What are the potential benefits of horny goat weed for women. How does horny goat weed affect estrogen levels. Can horny goat weed help with menopause symptoms. Is horny goat weed effective for osteoporosis prevention. What are the potential anti-aging effects of horny goat weed. How can women incorporate horny goat weed into their wellness routines. What does scientific research say about horny goat weed’s efficacy for women’s health.

The Origins and Traditional Uses of Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed, scientifically known as Epimedium, has a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, it’s referred to as “yin yang huo,” which translates to “horny goat weed” in English. TCM practitioners believe this herb “tonifies the kidney yang,” a concept central to their medical philosophy.

The nickname “horny goat weed” originates from an intriguing piece of Chinese folklore. Legend has it that a goat herder noticed increased sexual activity among his goats after they consumed this leafy plant. While this tale may seem fanciful, it hints at the herb’s potential effects on libido and sexual function.

Historical Applications in Traditional Medicine

For over two millennia, horny goat weed has been utilized to enhance libido in both men and women. Its applications extend beyond sexual health, encompassing various aspects of wellbeing according to TCM principles. The herb’s versatility and long-standing use in traditional medicine have piqued the interest of modern researchers, leading to scientific investigations into its potential benefits.

Horny Goat Weed and Women’s Health: Beyond the Misconceptions

Despite its frequent association with men’s health, particularly in treating erectile dysfunction, horny goat weed offers numerous potential benefits for women. Its effects on female health span from sexual wellness to bone health and beyond.

Is horny goat weed effective for women’s sexual health? Studies suggest that the herb may influence both testosterone and estrogen levels. Research has shown that horny goat weed can enhance the production of bioactive nitric oxide, a chemical that mimics testosterone. This effect, while often discussed in the context of male sexual function, may also have implications for female sexual health.

Hormonal Balance and Menopause Support

Can horny goat weed help with menopause symptoms? Clinical trials have demonstrated promising results. An extract of horny goat weed has been shown to increase estrogen levels and improve lipid profiles in postmenopausal women without significant side effects. This finding suggests potential applications in managing menopausal symptoms and supporting overall hormonal balance during this transitional phase.

The Impact of Horny Goat Weed on Bone Health

Osteoporosis, characterized by porous and fragile bones, disproportionately affects aging women, particularly after menopause due to declining estrogen levels. Horny goat weed has shown promise in supporting bone health, making it a subject of interest for women concerned about osteoporosis.

How does horny goat weed contribute to bone health? Extracts of Epimedium have long been used to promote bone health in traditional medicine. Modern research supports this application, with studies demonstrating beneficial effects on bone health in estrogen-deficient and other osteoporosis animal models. Clinical trials have further corroborated these findings, suggesting that horny goat weed may help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Mechanisms of Action for Bone Support

• Promotion of osteoblast activity (bone-forming cells)
• Inhibition of osteoclast function (bone-resorbing cells)
• Enhancement of bone mineral density
• Support of overall bone structure and strength

Anti-Aging Potential of Horny Goat Weed

The potential anti-aging effects of horny goat weed have garnered attention from both researchers and individuals seeking natural ways to support healthy aging. While more research is needed to fully understand its impact, preliminary studies have yielded intriguing results.

What are the potential anti-aging effects of horny goat weed? A study examining the effects of horny goat weed on aging rats found that it influenced various age-related metabolites, including unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, nucleotides, carnosine, ergothioneine, and amino acids. Remarkably, these metabolites showed “age-related changes” that were “reset to a younger level” following administration of the herb.

Implications for Age-Related Health Concerns

The anti-aging potential of horny goat weed extends beyond superficial effects, potentially addressing underlying biological processes associated with aging. This holistic impact suggests that the herb may offer comprehensive support for age-related health concerns, including:

• Maintenance of cellular health
• Support for metabolic function
• Promotion of overall vitality and energy
• Potential neuroprotective effects

Comprehensive Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed for Women

A thorough literature review has highlighted the diverse pharmacological actions of Epimedium and its active compounds. These benefits encompass a wide range of health aspects particularly relevant to women’s wellness.

