Horny Goat Weed Reviews, Scientific Research and Ratings

Scientific review of horny goat weed is limited, but consumer reviews indicate the supplement is commonly used as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic. Taking horny goat weed extract is said to improve erectile function and sex drive.

Up to 15 different species of plants from the Epimedium genus are used to make horny goat weed supplements. These Epimedium species are native to Japan, Korea and China where they have been historically used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Traditionally, horny goat weed tea or tinctures were imbibed to promote fertility and increase sexual arousal in both men and women. User reviews do suggest that is effective for this purpose.

Horny goat weed research reviews suggest that this supplement may also improve testosterone levels, but this has not yet been examined in human clinical trials.

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

Top Horny Goat Weed* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Horny Goat Weed Review

Horny goat weed is referred to as yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, horny goat weed has been used for over a thousand years to treat conditions stemming from a deficiency of yang (the energetic opposite of yin).

Such conditions are currently thought to include low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, menopause, pain and osteoporosis.

Horny goat weed is now used in many countries around the world. Common contemporary uses include fatigue, sexual dysfunction, low libido, erectile dysfunction and athletic endurance.

Research indicates the active constituent of horny goat weed is a flavonoid called icariin. Both horny goat weed and icariin are often added to bodybuilding formulas and consumed in the hopes of increasing testosterone levels to encourage muscle development.

Scientific Research Review

More research is needed to verify the use of horny goat weed for any therapeutic purpose. The majority of available studies have been completed in the laboratory or on animals.

Additional research is needed to scientifically substantiate the use of horny goat weed for any particular function in humans.

While human studies are limited, researchers have identified the bioactive constituent of horny goat weed to be a flavonoid called icariin.

Icariin is a natural PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that plays a role in preventing blood from entering the penis, which can prevent an erection. Common prescription medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) contain synthetic PDE5 inhibitors, which is why icariin and horny goat weed has become a popular alternative treatment for ED.

Despite the prevalence of user reviews on horny goat weed, no clinical studies have been conducted focusing on the use of horny goat weed for ED or other conditions. In addition, ED is a complex condition that can be caused by a number of different factors, ranging from the physical to psychological.

PDE5 inhibitors may not work for everyone and it is important to have a conversation with your doctor about what treatment option is best to address ED or any other form of sexual dysfunction.

Traditional Uses of Horny Goat Weed

Many of the contemporary uses of horny goat weed are connected with its use in traditional medicine. As noted, it is used in TCM to treat a number of conditions related to libido and sexual function.

However, it is important to note herbs are rarely used independently in TCM. Instead, herb mixtures are often prepared to treat a specific condition.

According to reviews, Horny goat weed supplements often contain additional herbs to support sexual health, such as maca.

Consumer Reviews of Horny Goat Weed Supplements

The variety of horny goat weed products can make selecting a particular brand difficult. Given the limited scientific study on the subject, many look to consumer reviews to help inform their purchase decisions.

Consumer reviews of horny goat weed supplements vary significantly from product to product. For instance, some reviews of horny goat weed supplements that do not contain standardized concentrations of icariin have been quite poor.

But supplements that contain standardized icariin concentrations (usually around 10 %) are often relatively positive. Users report improved erections and an increased libido.

Additional Ratings of Horny Goat Weed

The Altmedicine.about.com website cites this supplement as useful for sexual dysfunction in men and women, and for treating menopause.

Web MD is a useful site to find user reviews in addition to information on the supplement and notes from relevant clinical trials. In its review of horny goat weed, the website notes the herb has been a traditional remedy in China for centuries. It is used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and pain.

The Mayo Clinic has a useful website to learn about herbal supplements. For horny goat weed, the website notes that although the supplement has long been used to improve sexual performance and testosterone levels, it has undergone little clinical experimentation. It also cautions that using this supplement may lower blood pressure.

Specialty sites, particularly those for bodybuilding, may contain helpful user reviews. Many use horny goat weed supplements to build muscle and speed recovery time after a workout. Epimedium can be found in a number of bodybuilding supplements and user reviews may help determine if the supplement is effective.

Horny Goat Weed Contraindications

This supplement should not be taken in high doses or for long periods of time. Within traditional Chinese medicine, overuse of horny goat weed is known to lead to an energetic imbalance that can cause dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth and epistaxis (nosebleed).

It may also cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and upset stomach. The lack of scientific evidence means the side effects of horny goat weed remain ill-defined within conventional Western medicine.

This supplement may interact with aspirin, blood thinners, oral contraceptives and antidepressants. It should not be taken by those being treated for immune disorders or thyroid problems.

It should not be taken with medicines that lower blood pressure or cholesterol. This supplement has been observed to slow blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding.

Horny goat weed use is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should also be avoided by those being treated for estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast or uterine cancer.

Some horny goat weed reviews are rooted in its long history of traditional use. Contemporary research and user reports indicate Epimedium may confer a number of therapeutic effects, but further research is needed.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed to make sure the supplement is right for you.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5, rated)