Horny Goat Weed Side Effects, Drug Interactions & Contraindications

Horny goat weed is an herbal supplement that is regarded as safe when taken at correct dosages, though it may not be appropriate for all users.

Horny goat weed side effects may include spasms and respiratory failure if the plant supplement is taken in large doses.

This herbal extract is also known as Epimedium spp or yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is a genus of plants indigenous to China, Japan and Korea. The supplement known as horny goat weed is sourced from up to 15 different species of the Epimedium genus.

This supplement is not recommended to be taken long term, to prevent negative side effects. It is used as a balancing supplement for yang deficiency in TCM. Yang deficiency presents with slowed metabolic processes, such as hypothyroidism.

Symptoms may also include a dull ache in the lower back, soreness of the knees and weak lower limbs. A tendency to catch colds easily, social withdrawal, impotence, infertility and loose morning stools are also indications of yang deficiency.

Modern Chinese herbal medicine uses Horny goat weed in combination with other herbs for for asthma, bronchitis, cervical dysphasia, congestive heart failure, leucorrhoea, leukopenia and viral infections of the heart.

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 Uses

In the West horny goat weed is used mainly for erectile dysfunction and as an aphrodisiac for men and women.

It is also sometimes included as an ingredient in bodybuilding formulas.

It is currently being investigated for the treatment of menopause and osteoporosis as it may help reduce or prevent the loss of bone density.

Studies have indicated it may also help support cardiovascular health. This benefit helps older women, as the risk of heart disease increases after menopause.

Horny Goat Weed Side Effects

Insomnia is the most commonly reported side effect of horny goat weed, especially if the supplement is taken in large doses. Some people have reported that taking horny goat weed earlier in the day helps reduce incidences of insomnia.

Caution should be exercised if this supplement is combined with other aphrodisiac herbs such as Maca. Horny goat weed may increase body temperature, cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, heart rhythm problems and an initial increase in energy followed by fatigue.

Horny goat weed is not recommended to be taken for long periods as it can damage yin and lead to dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth and nosebleed. Supplementation may also cause irregular or rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and upset stomach, even at lower dosages.

It is not recommended for use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast or uterine cancer, should not take horny goat weed.

Dangers of Improper Use

Epimedium spp. side effects may include lower blood pressure and increase the risk of fainting. This supplement slows blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding.

Supplementation should be stopped at least two weeks prior to surgery as it may increase the risk of bleeding during the operation. It may also cause easy bruising and cuts and scraps may be slow to stop bleeding.

If symptoms such as black or bright-red blood in the stool, or vomiting of blood occur after taking Horny goat weed extract, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate treatment.

Changes to vision or speech, weakness or numbness in the arms and legs and severe headache may be signs of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain). This condition also requires immediate medical attention.

Some people are allergic to Epimedium spp. and may experience an allergic reaction after taking horny goat weed. Symptoms of this condition include: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat; and wheezing or difficulty breathing. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock require emergency medical treatment to make sure the episode is over.

Drug Interactions

Horny goat weed may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. For instance, medications for high blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs) may interact with this supplement.

Horny goat weed may decrease blood pressure. Taking horny goat weed along with medications for high blood pressure might cause side effects such as blood pressure to drop too low, which increases the risk of fainting.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) and furosemide (Lasix).

Medications that slow blood clotting (anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs) may interact with this supplement because horny goat weed may slow blood clotting. Taking horny goat weed in combination with drugs or supplements that affect clotting might increase the risk of side effects including bruising and excessive bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, and warfarin (Coumadin).

Epimedium supplements should not be used together with with aspirin, blood thinners, oral contraceptives or antidepressants. Check with your doctor before using this supplement with other mood-enhancing compounds – including herbal supplements.

Additionally, supplementation should be avoided if you are being treated for immune disorders or thyroid problems. Also avoid this supplement if taking medicines that lower cholesterol. Speak to your doctor to determine whether Horny goat weed is safe for you to use depending on any medications you are currently using as well as your health history.

Conclusion

Horny goat weed side effects are generally rare, but there are known contraindications and interactions that should be avoided. The supplement has been used for thousands of years in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is not commonly associated with severe side effects.

Avoid large doses and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. As with all supplements, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking horny goat weed to make sure it is safe for you and to help ensure no negative side effects occur.

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5, rated)