What are the comprehensive health benefits of horny goat weed for women? Research indicates potential benefits in:

1. Strengthening yang (in TCM terms)
2. Hormone regulation
3. Anti-osteoporosis effects
4. Immunological function modulation
5. Antioxidant properties
6. Anti-tumor activities
7. Anti-aging effects
8. Anti-atherosclerosis properties
9. Anti-depressant activities

This broad spectrum of potential benefits underscores the versatility of horny goat weed in supporting various aspects of women’s health, from physical to mental wellbeing.

Incorporating Horny Goat Weed into Women’s Wellness Routines

For women interested in exploring the potential benefits of horny goat weed, there are several ways to incorporate this herb into their wellness routines. The key is to choose a method that aligns with personal preferences and lifestyle.

How can women incorporate horny goat weed into their wellness routines? Here are some popular options:

• Herbal Tea: Enjoy horny goat weed as a delicious and soothing herbal tea. This can be prepared from loose leaves or conveniently consumed using store-bought tea bags.
• Capsules or Tablets: For those preferring a more standardized dosage, capsules or tablets offer a convenient option. Many formulations are specifically designed to target women’s libido or support optimal estrogen levels.
• Tinctures: Liquid extracts or tinctures provide another alternative, allowing for flexible dosing and easy incorporation into beverages or foods.

Considerations for Usage

When incorporating horny goat weed into a wellness routine, it’s essential to consider individual health needs and consult with a healthcare provider, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking medications. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed can help assess personal tolerance and effectiveness.

Scientific Research and Future Directions

While traditional use and anecdotal evidence support the benefits of horny goat weed for women, it’s important to note that human research data is limited. Many studies have been conducted on animals or in cell cultures, necessitating further research to fully understand the herb’s effects on human health.

Is there ongoing research on horny goat weed for women’s health? Yes, the scientific community continues to investigate the potential applications of horny goat weed in various aspects of women’s health. Current areas of interest include:

• Menopausal symptom management
• Osteoporosis prevention and treatment
• Sexual function and libido enhancement
• Cardiovascular health support
• Cognitive function and neuroprotection

As research progresses, our understanding of horny goat weed’s mechanisms of action and potential benefits for women’s health is likely to expand, potentially leading to more targeted and effective applications in the future.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While horny goat weed is generally considered safe when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. As with any herbal supplement, individual responses can vary, and caution is advised.

Are there any safety concerns or side effects associated with horny goat weed use in women? Some potential side effects and considerations include:

• Mood changes: Some users report irritability or agitation.
• Hormonal effects: Due to its influence on estrogen, women with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Cardiovascular effects: The herb may affect heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals.
• Interactions with medications: Horny goat weed may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and hormone therapies.

It’s crucial to discuss the use of horny goat weed with a healthcare provider, especially for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions. This ensures that its use is appropriate and safe within the context of individual health circumstances.

In conclusion, horny goat weed offers a range of potential benefits for women’s health, from supporting hormonal balance and bone health to potentially aiding in healthy aging. While more research is needed to fully elucidate its effects and optimal use in humans, the long history of traditional use and growing body of scientific evidence make it an intriguing option for women seeking natural approaches to wellness. As with any supplement, informed use under the guidance of a healthcare professional is key to maximizing potential benefits while minimizing risks.

Horny Goat Weed For Women

In TCM, Epimedium is known as yin yang huo, and that translates literally into English as “horny goat weed”. Practitioners of TCM believe that horny goat weed “tonifies the kidney yang.” 1 According to Chinese folklore, horny goat weed was a favorite of the mythical yin yang, a goat-like creature. Like all legends, the story may contain a grain of truth.

The Benefits of Horny Goat Weed Women Should Consider

There are so many herbal supplements to consider for supporting women’s health, but one wins the prize for most original name. Horny goat weed is the tongue-in-cheek nickname given to a leafy plant whose scientific name is epimedium (or yin yang huo in the Chinese). In fact, the name was given as sort of a joke: legend has it that it a Chinese goat herder noticed heightened sexual activity in his goats after they ate the plant. The nickname has stuck.

