What are horny goat weed’s main benefits?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Although horny goat weed is one of the most common ingredients in male testosterone-boosting and erectile dysfunction (ED) supplements,[1] there is a lack of human evidence to support its effectiveness for these outcomes. Horny goat weed (icariin) does have pro-erectile properties in rodent models of ED.[2][3][4] One study found that horny goat weed elevated estrogen and reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels in postmenopausal women.[5]

    Some studies showed that horny goat weed appears to improve bone mineral density (BMD) and pain intensity in people with osteoporosis, both in combination with standard use medications and as an alternative treatment.[6]

    In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that horny goat weed is useful for treating cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.[7] Furthermore, recent evidence supports the neuroprotective properties of horny goat weed,[8] though human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

    References

    1. ^Manish Kuchakulla, Manish Narasimman, Yash Soni, Joon Yau Leong, Premal Patel, Ranjith RamasamyA systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplementsInt J Impot Res.(2021 Apr)
    2. ^Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TFErectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo.J Sex Med.(2010-Apr)
    3. ^Liu WJ, Xin ZC, Xin H, Yuan YM, Tian L, Guo YLEffects of icariin on erectile function and expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in castrated rats.Asian J Androl.(2005-Dec)
    4. ^Tian L, Xin ZC, Liu WJ, Yang YM, Liu G, Chen L, Fu J, Wang LLEffects of icariin on the erectile function and expression of nitrogen oxide synthase isoforms in corpus cavernosum of arterigenic erectile dysfunction rat model.Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi.(2004-Jun-02)
    5. ^Yan FF, Liu Y, Liu YF, Zhao YXHerba Epimedii water extract elevates estrogen level and improves lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women.Phytother Res.(2008-Sep)
    6. ^Shi S, Wang F, Huang Y, Chen B, Pei C, Huang D, Wang X, Wang Y, Kou S, Li W, Ma T, Wu Y, Wang ZEpimedium for Osteoporosis Based on Western and Eastern Medicine: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Front Pharmacol.(2022)
    7. ^Fang J, Zhang YIcariin, an Anti-atherosclerotic Drug from Chinese Medicinal Herb Horny Goat Weed.Front Pharmacol.(2017)
    8. ^Wang S, Ma J, Zeng Y, Zhou G, Wang Y, Zhou W, Sun X, Wu MIcariin, an Up-and-Coming Bioactive Compound Against Neurological Diseases: Network Pharmacology-Based Study and Literature Review.Drug Des Devel Ther.(2021)