Horny goat weed, also known as Epimedium, is used for a variety of potential health benefits, from sexual problems to post-menopausal symptoms. However, limited research exists to confirm its proposed medicinal properties.
“Horny goat weed is a popular plant used in traditional Chinese medicine,” explains Daniel Powers, herbalist and founder of The Botanical Institute, a resource on herbal and botanical medicine. “It’s generally well tolerated and safe for most individuals when taken at appropriate doses over a short period of time.”
Read on to learn more about horny goat weed, including how to take the supplement and its potential benefits, risk factors and side effects.
What Is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed is an herbal supplement derived from several species belonging to the Epimedium genus, a plant that grows in Asia, Africa and Europe. Also known as yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is widely available for purchase over the counter in box store retailers, natural food stores and online.
“Horny goat weed is believed to have health benefits that can [help] treat a variety of health issues,” explains Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and chief medical officer of OpenLoop, a digital health care company.
“[Horny goat weed] has gained popularity over the last decade or so for its benefits for male health,” adds Powers. “It’s typically taken as a dietary supplement for improving sexual function.” Erectile dysfunction and low libido are two sexual health concerns associated with the herb.
Potential Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed
Further research is needed to substantiate claims that horny goat weed can positively affect health. According to Dr. Purdy and Powers, the potential health benefits of horny goat weed include:
- Improving sexual function. Horny goat weed is often used for its so-called aphrodisiac properties. “Horny goat weed is thought to work by acting as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, [which] helps widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to sexual organs,” explains Powers. “However, more research is needed to verify this claim,” he adds.
- Managing joint pain. The chemical compound icariin, which is thought to be an active ingredient in horny goat weed, may have both anti-inflammatory and antiosteoporotic (supporting bone regeneration, often used in the treatment of osteoporosis) effects. As a result, horny goat weed may improve joint pain by reducing inflammation in the body while promoting bone density, potentially improving osteoporosis.
- Relieving menstrual and postmenopausal symptoms. Horny goat weed contains phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds that may be beneficial for people with hormone imbalances leading to menstrual cycle issues or post-menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Lowering cholesterol. Research suggests icariin, the active compound found in horny goat weed, may have anti-atherosclerotic properties, meaning it may help reduce the development of cholesterol in the body. However, as the supplement can affect hormone levels and cause an irregular heartbeat, individuals with heart disease should avoid taking it and should consult a health care provider prior to use.
- Lowering blood pressure. Horny goat weed may help lower blood pressure, research suggests. However, people already taking blood pressure medications should avoid the supplement, as it may cause their blood pressure to drop too low.
- Increasing energy. A possible side effect of consuming horny goat weed is an increase in energy, which some users reportedly find beneficial.
How to Use Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed can be purchased in a number of forms. “You can take horny goat weed in tablets, capsules, powder or even tea,” says Dr. Purdy. However, as the herb is available to purchase over the counter (and is unregulated), dosages may vary.
“There is no research available looking at the optimal dosing strategy for horny goat weed,” says Powers. “However, most formulas on the market have a dosage range between 500 milligrams and 1000 milligrams, which appears to be well tolerated.”
As there haven’t been any studies regarding the optimal dosage of horny goat weed, users should follow product instructions and seek advice from a health care provider if they’re unsure of how much to take.
“I recommend starting with smaller dosages and adding more as wanted to make sure you don’t have any sensitivities, allergies or adverse reactions,” says Dr. Purdy. “Always listen to your body and consult a doctor.”
Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
Those interested in trying horny goat weed should consult their health care provider before taking the supplement or if they experience any side effects. According to Dr. Purdy and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, side effects of consuming horny goat weed may include:
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds
- Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
As the research regarding the effects of horny goat weed remains limited, people taking the herb may experience additional side effects. “If you experience any side effects, consult a doctor,” advises Dr. Mueller (Tauri).
