Horny goat weed is a perennial flowering herb that grows in parts of China as well as in Korea and Japan. A historically used aphrodisiac, horny goat weed was thought to have stimulating effects, which caused sexual arousal among its users. In 2011, the herb is sold for similar uses--as an erectile dysfunction treatment and sexual-enhancement herb. As with any medicine, some side effects and risks are possible. Talk to your doctor about horny goat weed before using the herb.
Active Constituents
The active constituents in horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, exist in the herb's leaves and roots. Plant sterols, flavonoids and phytoestrogens--chemicals that mimic the female hormone estrogen--are some of the numerous chemicals responsible for the herb's medicinal effects on the body.
Effectiveness
The chemicals in horny goat weed are thought to increase blood flow, which explains the herb's use for erectile dysfunction. As an herbal sexual stimulator, horny goat weed is purported to increase testosterone production, thereby acting as an aphrodisiac. As of 2011 the herb's effectiveness for these purposes is uncertain, however, as clinical trial data is not available to support these claims, reports Drugs.com.
Safety and Potential Side Effects
Just as there is little evidence to prove the effectiveness of horny goat weed, scant evidence also exists to prove the herb's safety. Some evidence suggests the herb has a blood-thinning effect, and may lower blood pressure as well, which could be dangerous for those using certain medications or for those who have underlying health conditions. Additionally, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that a 66-year old man with congestive heart failure experienced difficulty breathing, chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms after using horny goat weed for sexual enhancement once daily for a period of two weeks. Talk to your doctor before using the herb for any purpose, particularly if you're using other medicines.
Choosing a Product
If you choose to use horny goat weed, choose a product made by a reputable manufacturer. Poor quality herbs may contain harmful additives and unsafe dosages. They may also contain medicines that don't appear on the labels. For this reason, it's best to talk to an herbalist or trusted health care provider who can recommend a dose and product that is safe for you, taking into account your medical history, age and current health status.
Member Comments