HORNY GOAT WEED (EPIMEDIUM)
What Is HORNY GOAT WEED (EPIMEDIUM)?
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing bioactive compounds, primarily icariin and other prenyl-flavonoids, known for its estrogenic and potential erectogenic properties. The active compound icariin acts as a PDE5 inhibitor (similar mechanism to Viagra), possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and has been traditionally used for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and immune system modulation. Research demonstrates effects on erectile function, neurogenesis, cardiovascular health, and potential anti-cancer properties.
HORNY GOAT WEED (EPIMEDIUM) Research & Studies
01 Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo ▸
Icariin demonstrated significant improvements in erectile function in rats with cavernous nerve injury, showing both erectogenic effects and neurotrophic properties that support nerve regeneration and penile tissue health.
View Study (PubMed)02 An outline for the pharmacological effect of icariin in the nervous system ▸
Comprehensive review showing icariin exerts anti-oxidative, anti-neuroinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects in the nervous system, with potential therapeutic applications for neurological conditions.
View Study (PubMed)03 The genus Epimedium: an ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review ▸
Over 260 compounds identified in Epimedium species, with prenyl-flavonoids as major constituents demonstrating efficacy in hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immunological modulation, anti-aging, and anti-atherosclerosis activities.
View Study (PubMed)04 Standardization and evaluation of botanical mixtures: lessons from a traditional Chinese herb, Epimedium, with oestrogenic properties ▸
Despite its marketing as herbal Viagra for men, Epimedium extracts are strongly estrogenic due to novel potent phytoestrogens of the prenyl-flavone family, requiring careful standardization and authentication.
View Study (PubMed)05 Angiogenic and MMPs modulatory effects of icariin improved cutaneous wound healing in rats ▸
Icariin at 0.1-0.5% concentrations significantly improved wound healing through upregulation of IL-10, downregulation of NF-κB, and modulation of angiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases.
View Study (PubMed)06 Anti-Cancer Properties of the Naturally Occurring Aphrodisiacs: Icariin and Its Derivatives ▸
Review demonstrates icariin and derivatives possess significant anti-cancer properties through modulation of multiple signaling pathways including NF-κB and Erk-p38-JNK, with potential therapeutic applications.
View Study (PubMed)07 Herba Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) Toxicity With Severe Muscle Spasms and Elevated Creatine Kinase and Creatinine: A Case Report ▸
First documented case of severe adverse effects from Epimedium supplementation, including severe muscle spasms, elevated creatine kinase and creatinine requiring hospitalization, highlighting potential safety concerns.
View Study (PubMed)08 A Urologist's Guide to Ingredients Found in Top-Selling Nutraceuticals for Men's Sexual Health ▸
Clinical review of top-selling sexual health supplements identifies Horny Goat Weed as a common ingredient but notes significant variability in formulations, dosing, and purity with limited regulation.
View Study (PubMed)HORNY GOAT WEED (EPIMEDIUM) User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Users report variable effectiveness with Horny Goat Weed, with some experiencing improvements in libido and erectile function after consistent use, while others find commercial formulations under-dosed or ineffective. Common concerns include quality inconsistency, proprietary blends with insufficient active ingredients, and the need for standardized icariin content (10% often preferred over 50% for unclear reasons).
HORNY GOAT WEED (EPIMEDIUM) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Libido Enhancement: Users report gradual improvements in sexual desire and performance after several weeks of consistent daily use, with effects more pronounced when combined with other supplements
- Erectile Function: Some users note modest improvements in erection quality and blood flow, though effects appear less pronounced than pharmaceutical options like Viagra or Cialis
- Cognitive Benefits: Limited user discussion of nootropic effects, though research supports neurogenesis and memory enhancement properties
- Blood Pressure Reduction: Several users report noticeable blood pressure lowering effects, which may contribute to improved vascular function
- Dosage Matters: Users consistently report that commercial products are severely under-dosed (10mg icariin considered worthless), with standardized extracts of 10% icariin appearing more effective than higher concentrations paradoxically
- Time to Effect: Benefits typically require 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use before noticeable improvements, not an acute/immediate effect like pharmaceuticals
- Quality Variability: Major concerns about proprietary blends, lack of standardization, and need to source from reputable suppliers with third-party testing; many commercial testosterone boosters contain insufficient amounts
- Combination Synergy: Often more effective when stacked with citrulline, arginine, zinc, magnesium, or maca rather than as standalone supplement
- Icariin Content: Users emphasize importance of standardized extracts with 10% icariin content, with typical effective doses around 750mg of extract (containing ~75mg icariin), though research uses higher doses
- Daily Administration: Most users take once or twice daily with meals for gradual effect buildup over weeks rather than as-needed dosing
- Cycling: Some discussion of taking breaks (2 days off per week) when combined with other testosterone-supporting supplements like Tongkat Ali to maintain effectiveness
- Avoid Under-dosed Products: Users warn against products with less than 50mg icariin per dose, considering them ineffective placebo formulations
- Muscle Cramping: Case report and user discussions mention potential for severe muscle spasms and cramps, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses
- Cardiovascular Effects: Blood pressure lowering noted by some users; warnings about interactions with stimulant medications causing vasoconstriction; concerns for those with atrial fibrillation
- Body Odor Changes: One user reported licorice-like skin odor changes that may be related to horny goat weed supplementation
- Hormonal Effects: Due to estrogenic properties, potential concerns about hormonal balance, though not frequently discussed by users
- Quality Concerns: Major issues with supplement industry standardization; users strongly recommend avoiding proprietary blends and gas station products, preferring reputable brands like NOW Foods or Nootropics Depot with third-party testing
- Extract Standardization: Critical to look for products standardized to icariin content (not "icarrins" plural which is less potent), with 10% standardization commonly recommended despite counter-intuitive preference over higher percentages
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