Horny goat weed, scientifically known as epimedium, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat ailments such as fatigue, arthritis pain and sexual dysfunction. A study performed by Cai Sheng Wu from the Peking Union Medical College in Beijing isolated seven different flavonoids contained in epimedium. Flavonoids are compounds found in many plants, fruits and vegetables that offer antioxidant benefits when consumed by humans. Scientific studies have shown that horny goat weed is effective in treating a variety of medical disorders in addition to fatigue, arthritis and sexual dysfunction. It should be noted that horny goat weed is considered an herbal, alternative treatment so a consultation with a physician is suggested prior to using this herbal medication for treatment of any medical condition.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis is a bone disorder where the blood supply to the bone is compromised. It leads to destruction and death of the affected bone. An experimental study performed by the Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong revealed that the presence of flavonoids in horny goat weed effectively inhibited factors, such as blood clots and fat deposits, that interrupt the blood supply and cause osteonecrosis. It should be noted that this study was performed on rabbits as study subjects, but the results of this study are encouraging.
Erectile Dysfunction
Horny goat weed has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. A study performed by M.N. Markova and published in the Dec. 3, 2007, edition of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" revealed that oral administration of horny goat weed was significantly effective in treating overall erectile function.
Cancer
Scientific studies have also shown that the flavonoids contained within horny goat weed can offer protection against some forms of cancer. A study performed by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National University of Singapore revealed that high doses of horny goat weed offered a profound inhibition of growth in human breast cancer cells. This study also yielded an unusual finding. The study showed growth inhibition of breast cancer cells with high doses of horny goat weed, low doses of horny goat weed actually exhibited growth stimulation of the same human breast cancer cells. However, proper doses of horny goat weed showed protective effects against breast cancer.
References
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Epimedum
- Science Direct: Simultaneous Determination of Seven Flavonoids in Epimedium By Liquid Chromatography--Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
- PlosOne.org: Constitutional Flavonoids Derived from Epimedium Dose-Dependently Reduce Incidence of Steroid-Associated Osteonecrosis Not via Direct Action by Themselves on Potential Cellular Targets
- PubMed.gov: Effect of Lipid-Based Suspension of Epimedium Koreanum Nakai Extract on Sexual Behavior in Rats
- PubMed.gov: New Estrogenic Prenylflavone From Epimedium Brevicornum Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells
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