Horny Goat Weed as an Aphrodisiac: Herbal Remedy May Work as Well as Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction

Horny goat weed (also known as barrenwort, yin yang huo and herba epimedii) refers to several plant species in the genus Epimedium, such as Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium sagittatum and Epimedium koreanum. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction. But does it make people horny?

Research on Icariin

The active ingredient in horny goat weed is thought to be a chemical named icariin. Several studies have shown that icariin acts similar to the pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It increases blood flow to the penis by inhibiting the enzyme PDE-5A1 (phosphodiesterase 5-A1), but was more selective towards that enzyme than sildenafil (Viagra), resulting in fewer side effects.

Interestingly horny goat weed seems to have other beneficial properties as well. Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and even nootropic (cognition enhancing) action has been reported, though mostly in animal studies. Icariin may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

In light of these findings, it is possible that horny goat weed could help impotence by several different mechanisms, not just by making it easier to achieve erection - after all, the brain is our most important sex organ.

Use in Women

It is not known whether horny goat weed alleviates sexual dysfunction in women. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac (libido enhancer), it merely increases blood flow to the penis and does not work in the absence of sexual arousal. However, as mentioned above, horny goat weed may have other mechanisms of action.

One study did find Viagra helpful for women in the treatment of sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants, so this presents a possible indication for horny goat weed. Herbs in the genus Epimedium have also been used to treat symptoms of menopause.

Side Effects

There are reports of horny goat weed occasionally causing insomnia, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. It should not be used by those for whom sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) is contraindicated, such as those with hypotension (low blood pressure), some retinal (eye) disorders and those taking nitrate drugs (nitroglycerin).

There has been no research to determine whether horny goat weed may have drug interactions. Many herbs can interfere with the metabolism of some drugs. If you are taking any prescription drugs, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor before taking horny goat weed.

Many products containing Chinese herbs have been found to be contaminated by heavy metals. Thus, those who want to try out horny goat weed should purchase products from a reliable, well-known manufacturer instead of ordering on shady websites.

References

Dell'Agli M, Galli GV, Dal Cero E, et al. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2008 Sep;71(9):1513-7.

Nurnberg HG, Hensley PL, Heiman JR, et al. Sildenafil treatment of women with antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2008 Jul 23;300(4):395-404.

The copyright of the article Horny Goat Weed as an Aphrodisiac in Men's Sexual Health is owned by Maija Haavisto. Permission to republish Horny Goat Weed as an Aphrodisiac in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Oct 10, 2008 2:40 AM

Guest :

i think this is called hugh hefner weed, too.

Oct 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Guest :

Can this be smoked too?

Oct 27, 2008 1:16 PM

Maija Haavisto :

I certainly would not recommend ingestion by smoking! If you are looking for a quick onset, it might help to chew on the capsules/tablets and swirl them around in the mouth instead of swallowing them, which should let at least some of the active ingredients be absorbed through the buccal mucosa and into the bloodstream.

Nov 30, 2008 3:10 PM

Guest :

hope it works much cheaper..than levitra

Dec 24, 2008 12:00 PM

Guest :

All I can say is my husband and I find it works quite well. He takes it about 2 hrs before we get "frisky".

May 20, 2009 10:18 PM

Guest :

Would Horny Goat Weed cause a negative interaction with antidepressants such as Zoloft or Nortriptyline?

May 21, 2009 11:12 AM

Maija Haavisto :

By its mode of action, it should not. However, many herbs and foods can affect the metabolism of drugs (grapefruit juice probably being the best known culprit), so it is techically possible it could increase or decrease the blood levels of these or other antidepressant drugs.

Sep 1, 2009 2:45 AM

Guest :

I have been taking the Herb Horny Goat weed for a few days now , after having it in my cupboard for almost a year , I decided to give it one more go , I have several health complaints , like IBS and Vertigo lack of energy , constant tiredness through sleeping problems . Although it states that it is an affective remidy to help with sexual pleasure , I am single so this is not the main reason for me to be taking this herb , but mainly to help with my lack of energy etc . Although I am in the first few days of taking Horny goat weed I have noticed changes in my energy , IBS symptoms , my joints are not so stiff and I am not constantly getting up during the night to go to the toilet . I am finding this increase of energy is helping me ( motivation wise ) to be more active ie exercising and is giving me a sense of welbeing all round , where as the Medication I take for my health problems can have nasty side affects I feel this Herb is helping to balance out my bodies own ability to heal ...
N . Turner