Horny Goat Weed and Maca Root Review, Doses & Side Effects

Stacking horny goat weed and maca may not be advisable for certain individuals.

Both of these supplements are used to strengthen libido and improve sexual performance.

In combination they may produce increased side effects, but there is little scientific evidence to understand the full effect of combining these two herbs.

Advocates claim that horny goat weed and maca can stimulate sex drive and help alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction. These herbs are claimed to have a wide array of uses outside of sexual dysfunction, including:

• Enhancing immune system function;
• Boosting sexual and athletic performance;
• Improving heart, liver and kidney health;
• May reduce risk factors related to cancer;
• Supporting fertility;
• Stimulating osteoblast synthesis, reducing the risk for onset of osteoporosis and other bone-degenerating conditions;
• Balancing female hormones;
• Restoring mental clarity and sharpening focus.

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 and Maca

Horny goat weed and maca are used for a number of indications.

However, little research exists on the two supplements and their therapeutic use, and possible side effects remain ill-defined in scientific context.

Nevertheless, both are comprised of dozens of phytonutrients (plant nutrients), including flavonoids and antioxidants.

One particular phytochemical (plant chemical) constituent of horny goat weed – icariin – is attributed with a number of the supplement’s purported medicinal properties. Icariin is thought to increase nitric oxide production in the body, which is known to cause vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels.

Icariin may play a role in improving circulation, reducing male and female infertility, stimulating muscle growth and strength and exhibiting anticancer effects against cancer cell lines.

Horny Goat Weed Review

Horny goat weed is known as yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The supplement can be derived from a number of species of the Epimedium genus, a group of plants indigenous to eastern China and parts of Korea. Epimedium contains more than 60 species of plants, but only a portion are used for medicinal purposes.

Horny goat weed is commonly used for sexual dysfunction or to help improve athleticism and muscle development. Within TCM it is used to treat disorders stemming from yang deficiency – the energetic complement to yin.

Contemporary research has revealed that icariin is a natural PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) is a substance that stops blood from entering the corpus cavernosa of the penis, which prevents the penis from becoming erect.

PDE5 inhibitors stop PDE5 from acting on the corpus cavernosa, allowing blood to flow into the penis during sexual arousal. Existing erectile dysfunction medications on the market contain a synthetic or man-made PDE5 inhibitor. Individuals who favor a natural PDE5 inhibitor often look to horny goat weed as an option.

Maca Review

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years as a root crop. It grows wild in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.

It is commonly known as a Peruvian mountain plant that has been used as a dietary staple and medicine.

It is a relative of the radish and is often used for baking, roasting, soup making and fermenting into an alcoholic ceremonial beverage (maca chicha). It emits a butterscotch-like aroma and is mild in flavor. The roots of the maca plant have also been harvested to make medicine.

For many centuries, maca has been used to enhance fertility in livestock. Many believe maca can also provide a number of therapeutic benefits for the human population, including:

• Improving the symptoms of CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and anemia (“tired blood”);
• Improving energy levels;
• Easing symptoms of menopause and menstrual imbalance;
• Stimulating bone repair and growth;
• Improving mental function and memory;
• Alleviating depression.

Although both maca and horny goat weed have a long history of medicinal use, their properties remain ill-defined by scientific research. To date, more clinical research is needed before any health benefit can be attributed to either supplement.

Using Horny Goat Weed and Maca Together

Horny goat weed supplementation often ranges from anywhere between two and 12 grams daily, depending on the purpose of use. For maca, common doses range between one-and-a-half and three grams daily.

Dosage recommendations may be lower when combining these supplements together or using with other synergistic compounds. Speak to your doctor to determine the right dosage for you.

Side Effects and Safety

Maca and horny goat weed both have a long history of medicinal use and are not commonly associated with severe side effects when taken properly and in moderation. However, both of these substances are thought to induce vasodilation, the opening of blood vessels, which may enhance circulation.

Additionally, they are both believed to increase not only sexual energy, but overall energy levels. These characteristics may make combining these two supplements dangerous for certain groups of people, especially those who have suffered recent heart attacks or have estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast and/or ovarian cancer.

It is important to discuss all supplementation plans with your doctor before implementing them. Be sure to speak with your doctor before combining horny goat weed with maca to help avoid negative side effects.

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