Horny goat weed has been used for over 2000 years to boost libido in both men and women, but it is frequently discussed in conversations about men’s health, particularly because of its use in treating erectile dysfunction. One reason behind this is that studies have shown that horny goat weed may enhance the production of bioactive nitric oxide, a chemical that mimics testosterone.

Still more studies have examined how icariin (the active component of horny goat weed) interacted with rats with erectile function caused by nerve functions. That research indicated that horny goat weed “may have beneficial effects on erectile function” for those with nerve injuries.

However, all of the focus on horny goat weed and men doesn’t mean that horny goat weed lacks benefits for women. In fact, it’s. The horny goat weed women take may affect everything from their sexual health to their bone health. So if you’ve been wondering if you should try horny goat weed, women, listen up. Here’s what the studies have to say.

Horny Goat Weed and Estrogen

Horny goat weed does not just affect testosterone. It also may affect estrogen. A clinical trial has shown that “an extract of horny goat weed could increase estrogen levels and improve lipid profiles in postmenopausal women without any significant side effects. ”

Estrogenic botanicals like horny goat weed, including soy, red clover, kudzu, hops, licorice, rhubarb, chasteberry, flaxseed and alfalfa, may also have additional breast cancer preventive effects “linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways.”

Horny Goat Weed and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, or “porous bone” is a condition that especially affects aging women. This is brought on in part by menopause, and the subsequent drop in estrogen. Extracts of epimedium have “long been used for bone health” and can “exert beneficial effects on bone health in estrogen-deficient and other osteoporosis animal models.” Recent clinical trials also support the use of epimedium, or horny goat weed, in support of bone health.

Other studies have shown that epimedium can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Horny Goat Weed and Aging

One use of horny goat weed women (and men) may be interested in is its potential anti-aging effects. One study of the effects of horny goat weed on aging looked at the effect of epimedium on age-related metabolites in aging rats; these metabolites include unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, nucleotides, carnosine, ergothioneine and amino acids. Each metabolite showed “age related changes” that “were reset to a younger level” after administration.

Conclusions

Overall, a literature review concluded that “modern pharmacology studies and clinical practice demonstrated that Epimedium and its active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in strengthening yang, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immunological function modulation, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-depressant activities.”

There are many ways to enjoy horny goat weed. It can be made into a delicious herbal tea, either homemade or in store-bought tea bags.

Some prefer capsules or tablets, or even tinctures. Many of these come in forms specifically for targeting women’s libido, or supporting ideal estrogen levels.

Have you noticed horny goat weed affecting your sex drive, hormone levels, or bone health? Tell us about it in the comments!

What’s to know about horny goat weed?

Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Some claim it can help treat erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis.

People used the herb as an alternative medication for:

Human research data to support the use of horny goat weed is limited at best. However, some anecdotal evidence and animal and cell studies claim health benefits.

This article explores the uses, dosages, and side effects of horny goat weed.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem affecting people of all ages, particularly those over 40 . Estimates claim that 30-50 million people in the United States experience ED. At times, people may experience psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause or contribute to ED.

Many people claim that horny goat weed can be a natural remedy for ED. However, these claims are often anecdotal, and research is lacking.

An older study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine assessed the effects of horny goat weed on nerve damage in animals and cellular trials. The researchers reported that icariin, the active component of horny goat weed, might show positive and promising effects in treating ED resulting from nerve injury.

Although there is some evidence that horny goat weed may help treat the cellular mechanisms of ED, additional research is necessary.

At this time, there is not enough research to confirm the safety of horny goat weed during or after pregnancy. A 2020 paper published in Medicine did, however, evaluate its potential application as a treatment for infertility.

The findings suggest that horny goat weed may improve endometrial thickness in people with a thin endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus.

An endometrium less than 7 millimeters (mm) during ovulation may make embryo implantation more difficult. The researchers cite the need for more comprehensive studies.

Horny goat weed and breastfeeding

There are also unknowns about nursing while supplementing with horny goat weed. The Department of Health and Human Services advises against herbal supplements while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Studies have yet to identify the potential risks of horny goat weed consumption in pregnancy on fetuses, newborns, and children so a person should not use it.

Horny goat weed may have other potential benefits. However, research into other uses primarily involves animal and cellular studies and there is a lack of definitive human evidence to confirm many of its uses.

