Horny Goat Weed Extract: Uses & Side Effects of Yin Yang Huo

Horny goat weed extract is a supplement that can be derived from up to 15 different species of the genus Epimedium.

Horny goat weed has long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it is known by its Chinese name yin yang huo.

The Epimedium genus currently contains 64 identified species, but not all are known for their medicinal value. There are also several hybrid species of Epimedium currently being propagated.

Although Epimedium has a long history of use in TCM, scientific research into the medicinal effects of the plant is limited: There is not enough clinical evidence to assign any uses or health benefits to the plant based on scientific evidence alone.

Horny goat weed extract is marketed in the West as a dietary supplement and is primarily associated with sexual desire and performance. Men use it to help alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

There are no standardized Food and Drug Administration guidelines for horny goat weed supplementation and it is not used within conventional Western medicine.

Additionally, in Chinese herbal medicine, yin yang huo is normally combined with other medicinal herbs, so it is difficult to assign any specific use to horny goat weed as an individual supplement.

Some of the plant’s proposed medicinal properties are based on its constituents. Common constituents of horny goat weed extract include icariin, genistein and daidzein.

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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Horny Goat Weed Extract Uses

In addition to the uses noted above, horny goat weed extract is used for a number of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Bronchitis
• Fatigue
• Coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease
• Joint pain
• Memory loss
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Liver disease

Horny Goat Weed Extract Research

There are very few clinical studies pertaining to the medicinal use of Epimedium. In one of the few conducted clinical trials, horny goat weed extract supplementation was observed to reduce bone degeneration in postmenopausal women.

In laboratory experiments components of Epimedium were observed to reduce LDL (so-called “bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels.

The most noted use of Horny goat weed extract is for erectile dysfunction (ED). ED symptoms include the inability to maintain an erection, premature ejaculation and low libido. Advocates of Epimedium supplementation claim the plant can help alleviate some ED symptoms.

This purported use may be due to icariin, one of the main constituents of horny goat weed. Icariin is known to increase the synthesis of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes the lining of blood vessels to relax, which allows the blood vessels to widen and transport more blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Icariin is also a known PDE5 inhibitor, meaning that it acts in a similar fashion to the active ingredient in popular sexual enhancement medications.

Increased blood flow to male and female erogenous zones often alleviates a number of sexual performance issues. As such, horny goat weed supplements are believed by many to improve their sex lives.

Is Horny Goat Weed Extract Safe?

Horny goat weed extract is generally well tolerated, but should not be used at high doses for prolonged periods of time. In some instances of long-term supplementation, side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst and vomiting were reported.

Excessive consumption has been known to cause serious breathing difficulties and severe muscle spasms.

There was one reported instance of a man experiencing heart arrhythmia after combining horny goat weed extract with a popular sexual enhancement product. In this case, there were several possible chemical reasons for the arrhythmia, making it impossible to single out Epimedium as the sole culprit.

There is little clinical evidence regarding the safety of Epimedium consumption and supplementation is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Address any supplementation questions with your pediatrician.

Horny goat weed extract has been observed to induce nitric oxide synthesis. Epimedium supplementation is not recommended for individuals suffering from any type of bleeding disorder. Horny goat weed may slow clotting and add to the risk of excessive bleeding.

For the same reason, horny goat weed extract is not recommended for anyone who is soon to undergo a surgical procedure because the risk of excessive bleeding is increased.

Horny goat weed has been observed to exhibit estrogen-like properties and should not be taken by women with breast or uterine cancer because it may work to exaggerate such conditions.

Yin yang huo extract has been observed to lower blood pressure via vasodilation resulting from increased nitric oxide production. For this reason, it is not recommended for anyone with low blood pressure or conditions related to low blood pressure. Taking Epidemium with low blood pressure may increase the risk of fainting.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning to take horny goat weed supplements. Epimedium may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to seek medical advice before starting any supplement program, including one involving horny goat weed extract.

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