Horny goat weed powder supplements contain dozens of flavonoid phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that may be beneficial for health.
Several of these phytonutrients demonstrate estrogen-limiting properties, which appear to boost the performance of androgenic hormones.
Constituents of horny goat weed, such as icariin, have been observed to increase nitric oxide production, which leads to vasodilation or the widening of blood vessels.
Horny goat weed powder is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low libido. Additionally, because it contains precursors to nitric oxide synthesis, horny goat weed is often used to enhance athletic performance, especially with regard to weight training and muscle development.
The supplement known as horny goat weed is derived from a number of plant species from the Epimedium genus. This particular plant genus contains over 60 different species, but only a portion of those are thought to possess medicinal properties. Bulk horny goat weed powder is often produced from a group of 15 different Epimedium species.



- Inhibits PDE-5 enzyme & raises nitric oxide
- Boosts male & female libido
- Supports erectile function & performance
Effects of Horny Goat Weed Powder
Related Topics
Horny goat weed has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems throughout Asia.
In particular, it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a yang tonic.
Within the Western context, relatively little research has been conducted on horny goat weed compared to other plants used in TCM.
There is insufficient scientific evidence to justify any particular medical use for Epimedium powder. However, investigation is ongoing to identify what, if any, therapeutic benefits can be attributed to the plant.
Epimedium and its constituents have been implicated in a diverse array of potential health effects, including:
- Alleviating symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including low sex drive, inability to gain an erection, premature ejaculation and more;
- Stimulating osteoblasts to rebuild and repair damaged or degraded bone tissue;
- Enhancing immune function;
- Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels;
- Improving circulation and supporting cardiovascular health;
- Supporting kidney health;
- Anticancer effects against cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments;
- Stimulating the growth of new neurons and increasing nerve sensitivity;
- Increasing muscular stamina, strength, size and healing;
- Inhibiting the progression and maintenance of inflammation;
- Treating hay fever and other respiratory disorders;
- Exhibiting antiviral properties;
- Lowering diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels.
Horny Goat Weed Powder and Vasodilation
Horny Goat Weed acts as a vasodilator in the body, which can improve blood circulation and cardiovascular function. Vasodilation is characterized by the widening of blood vessels.
When widened or dilated, blood vessels may be able to transport more blood without elevating blood pressure. This effect may help improve circulation of oxygen, nutrients and energy throughout the body.
In the case of erectile dysfunction, increased blood flow to the corpus cavernosum in the penis supports the ability to achieve and sustain erections.
In the case of athletic performance, improved circulation can deliver more blood, glucose and nutrients to the muscles, which may support muscle development, recovery and performance.
Horny goat weed supplementation is purported to enhance the body’s ability to utilize free-circulating testosterone. Testosterone is directly associated with enhanced athletic performance, sexual performance and sexual desire.
Clinical results already show improvement in sexual performance and desire in mice. Human trials have not been conducted and it is unclear if the same effect will occur.
Buying Horny Goat Weed Powder
When choosing a horny goat weed powder supplement, or any other natural supplement, it is always important to look for vendors that provide Certificates of Authenticity verifying the content of the product.
The company should provide a breakdown of phytonutrient constituents as well as tests showing low levels of heavy metals and microorganism counts.
Further, it is important to pay attention to the concentration of icariin in the horny goat weed powders you may be considering. Icariin is thought to support a number of biological functions and is thought to stimulate nitric oxide production. Supplements that contain 5:1 or 10:1 horny goat weed extract are best.
The powder is typically taken in dosages of between 500 mg to 1500 mg per day. If using a pure Icariin supplement, the recommended dosage is between 100 – 200 mg per day, depending on body weight. You can speak to your doctor to determine the right dosage for you.
When measuring Horny Goat Weed powder, it is a good idea to invest in a high quality digital scale or set of measuring spoons to ensure you are taking the correct amount. The powder can be mixed into drinks such as smoothies or milk. You can also make an herbal tea from the powder.
Safety and Side Effects
Horny goat weed should not be used to excess or for prolonged periods of time.
There are no standardized horny goat weed powder dosages provided by regulatory agencies. Consequently, the full range of possible horny goat weed side effects is poorly understood.
Within TCM practice, a range of horny goat weed dosages are used depending on the intended purpose. Within these traditional practices horny goat weed is not commonly associated with severe side effects if taken at appropriate doses.
Although it is not frequently associated with severe side effect in healthy individuals, there are groups who should avoid horny goat weed supplementation:
- Individuals who have recently had a heart attack or have a history of cardiovascular disorders;
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancer;
- Those taking antihypertensive medications;
- Women who are pregnant and/or nursing infants;
- Anyone scheduled for surgery;
- Anyone already taking other sex-enhancing substances.
This supplement may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. As with all supplements, it is important to speak with your doctor before supplementing with horny goat weed powder.
- 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.
- Yin XX, Chen ZQ, Liu ZJ, Ma QJ, Dang GT. Icariine stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts by increasing production of bone morphogenetic protein 2. Chin Med J (Engl). 2007 Feb 5;120(3):204-10.
- Dell'Agli M, Galli GV, Dal Cero E, Belluti F, Matera R, Zironi E, Pagliuca G, Bosisio E. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2008 Sep;71(9):1513-7.
Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment