclear.

Effect on Erectile dysfunction -

Human clinical studies are lacking, but preliminary evidence suggests that icariin, a chemical compound in horny goat weed, inhibits a protein associated with erectile dysfunction called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as horny goat weed and Viagra, dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis, which is needed for an erection. Erectile dysfunction occurs when not enough blood flows to the penis.

A Medicinal review found that horny goat weed was one of the most common ingredients in testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements. Further human studies are needed to determine the efficacy of horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction.

Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed -

Despite the promising results, horny goat weed may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe.

Common Side Effects are given here -

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety of horny goat weed in 50 postmenopausal people reported no side effects during the 8-week observational period.

Here are some side effects -

Role of Mood Changes
Role of Anxiety
Role of Hallucinations

Serious Side Effects are given here -

One clinical trial evaluating the effect of horny goat weed on estrogen levels and fat metabolism in postmenopausal participants showed no significant side effects of horny goat weed.

Horny goat weed was not linked with endometrial hyperplasia (irregular thickening of the uterine wall). Stop taking horny goat weed if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.

If you're having a cruel allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, may take the help of a doctor.

Precautions -

Horny Goat Weed should not be taken as –

Women who are pregnant or lactating
People with bleeding disorders
Heart patient
Hormone-sensitive cancer
Breast Cancer,
Uterine cancer,
Endometriosis

People suffering from the above conditions should not consume Horny Goat Weed.

Horny Goat Weed acts like estrogen and can increase estrogen levels, causing the above conditions

Dosage - How Much Horny Goat Weed Should I Take?

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking supplements to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.

Although the standard dose of horny goat weed is unclear, below are the doses used in some clinical trials. Which can be followed -

Osteoporosis - In a trial in postmenopausal people, two 370 mg capsules of horny goat weed extract (48.2% prenylflavonoids and 6.9% icariin) daily for six weeks.

In another trial, 60 milligrams of icariin, 15 milligrams of daidzein, and three milligrams of genistein — and 300 milligrams (mg) of elemental calcium daily — could be used.

Similar supplements are given here -

Horny Goat Weed, which like other supplements suggested to improve erectile dysfunction,

Which includes the following supplements -

Panax ginseng
Tongkat Ali
Tribulus Terrestris
L-Arginine
Maca
Yohimbine

We will discuss the above-mentioned supplements in the next segment.

Where does Horny Goat Weed come from?

Horny goat weed can be found in drug and health-food stores and is available in supplement form under the scientific name Epimedium. Additionally, some products specify the amount of icariin (the active substance in horny goat weed) on the label.

Look for a product with a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing.

These organizations include the US Pharmacopoeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International. The seal of approval from either of these organizations does not guarantee that the product is safe or effective. But it assures you that it was made the right way, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and doesn't contain harmful contaminants.

Bottom line -

Horny goat weed is available in capsule, tablet, powder, or tea form. Whereas Available as an active ingredient, it can be found in combination with other supplements purported to improve erectile dysfunction. Before taking a horny goat weed supplement, talk with your healthcare provider, and take it.