For example, a 2017 review found that horny goat weed may have antiosteoporosis properties in rats menopausal rats.

Other cell research has revealed the following possible effects :

• anticancer effects
• radiosensitizing effects
• reversal of multidrug resistance in some tumor cells

Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries in the neck harden. For people with atherosclerosis, a mixture containing horny goat weed may be beneficial and result in improved symptoms and clinical tests.

People with hay fever may experience symptom relief from an herbal preparation featuring horny goat weed, according to older findings cited in ISRN Allergy .

However, those in the study took a supplement containing several other herbs, making it difficult to assess the value of horny goat weed for allergies on its own.

As with any medications, herbs, and supplements, it is important for people to speak with their doctor before using horny goat weed. A doctor can work out its safety and dosage based on an individual’s needs and medical history.

Alternative medication should not take the place of traditional medication. People should also follow recommendations from their primary care practitioner.

As with any medication or herbal supplement, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions when using horny goat weed. Possible side effects may include:

• breathing problems
• racing heart
• increased energy
• sweating
• feelings of being hot

It is important for people to speak with a doctor about these or any other side effects that occur with the use of horny goat weed.

Horny goat weed may have negative interactions with certain medications, including:

• warfarin
• amitriptyline
• cyclosporin
• phenytoin
• glyceryl trinitrate and other nitrates
• estrogen
• clarithromycin and erythromycin
• drugs causing hypotension

People should not take horny goat weed if they:

• have hormone-sensitive cancer, as the herb has been shown to promote estrogen production
• have heart disease, as it can potentially lead to rapid, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and excitability
• have a known sensitivity to Epimedium
• are taking aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole
• a doctor advises against it

Anyone considering using horny goat weed should discuss it with their doctor first. Health experts can determine if horny goat weed is right for someone and what the appropriate dosing would be.

There have not been enough studies to recommend the use of this herb and to ensure its safety.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not monitor the quality, purity, or safety of herbs and extra caution is recommended.

More studies are needed to guarantee safety and identify potential side effects. If anyone does purchase herbs, they should be sure to buy from a known and reputable source.

Horny goat weed is commonly used as an alternative herbal medicine for ED.

The herb has ties to traditional Chinese medicine. However, clinical studies on the purported benefits of horny goat weed have yet to confirm its efficacy.

Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2022

• Men’s Health
• Vascular
• Sexual Health / STDs
• Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

Horny Goat Weed For Women: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Horny goat weed, or Epimedium grandiflorum, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over two thousand years. These plants, grown primarily in the wild throughout Asia, are found abundantly at higher altitudes.

In TCM, Epimedium is known as yin yang huo, and that translates literally into English as “horny goat weed”. Practitioners of TCM believe that horny goat weed “tonifies the kidney yang.” 1 According to Chinese folklore, horny goat weed was a favorite of the mythical yin yang, a goat-like creature. Like all legends, the story may contain a grain of truth.

Goatherds noted that their animals were much more sexually active after consuming these plants. The goatherds then tried consuming the herb themselves and evidently, the herb has been used ever since to improve sexual performance in both men and women.

What Does Horny Goat Weed Do?

As its names implies, horny goat weed has long been used to boost sexual activity in men and women. Both men and women have erectile tissue that respond to a compound in horny goat weed called icariin. Icariin has been found to act like a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (in the same manner as Viagra but weaker). Icariin can therefore help support circulation to sexual organs.

Does Horny Goat Weed Work for Women?

But what does horny goat weed do aside from increasing your drive? While it may boost sexual activity, that is far from its only purpose. Horny goat weed for women offers a wide range of potential effects and benefits to your overall health. Horny goat weed can be taken for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms. This is because horny goat weed is rich in prenylated flavonoids which have phytoestrogenic, or weakly estrogenic activity. 9 PMS happens when the body produces less estrogen prior to menses. Premenstrual syndrome comprises a wide range of symptoms that can vary in type and intensity. These symptoms often include:

• Mood swings
• General fatigue
• Irritability
• Tender breasts
• Sudden changes to appetite or food cravings
• Sleep problems
• Depression 12

Menopause happens when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone completely. Symptoms of menopause include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Moodiness
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Night sweats

In both cases, symptoms come as a result of shifts in hormonal balance, which result in significant physiological issues.

