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Horny Goat Weed and Toxicity

Aug 18, 2011 | By Linda Tarr Kent

Horny goat weed is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction, fatigue, nerve pain and arthritis. It's also promoted for bone health and treating high blood pressure. This herb isn't well studied, however; no scientific evidence backs any of these uses and the most effective -- and safest -- dosages have not been established, according to Drugs.com. Consult a doctor before trying it, especially if you have a health condition or take medicine.

Toxicity Effects

Large doses of horny goat weed or long-term use of this herb may lead to vomiting, thirst, dizziness, spasms, cramps and respiratory arrest, according to "Herbs Demystified." It also may cause pupil dilation and cramps, according to "Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology." Herbal supplements are more likely to cause toxicity when you take more than recommended on the dosage label. However, consult your doctor regarding dosage because supplement labels sometimes recommend dosages that exceed appropriate levels, according to "Berek and Novak's Gynecology." Check with your doctor regarding how long you'd like to use the herb. Horny goat weed is a class 2d dietary supplement, meaning it should not be used long term.

Mechanism of Toxicity

Horny goat weed is generally considered a benign herb with a low toxicity potential, according to "Herbal and Traditional Medicine." However, since horny goat weed is not well studied, its mechanism of toxicity remains unclear. One theory is that horny goat weed blocks calcium channels, has possible hormonal effects and hinders catecholamine release. Catecholamines are hormones released by your adrenal glands. The major catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, formerly called adrenaline.

Interactions

Horny goat weed may cause toxicity by interacting with other supplements or medications, notes "Berek and Novak's Gynecology." Unfortunately, interactions between horny goat weed and prescription medications have not been reported or studied. Herbal products also may cause toxicity if they are adulterated, according to "Berek and Novak's Gynecology." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal products, which raises risk for lack of standardization, adulteration and mislabeling. Always seek a reliable manufacturer for your herbal supplements.

Contraindications

Since horny goat weed has possible estrogenic effects, avoid it if you suffer a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer. This supplement also is theoretically contraindicated if you have heart disease. There is at least one case report in which a man with congestive heart failure was hospitalized after taking horny goat weed for chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat, according to "Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology."

References

Article reviewed by CarmenN Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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