If you have even the slightest interest in male enhancement products, you have heard about horny goat weed (epimedium). This plant extract seems to be present in all supplements and it’s often called natural Viagra. Why has the plant gotten such a name and does horny goat weed live up to its popularity? Let’s find out.
What Is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny goat weed or epimedium is a herb native to China and several other Asian countries. A few species grow in the Mediterranean region, as well. The plant has been used as a part of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. Recognized for its aphrodisiac qualities, horny goat weed has long been used to treat low libido and erectile dysfunction. It has a range of additional medicinal applications, as well.
The reason why the plant is effective for the treatment of such issues is that it contains icariin – a type of plant flavonoid that is found in several representatives of the epimedium genus.
Icariin is a PDE5 inhibitor. It blocks phosphodiesterase type 5 from contracting the smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessels. This effect allows the vessels to relax and increase in diameter. More blood passes through, which contributes to enhanced erectile response.
Just to put things in perspective, Viagra is another popular PDE5 inhibitor. This is the main reason why the plant extract is often compared to the blue pill.
Clinical Evidence?
This all sounds great in theory and there’s some anecdotal evidence shared by guys who have taken supplements containing epimedium. Chances are, however, that these personal accounts aren’t sufficient for you to make up your mind about the male enhancement herb. Is there any scientific evidence of horny goat weed’s effectiveness?
One of the studies focused on proving whether the icariin found in horny goat weed is an actual PDE5 inhibitor. The experiment was carried out in China in 2005 and it involved samples taken from rats after treatment with icariin.
Researchers found out that the horny goat weed extract inhibited all three bioavailable forms of PDE5.
A second study using rats focused on how icariin affects the erectile response. The results of the experiment were presented in a Chinese medical journal in 2004. Researchers found out that the chronic oral administration of icariin improves the erectile response and has long-term therapeutic effects.
Studies that prove the effects of horny goat weed in humans are just beginning to be carried out. Still, a couple of experiments have already taken place. One of these experiments assessed the effectiveness of VigRX Plus – a supplement that’s based on horny goat weed, damiana, saw palmetto, ginkgo biloba, catuaba bark, bioperine and several other well-known herbal aphrodisiacs.
Researchers worked with 78 male volunteers aged 25 to 50. All of the volunteers suffered from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. The men were divided in two groups – one group was given two capsules of VigRX Plus per day for a period of 12 weeks and the second group got to take a placebo.
After 12 weeks, erectile function scores had improved significantly in the men taking VigRX Plus. Orgasmic function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction and intercourse satisfaction also improved in the guys that were given the supplement. As a result, 90 percent of the men that were given the supplement (and only three percent of the men taking the placebo) wished to continue the treatment that they were on.
Other Effects
Now that we’ve established that horny goat weed is a potent aphrodisiac that has a serious impact on the erectile response, let’s take a look at some of the other health benefits that it brings to the table:
- Fights bone density loss: research suggests that over a period of two years, icariin supplementation could lead to a decrease in bone less. Thus, epimedium supplements are a good pick for individuals that would like to reduce their risk of suffering from osteoporosis.
- Neuroprotection: icariin reduces oxidation and inflammation, which produces its neuroprotection effect. Thus, researchers believe that horny goat weed could be used to slow down the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
- Relief from some post-menopausal conditions: postmenopausal women can use horny goat weed supplements to boost their estradiol levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. While additional studies will be needed to prove the effect, preliminary research seems to be quite promising.
- There is some evidence that horny goa weed could be used for the treatment of a few additional conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, bronchitis and respiratory infections, joint pain, fatigue, ejaculatory problems and the symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
Dosage Recommendations And Safety
Doses of up to 900 milligrams of icariin per 150 pounds of body weight or 1,500 milligrams of icariin per 250 pounds of body weight are generally considered safe. The user’s age and health condition should be taken in consideration. The same applies to the recommendations of a supplement’s manufacturer.
If you have doubts or questions about supplement dosage, talk to your physician before getting started with a horny goat weed supplementation program.
Researchers believe that horny goat weed extract is generally safe when administered orally for a period of up to six months. Some people taking high doses of horny goat weed for a very long period of time may experience side effects like dry mouth, nose bleeds, excessive thirst, dizziness and vomiting.
Horny goat weed is not suitable for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
There’s some evidence that horny goat weed could lower blood pressure. People that already have hypotension will need to talk to their physician and choose the right dosage in order to be on the safe side.
When it comes to interactions with other medications, horny goat weed could potentially impact the effect of high blood pressure drugs. If the two are taken alongside each other, the blood pressure may drop to dangerously low levels. Avoid taking horny goat weed supplements during the course of your treatment.
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