How Does Horny Goat Weed Work?

Along with its potential aphrodisiac effects, horny goat weed operates via several mechanisms that may help to support overall health and wellbeing. Take a look at some potential horny goat weed benefits below.

1. Supports Blood Flow

In terms of western medicine, horny goat weed contains the PDE-5 inhibitor icariin which helps support blood flow to sexual organs. This increased flow is an essential part of sexual desire and function.

Research suggests that icariin, the primary component in horny goat weed, may also possess powerful cardioprotective properties. This comes from several potential mechanisms of action, including reducing damage to DNA, correcting any dysfunction in the endothelium, suppressing the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, preventing platelet activation, and modulation of lipids (fats and fatty acids). This all suggests horny goat weed benefits may include an ability to protect your heart and maintain cardiovascular health. 13

2. Supports Hormonal Balance

Horny goat weed also contains phytoestrogens 9 , and these chemicals replicate some of the effects of a woman’s natural estrogen. This estrogen-like activity can alleviate some menopausal symptoms like low libido.

Icariin and its derivatives, icaritin and desmethyl icartin are found in Horny Goat Weed 14 . Extracts of Horny Goat Weed have been found to increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. 19

3. Lowers Stress

Horny goat weed benefits may also include your emotional health as well. In trials with mice, administration of horny goat weed extracts reduced levels of cortisol 2 , the stress hormone. Too much cortisol in the body can lower sex drive.

4. Boosts Testosterone

Testosterone has libido-boosting effects in both men and women. In trials with rats, horny goat weed boosted levels of testosterone. 10 Another study corroborated the findings of the first study. The study involved separating a group of 48 rats into four subgroups: a control group, model group, testosterone group, and icariin group.

Researchers damaged the reproductive systems in the latter three groups of rats for five days. The icariin group was given 200 mg/kg per day of icariin, while the testosterone group was given an injection of 5 mg of sterandryl. Treatment for these two groups continued for seven consecutive days with researchers monitoring serum testosterone levels, follicle stimulating hormones, and luteinizing hormone. Results of the study found that icariin not only improved the function and condition of the rats’ reproductive organs, but also increased the circulating levels of testosterone. 15

There aren’t as many human studies but there has been one case reported in which a horny goat weed containing supplement caused elevations in testosterone. 11

5. Supports Bone Health

In traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed has been used for centuries in the treatment of bone fractures and bone loss, particularly related to osteoporosis. In a meta-review, researchers looked at several studies on icariin that examined its function, structure, and effects on bone metabolism.

The review found that icariin may promote bone formation by stimulating differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These studies also showed that icariin was more effective at osteogenic differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts than other common flavonoid compounds. One of the trials reviewed also reported icariin as a potentially effective treatment in preventing post-menopausal osteoporosis without any side effects.

This two-year study found that women taking an Epimedium supplement detected “beneficial effect in preventing bone loss” compared with those taking a placebo. 3 Osteoporosis can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. However, estrogen replacement therapy may cause uterine wall thickening, a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia. This effect was not seen in the women taking the Epimedium supplement.

This all suggests that icariin (and horny goat weed) presents potential as a bone-promoting compound, particularly for post-menopausal osteoporosis. 16 This suggests that horny goat weed for women, especially those entering menopause, may be even more integral to health.

6. Supports Healthy Immune Function

In another review study, researchers found that icariin possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may assist with its potential to support the immune system. Mechanisms of action include icariin’s ability to regulate lymphocyte balance, manage cytokines involved with inflammatory response, and control signaling pathways.

