Horny Goat Weed

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Horny Goat Weed
- Fairy Wings
- Bishop's Hat
- Barrenwort
- Goat Wort
- Yin Yang Huo (Chinese)
- Inyokaku (Japanese)

Latin Name: Epimedium grandiflorum (also E. brevicornum, E. sagittatum)

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Sexual vitality and libido enhancement - Traditional Chinese Medicine, centuries of use
• Fatigue and weakness - Chinese herbal tradition
• Back pain and arthritis - TCM kidney-tonifying formulas

Modern Uses

• Sexual Dysfunction (Men & Women) - Increases blood flow to sexual organs; stimulates sensory nerves; may support testosterone production | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Studies indicate improved erectile function; herb opens vessels to brain and sexual organs, increasing blood supply; research compared to PDE5 inhibitor mechanism (similar to Viagra)

• Source citations: Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing; Pursell, The Herbal Apothecary; American Chemical Society 2008 study

• Bone Health / Osteoporosis Prevention - Phytosterols may prevent postmenopausal bone loss | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed significantly improved lumbar spine and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women taking E. brevicornum extract with calcium

• Source citations: Zhang et al., Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2007); Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing

• Menopausal Symptoms - May help relieve hot flashes | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Traditional use suggests effectiveness for menopausal hot flashes
• Source citations: Lust, The Natural Remedy Bible

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Icariin - Primary bioactive flavonoid; acts as a natural PDE5 inhibitor (similar mechanism to Viagra); supports blood flow
- Flavonoids - Antioxidant and estrogenic effects; support bone density
- Phytosterols - Plant sterols that may prevent bone loss
- Saponins - Support hormone balance
- Alkaloids - Contribute to overall therapeutic effects

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule/tablet/extract
- Amount: 250–500 mg daily (standardized extract)
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule or as directed by herbalist
- Amount: Up to 500 mg standardized extract
- Purpose: Sexual dysfunction, bone health support
- Duration: Recommended not to exceed 3 months continuous use

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Follow product label; avoid exceeding recommended doses
- Warning threshold: High doses may cause adverse effects

Bioavailability Notes:
- Look for products standardized to icariin content (typically 10–20%)
- Traditional preparations often steeped in wine before use

How to Take It

Timing:
- Can be taken any time of day
- May be taken with or without food
- For sexual function: Some traditional sources suggest taking 1–2 hours before desired effect

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Maca - Both support libido; combined effect on energy and sexual vitality
2. Ginseng (Panax) - Both used traditionally for sexual function and vitality; combined adaptogenic effects
3. Ashwagandha - Complements stress-reducing effects; supports hormone balance
4. Tribulus Terrestris - Both traditionally used for male vitality; combined testosterone support

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Other testosterone-boosting herbs - Combined use may cause hormone imbalance | Monitor for side effects

Drug Interactions:
1. Blood Pressure Medications - Epimedium lowers blood pressure; may cause excessive blood pressure drop | Severity: Moderate
2. PDE5 Inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) - Similar mechanism of action; combined use may cause dangerous effects | Severity: Severe
3. Hormone Therapies / Estrogen - Has estrogenic effects; may alter hormone balance | Severity: Moderate
4. Anticoagulants / Blood Thinners - May affect blood clotting | Severity: Moderate
5. Heart Medications - Can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure | Severity: Moderate to Severe

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Prostate disorders
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Congestive heart failure
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate)
- Heart arrhythmias
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Side Effects:
- Common (with prolonged use): Dizziness, dry mouth, increased thirst, nosebleed
- Less common: Vomiting, hyperactivity, spasms, cramps
- Rare/Severe (overdose): Exaggerated reflexes, respiratory arrest

Long-Term Use:
- Not recommended for use beyond 3 months continuously
- Herb becomes less effective with continued use
- Cycle on and off to maintain effectiveness

Special Precautions:
- Discontinue at least 2 weeks before surgery due to effects on blood pressure and bleeding
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Those with prostate conditions should avoid entirely

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Erectile dysfunction, low libido, sexual dysfunction (men and women), bone health support

Secondary: Menopausal hot flashes, fatigue, back pain, circulatory support

Sources

Local Library:
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing
- Pursell, J.J. - The Herbal Apothecary
- Lust, John - The Natural Remedy Bible
- Moline, Peg - The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies
- Amazing Wellness magazine (2015, 2017)

General Knowledge:
- Zhang et al., "Epimedium-Derived Phytoestrogen Flavonoids Exert Beneficial Effect on Preventing Bone Loss in Late Postmenopausal Women," Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 22(7) (2007)
- American Chemical Society (2008) - PDE5 inhibitor research