Barrenwort (Epimedium) Benefits for Libido, ED and More

Barrenwort is another name for horny goat weed, a supplement also known by its Chinese name, yin yang hou.

Horny goat weed is a traditional supplement made from species of the Epimedium genus.

Barrenwort plants have been used for centuries in China, Korea and other Asian countries as an agent to stimulate the libido, improve sexual and athletic performance, ameliorate symptoms of infertility and enhance cardiovascular function.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Barrenwort is considered a yang tonic and is used to stimulate kidney function. It is also used to protect the qi (ch’i, life energy) against factors that may prevent it from smoothly circulating through the body.

Horny Goat Weed

Herbal Supplement

Libido

Erectile Function

Testo- sterone

How It Works:

• Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
• Boosts male & female libido
• Supports erectile function & performance

Dosage:

Between 250 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is Barrenwort?

Barrenwort or Horny Goat Weed is made up of dozens of species and subspecies of Epimedium plants, at least 15 of which are thought to exhibit medicinal properties.

These medicinal species are known to contain icariin, a flavonoid phytonutrient (plant nutrient) that exhibits multiple therapeutic effects in the body.

Most notably, icariin increases circulation to the sexual organs and may increase sex drive, fertility and erectile function.

The plants’ leaves are mainly used to produce supplements, but, on occasion, the petioles and stems of the plant are also used to produce dietary supplements.

Uses of Barrenwort

Barrenwort extract is used for:

• Impotence;
• Premature ejaculation and other sexual dysfunction;
• Weakness in the knees and/or back;
• Osteoporosis and arthralgia;
• Chronic mental and/or physical fatigue;
• Loss of memory;
• Chronic bronchitis.

This is only a small list of the many uses of barrenwort. As a natural medicinal, the supplement is also used for coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic hepatitis, postmenopausal degeneration of bone tissue, AIDS/HIV, chronic leukopenia, polio and viral myocarditis.

There is insufficient scientific evidence to verify the many contemporary uses of barrenwort. This supplement has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any diseases or medical conditions.

Species of the Epimedium genus exhibit many characteristics of interest to scientists. Research continues on the possible therapeutic uses of horny goat weed.

Barrenwort for Bodybuilders

Barrenwort use is becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders. Many bodybuilders and other athletes use horny goat weed because they believe it to stimulate the synthesis and release of nitric oxide.

Any increase in nitric oxide levels can likely be attributed to a flavonoid found in some Epimedium species called icariin. In clinical trials, icariin has been observed to stimulate nitric oxide release and vasodilation.

Vasodilation is characterized by the widening of the blood vessels. By relaxing the inner lining (endothelium) of the heart, lungs and blood vessels, blood flow can be increased without a corresponding rise in blood pressure.

Improved circulation can deliver more growth and repair hormones, vitamins and other blood-bound nutrients throughout the body. This is known to combat DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), improve repair capacities and decrease recovery time after workouts.

Barrenwort for Sexual Performance and ED

Barrenwort has been used for more than a thousand years as an aphrodisiac and for sexual dysfunction. Reports of sexual dysfunction and decreased sexual desire seem to be on the rise.

High sales of popular erectile dysfunction (ED) medications indicate there are a number of men looking to medication to alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Some look to barrenwort as an alternative to conventional ED medications. Horny goat weed has been observed to alleviate symptoms associated with ED and strengthen libido.

For men that lack the capacity to gain an erection, barrenwort supplementation may stimulate blood flow to the corpus cavernosum in the penis. In sexually healthy men, the brain releases nitric oxide as a result of experiencing physical attraction.

It is possible for this attraction to be stimulated by either an indirect mental picture or direct physical stimulation. An erection occurs as vasodilation expands the blood vessels that supply blood to the corpus cavernosum of the penis.

Some compounds can work to prevent this blood flow to the penis, such as the molecule called PDE5, an abbreviation for cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5.

Icariin in Barrenwort has been observed to act as a PDE5 inhibitor. This mechanism of action is also relied upon by popular ED medications that contain synthetic PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 impedes the flow of blood to the penis, preventing an erection.

Synthetic PDE5 inhibitors possess a long list of possible adverse side effects. Some prefer horny goat weed as a natural alternative to synthetic PDE5 inhibitors. Icariin is not commonly associated with severe side effects when taken properly, however it should be used under guidance from a doctor.

Some also prefer using barrenwort supplements because the supplement has long been used as an aphrodisiac to improve libido. Low libido can also be a key factor in sexual dysfunction, but it is not addressed when taking a synthetic PDE5 inhibitor.

Barrenwort, Icariin and Testosterone

Preliminary research indicates barrenwort supplementation may improve the availability and use of testosterone. Improving testosterone use in the body may help improve spermatogenesis (sperm cell generation), as well as increase sensitivity to tactile stimulation.

In addition to being largely responsible for male libido, testosterone is also very important for burning fat, gaining muscle, supporting sexual function and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Safety of Barrenwort

A combination of traditional use and contemporary research indicates barrenwort is generally well tolerated. Some horny goat weed supplements containing 60 mg of icariin per dose have been used for up to 24 months without report of severe side effects.

Nevertheless, chronic, high-dose use of barrenwort has been associated with serious complications, including cardiac arrest.

The mechanisms of action and side effects of horny goat weed remain ill-defined. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women should avoid using barrenwort. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning barrenwort supplementation.

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