The results of the review suggest that icariin has a high potential for applications involving immunological and inflammatory diseases including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. 17

7. May Support a Better Mood

In a rat study, researchers measured the effects of icariin on stressed rats. The study found that treatments with icariin effectively reduced reversed certain cellular changes associated with depressive-like behavior and suggests that icariin has the potential to reduce depression and support mood. However, more studies involving humans are necessary before therapies with horny goat weed can be considered as an anti-depressant. 18

Horny Goat Weed Side Effects

Horny goat weed side effects are generally minimal when taken by mouth, ensuring safe oral usage. However, side effects may occur if this supplement is taken in high doses. These side effects may include dry mouth, mood changes, nausea, swelling, increased heart rate, sweating, and feeling overly warm. In some people, horny goat weed may lower thyroid hormone levels. As with many plants, Epimedium may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.

Do not use horny goat weed if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Because this herb has estrogen-like properties, women who have been diagnosed with breast or reproductive tract cancers should not take it. The same holds true for women suffering from cardiac issues or serious kidney or liver disease. If you have low blood pressure, horny goat weed may lower it even further, causing dizziness or fainting. Women with any sort of bleeding disorders should avoid horny goat weed. For this reason, stop taking the herb at least two weeks before any surgeries.

Horny goat weed may interact with certain medications. These include steroids such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone.

Horny Goat Weed for Women

Does horny goat weed work for women? There is a common misconception that horny goat weed can only be taken by men. Because of the underlying physiology of men and women are similar, horny goat weed can also be taken by women.

In summation, what does horny goat weed do for you? Horny goat weed contains compounds that support circulation to sexual organs, support hormonal balance, boost testosterone, support bone health, and lower stress. DrFormulas Libido Booster for Women offers a concentrated extract of horny goat weed along with several other natural ingredients designed to help support a healthy sex drive. Talk to your doctor if you think you can benefit from horny goat weed.

Sources:

1. https://hcahealthcare.com/hl/?/104431/Horny-Goat-Weed
2. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-you-asked/what-horny-goat-weed
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419678
4. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-4391000
5. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-699/horny-goat-weed
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317023.php
7. http://www.medicinehunter.com/horny-goat-weed
8. https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/6-big-health-benefits-of-epimedium-for-women/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12787956
10. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00197.x
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009898111003627

About the Author:

Dr. Bryan Do, D.O.

Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Horny goat weed refers to various herb species of the Epimedium genus, and may be known as “yin yang huo.” It has limited evidence of health benefits.

Horny goat weed contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. It also contains phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.

People use horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems, weak and brittle bones, health problems after menopause, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking a specific extract of horny goat weed for 24 months in combination with calcium supplements decreases bone loss of the spine and hip in women who have passed menopause better than taking calcium alone. Chemicals in the extract act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.
• Health problems after menopause.Taking horny goat weed water extract for 6 months can decrease cholesterol and increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
• Bronchitis.
• Ejaculation problems.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Fatigue.
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Joint pain.
• Liver disease.
• Memory loss.
• Sexual problems.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate horny goat weed for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Horny goat weed extract is possibly safe when used short-term. A specific extract of horny goat weed containing phytoestrogens has been taken by mouth safely for up to 2 years. Another extract containing a chemical called icariin has been taken safely for up to 6 months.

But some types of horny goat weed are possibly unsafe when used for a long period of time or in high doses. Serious side effects including severe breathing problems have been reported.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Horny goat weed extract is possibly safe when used short-term. A specific extract of horny goat weed containing phytoestrogens has been taken by mouth safely for up to 2 years. Another extract containing a chemical called icariin has been taken safely for up to 6 months.

But some types of horny goat weed are possibly unsafe when used for a long period of time or in high doses. Serious side effects including severe breathing problems have been reported. Pregnancy: Horny goat weed is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might harm the developing fetus. Avoid using it.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if horny goat weed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding. Taking horny goat weed might make bleeding disorders worse.

Hormone sensitive cancers and conditions: Horny goat weed acts like estrogen and can increase estrogen levels in some people. Horny goat weed might worsen some estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast and uterine cancer.

Surgery: Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking horny goat weed at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Horny goat weed might lower blood pressure. Taking horny goat weed along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

• Horny goat weed might slow blood clotting. Taking horny goat weed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Horny goat weed might have some of the same effects as estrogen and might increase blood levels of estrogen in some people. Taking horny goat weed with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects of estrogen.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Horny goat weed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Horny goat weed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of horny goat weed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects.