Horny goat weed – Does it really work?

What is horny goat weed?

Horny goat weed is available over the counter as an herbal supplement sold to help combat the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).

It is the most commonly referred to name of the Epimedium plant, and contains over 200 compounds. The main bioactive ingredients are the flavonoids, a group of natural substances found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are high in antioxidants, and can provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways. The main flavonoid in horny goat weed is icariin.

What does horny goat weed do?

The main ingredient icariin is though to work in a similar way to prescription medication used to treat ED. ED occurs when an abundance of an enzyme called PDE5 is present. PDE5 prevents blood flow to the penis. ED medication works by inhibiting PDE5, and they are classed as PDE5 inhibitors. Icariin is thought to work in the same way.

‘Nature’s PDE5 inhibitor’ doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, and so the Viagra association is the one that sticks. The supplement works in the same way, increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erectile function.

What else is it used for?

Horny goat weed may also prevent bone loss, especially in post-menopausal women.

How? After menopause, the female body produces less oestrogen, a hormone which promotes bone health. This causes a reduction in bone density, making issues such as osteoporosis likely. Since phytoestrogen flavonoids are not produced within the body, ingesting them in the form of supplements like horny goat weed can have a positive impact on health outcomes unrelated to sexual function. 

Although the impact of supplementation in order to prevent conditions like osteoporosis is largely undetermined, it remains common practice in many areas around the world.

Due to its widespread, over the counter availability, many individuals in the UK supplement horny goat weed for conditions as varied as muscle pain and fatigue. 

Other uses include relief from conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Menopausal symptoms
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
   

Despite these widespread reported benefits, horny goat weed is most commonly sought out for its namesake association: The ability to increase sexual function.

Horny goat weed benefits

Icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed is thought to improve blood flow to the penis.

As the increased blood flow afforded by the extract allows for a firmer and stronger erection, horny goat weed’s most famous benefits are tied to sexual function. However, the positive effects of the Epimedium genus extend to another organ in the body as well.

Horny goat weed contains several compounds which have been proven to host antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for the liver. 

These properties may also help to protect liver cells from the damages of oxidative stress and inflammation. The compounds derived from horny goat weed extract may boost the body’s liver enzymes, which break down and eliminate harmful toxins.

Horny goat weed for men

Although horny goat weed is also beneficial for post-menopausal women, the supplement is often marketed to men. That’s because the properties contained within the Epimedium plant act in a similar fashion to many prescription male enhancement medications. 

By blocking PDE5 within the body, the icariin within horny goat weed allows more blood to flow freely to the penis, which results in a stronger erection.

How much should I take?

If you’re a man looking to take advantage of nature’s Viagra, you may be surprised to learn that there is no specific recommended dosage. 

Many popular brands offer between 500 to 1,000 milligram (mg) servings. Some dosage guidelines suggest taking 5g of horny goat weed three times per day.

However, there is not enough information available to determine a safe dose.

When to take horny goat weed

Some protocols suggest you take horny goat weed three times per day, for a period of no more than 1 to 2 months. As with many other treatments, cycling on and off of this supplement may reduce the risk of potential side effects.

Other protocols suggest that the product needs to build up in your system over a period of a few months in order for it to be effective.

How fast does it work?

Horny goat weed taken in the form of tea will enter your system faster than the pill form of the supplement. Taken in pill form, horny goat weed will need to be broken down by your stomach before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The tea form of the treatment will be absorbed through the lining of your mouth.

How long does it last?

Again, due to the lack of official scientific data, the duration of action is unknown. PDE5 inhibitors typically last anywhere from 4 hours to 36 hours.

Is it safe?

There have been little to no reports of any ill effects from horny goat weed.

Many of the reported side effects are minor, when the treatment protocol is limited to a month or two at a time. 

Side effects associated with horny goat weed consumption include:

• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nosebleeds

Keep in mind that some pre-existing medical conditions and medications may impact the effectiveness and side effects you experience whilst taking horny goat weed, including:

• Heart disease
• Some hormone-sensitive cancers
• Thyroid disease
• High blood pressure
• Drugs that may cause rapid or irregular heartbeat

Horny goat weed can be dangerous if you consume too much. Before beginning supplementation, seek the counsel of a licensed medical professional to ensure treatment is right for you.

Horny goat weed vs. Viagra

When it comes to fighting the effects of erectile dysfunction, nothing beats the proven power of prescription Viagra. Whether sold in its generic form or under the brand name Viagra, the famed  ‘blue pill’ is one of the most effective and powerful PDE5 inhibitors available on the market today.

Men in the UK have been using Viagra to fight ED successfully for decades. 

If you’d prefer a fully natural alternative, you may be comforted to learn that Chinese medicine has harnessed the power of horny goat weed for far longer. 
 

Alternatives

Sildenafil 

The generic version of the brand name Viagra, Sildenafil has been an effective treatment for ED since the late 1990s. The medication is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, and begins to work 30 minutes to 1 hour post-consumption.

Tadalafil

Also known as generic Cialis, Tadalafil is a popular erectile dysfunction treatment sold in 2.5mg and 5mg doses. When taken daily, the medication provides a continuous effect. Also sold in a 20mg strength, the ‘weekend pill’ version of Tadalafil can be taken when needed to give you an effect lasting up to 36 hours.

Vardenafil 

Levitra is the brand name of the drug Vardenafil, which is used to combat the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction. The ED pill is available in 5mg, 10mg and 20 mg versions. Vardenafil provides a 4-5 hour window of effectiveness, and needs to be ingested 30-60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.

The Bottom Line

Horny goat weed is taken to treat sexual dysfunction…but does it work?

When taken in moderation, horny goat weed can provide a safe and potentially effective alternative to prescription medication ED drugs. Although the cumulative effects of the supplement have yielded positive results for some, studies have yet to prove that treatment is as powerful as some of the popular ED drugs on the market.

Many men in the UK struggle with the anxiety and physical effects associated with erectile dysfunction. Regardless of the treatment path you take, it can be comforting to know that there is help available. 

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.