People use horny goat weed pills for a number of purposes. Medicinal use of the horny goat weed herb dates back to 200 BCE.
Since its discovery, it has been incorporated into a number of traditional medicine practices, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Horny goat weed is also known by its Chinese name yin yang huo and is comprised of species from the Epimedium plant genus. Although the genus contains 64 different species, only about 15 are thought to exhibit medicinal qualities: any of these 15 species can be used to make horny goat weed pills.
Within traditional practice the herb has been used for a variety of purposes, including improving circulation, increasing libido and supporting kidney and liver health. The supplement is now known in the West and is often used for its purported ability to improve libido and alleviate sexual dysfunction.
Horny goat weed supplements are also commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes to help enhance muscle production and athletic performance. Active constituents in Epimedium are known to stimulate nitric oxide production, which has been observed to help increase muscle strength, stamina and size.
Although horny goat weed is often used for a number of purposes, there is little scientific evidence available to support these uses. Additionally, there are no standardized dosages for horny goat weed pills.



- Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
- Boosts male & female libido
- Supports erectile function & performance
Possible Benefits of Horny Goat Weed Pills
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Horny goat weed tablets, powders and pills are popular forms of this dietary supplement.
Horny goat weed extract is taken from various Epimedium species, which are usually flowering perennials indigenous to eastern China and parts of Korea.
Horny goat weed is said to have been discovered when an goat herder in China observed his flock getting very sexually excited after consuming Epimedium. Since then, horny goat weed has been incorporated into TCM and other traditional practices.
However, it has received very little scholarly attention within conventional Western medicine when compared to other medicinal plants. As a result, there is little scientific evidence to identify any therapeutic use or understand the array of possible side effects.
Some scientific research is ongoing and Epimedium is being investigated for its ability to:
- Encourage the synthesis of osteoblasts (cells crucial to bone production), which may help prevent and reverse bone degeneration;
- Support liver, heart and kidney health;
- Alleviate symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions;
- Alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction, such as the inability to achieve erection;
- Improve circulation;
- Increase production of nitric oxide and testosterone;
- Improve use of free-circulating testosterone;
- Support memory retention.
Preliminary research on the constituents of horny goat weed pills have revealed some useful effects, but additional research is required before any particular use can be established based on scientific evidence alone.
Horny Goat Weed Tablets and ED
One of the main uses for horny goat weed capsules is as a sexual performance enhancer. A number of symptoms of erectile dysfunction are caused by the presence of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5).
PDE5 is a chemical that prohibits blood flow to the corpus cavernosum of the penis during sexual excitement. Erections are impossible without appropriate blood flow. Horny goat weed pills often contain varying levels of icariin, a natural substance that has been observed to inhibit PDE5.
Icariin is also a precursor to the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a substance known to induce vasodilation. Vasodilation is characterized by the widening of blood vessels, which may help improve circulation. The vessels carry more blood with the same or lower blood pressure.
Improved blood flow may help circulate more beneficial substances, such as proteins, hormones and nutrients throughout the body. Thus, increased blood flow may support good health.
Vasodilation and PDE5 inhibition may help reverse the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Advocates of horny goat weed tablets claim the supplement increases blood flow to the corpus cavernosum and improves sexual desire.
Other Reasons to Take Horny Goat Weed Pills
Horny goat weed tablets and powder supplements are used by bodybuilders and other athletes who desire improved performance. Reports of improved athletic performance and muscle conditioning are often attributed to icariin-induced vasodilation.
Vasodilation may help improve circulation, which allows more oxygen, androgenic hormones and proteins to be delivered throughout the body. This effect is thought to improve the growth, endurance and recovery time of muscle tissues.
Safety of Horny Goat Weed Pills
The Food and Drug Administration does not provide any dosage recommendations for Epimedium; there is currently insufficient evidence to attribute any particular medicinal use to horny goat weed based on scientific evidence alone. Horny goat weed has a long history of use in TCM and is not commonly associated with severe side effects.
However, the supplement should not be taken excessively or for long periods of time. Additionally, Epimedium may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some groups are not recommended for Epimedium supplementation.
It is important to speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed pills or any other form of the supplement including as an herbal tea.
- Wu H1, Lien EJ, Lien LL. Chemical and pharmacological investigations of Epimedium species: a survey. Prog Drug Res. 2003;60:1-57.
- Natural Medicines. Horny Goat Weed: Professional Monograph. September 2015.
- Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, Chen JP, Liang XM. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Apr 26;98(3):295-300.
Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment