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Horny Goat Weed

Compilation by Armando Gonzalez Stuart, PhD

Scientific Name:

Epimedium sagittatum

Botanical Family:

Berberidaceae

Other Common Name:

Epimedium,Yinyanghuo, Sagittate epimedium

 Where is it found?

China, the Himalayas, and Japan.

Parts of the plant used:

The leaves, stems, and flowers.

How is it used?

  • Horny goat weed is available as an herbal supplement, usually in raw herb, tablet, or capsule form, and is sometimes combined with other herbs such as Yohimbé, Saw palmetto, and Maca, among others.

What is it used for?

  • Various related species are purported to have aphrodisiac properties, “horny goat weed”.
  • For this reason, the plants are employed to treat impotence, as well as to increase libido or sexual desire. This plant is also used to treat arthritis, as well as chronic pain in the lower body.
  • Various related species are also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat rheumatism and high blood pressure in women with menopause.
  • Extracts of the plant’s leaves have estrogenic action due to the presence of plant compounds that have actions similar to those of female sex hormones.
  • More research regarding the therapeutic use of this herb in humans is needed before it can be safely recommended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

 

Safety / Precautions

Safety/Precautions:

  • The safety of this herb has not been adequately studied, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Additionally, certain herbs that are sometimes combined with horny goat weed, such as yohimbé, for example, may cause high blood pressure and changes in behavior in high doses.
  • Quality control in certain herbal supplements is sometimes lacking, so it is best to consult first with a qualified health provider before taking any product containing this herb.
  • There are no known studies regarding the potential herb-drug interactions between horny goat weed and prescription medications to treat erectile dysfunction.
  • For this reason, it is not recommended to take horny goat weed, or any other herb purported to treat impotence, along with the prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, without  medical advice.

Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!

 

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