Icariin Dosage Guidelines and Safe use of Horny Goat Weed

Icariin dosages will vary depending on the product used as well as the reason for taking this supplement.

This article will provide information on standard Icariin dosing guidelines based on research studies and user reviews.

However, users should speak to their doctor before taking this or any supplement to determine the appropriate dosage.

Icariin is contained in a number of plant species from the genus Epimedium. Up to 15 different Epimedium species are thought to exhibit medicinal effects and most of these contain icariin.

Medicinal Epimedium species are used to produce the supplement known as horny goat weed, which has been used in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia. The supplement is also known as barrenwort and by its Chinese name, yin yang huo.

Yin yang huo has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years. It is used as a general health tonic and consumed for sexual dysfunction and low libido.

In the West, horny goat weed is used as an aphrodisiac and to support cardiovascular health. Icariin is likely the main bioactive constituent of horny goat weed. Icariin concentrations can vary widely between supplements, which is why dosage guidelines may be different for the specific product you are using.

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* ❯

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Icariin Research

Icariin may exhibit several mechanisms of action which can have health-boosting benefits.

It is an antioxidant and has been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective (heart protecting), renoprotective (kidney protecting) and hepatoprotective (liver protecting) effects in laboratory experiments.

Clinical investigation on icariin and horny goat weed is limited and there are no widely agreed to dosing recommendations. Icariin is often used for a number of indications, including:

• Premature ejaculation, sexual dysfunction and impotence;
• Coronary artery disease, viral myocarditis and hypertension;
• Weakness in the knees and/or back;
• Arthralgia (joint pains), osteoporosis, postmenopausal bone loss and other bone degeneration;
• Chronic fatigue of the body and/or mind;
• Loss of memory;
• Bronchitis and chronic hepatitis;
• Polio and chronic leukopenia;

Most icariin and horny goat weed use is based on traditional practice and user testimonials. Some of the traditional uses for this supplement have not been substantiated yet in clinical trials.

Icariin Dosages

Although there are no standardized icariin dosages available, there are dose ranges that have been used in scientific investigation and traditional practice. Epimedium supplements containing 60 mg of icariin, 3 mg of genistein and 15 mg of daidzein are popular.

It is important to remember that horny goat weed supplements can contain different concentrations of icariin and may also contain a number of additional ingredients. It is important to follow the specific instructions for the product you are using.

As a sexual enhancement supplement, it is common to use 250 – 500 mg per day of Horny Goat Weed extract. This dosage is typically administered about one hour prior to engaging in sexual activity to improve erectile function and support libido.

Icariin dosages may also be used in certain medical contexts. However, individuals should not supplement with Icariin or Horny Goat Weed for the treatment of any medical condition without doctor supervision. Do not self-medicate.

To treat angina pectoris (strong chest pains), between four and six tablets containing 0.3 mg of icariin have been taken twice daily. This schedule lasts for one month and then administration is stopped for up to ten days before resuming (if needed). This same icariin dosage schedule has been used for chronic bronchitis.

For supporting healthy hormone levels in menopausal women, 300 ml of yin yang huo aqueous extract has been used daily for six months.

To ameliorate neurasthenia, a condition of disturbed emotions, fatigue and headaches, up to six 0.3 mg tablets have been used twice daily for one month. Supplementation is stopped for up to ten days and the resumed if required.

Safety Warnings for Icariin

Natural Medicines rates horny goat weed as likely safe when taken orally in appropriate amounts. 300 mL aqueous extracts of yin yang huo, each containing as much as 25 percent icariin, have been used without report negative effects for as long as six months. Mild gastrointestinal side effects are possible in rare cases.

If excessive icariin dosages are administered, or appropriate dosages are administered for too long, more serious complications may develop. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, neurologic, immunologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and endocrine side effects are possible.

There is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of icariin for new mothers. Horny goat weed exhibits androgenic activities. It is unknown how icariin may affect fetuses or newborns. Pregnant and/or nursing women should not take horny goat weed or icariin supplements.

Icariin is known to induce the release of nitric oxide (NO). This stimulates body-wide vasodilation of the circulatory system. Decreases in blood pressure may occur. Talk with your doctor about using barrenwort supplements before taking them in conjunction with any antihypertensive prescription medications.

Icariin may also affect liver enzymes and the speed with which prescribed, illicit and over-the-counter drugs are broken down. This may affect the potency of numerous medications, as well as their side effects. Consult with your doctor before beginning horny goat weed supplementation or establishing an icariin dosage.

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