Horny Goat Weed: Benefits & Side Effects

Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicine that claims to treat erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis. This name came as once a goat herder noticed his flock getting sexually stimulated by eating the plant. The plant is known to be native to parts of China, Japan, and Korea. Horny goat weed is also used in the treatment of hay fever, atherosclerosis, nerve pain, and fatigue. It contains icariin, an extract of the Epimedium plant that is reported beneficial in erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem affecting mostly men over 40 years of age.⁽¹⁾ People may experience depression and anxiety due to this condition.

Horny goat weed is claimed to be an effective natural remedy for erectile dysfunction but the research is lacking and the claims are anecdotal.

A study shown in the Journal of Sexual Medicine assessed the effect of horny goat weed on nerve damage and cellular trials found that this remedy would show promising effect in treating erectile dysfunction resulting from nerve injury.⁽²⁾

Another study found icariin to be effective in inhibiting human PDE5, a substance that is known to block erection.⁽³⁾

There is not enough research on the use of horny goat weed during or after pregnancy.

A 2020 paper published in Medicine evaluated the effect of horny goat weed in pregnancy. It was found to be effective in improving endometrial thickness in those with a thin endometrium.⁽⁴⁾

A thin endometrium makes embryo implantation difficult.

The effectiveness or side effects of horny goat weed is not known for those breastfeeding. Hence it is advised to avoid the use of this herb during this period.⁽⁵⁾

Studies are pending on the effectiveness of horny goat weed in fetuses, newborns, and children and therefore, should not be used on them.

Horny goat weed has other beneficial effects, which lack human study. However, there are a few animals and cellular studies that support the use of this herb in certain conditions.

A review in 2017 found horny goat weed to have antiosteoporosis properties in menopausal rats.⁽⁶⁾

It is also known to have the following possible effects:⁽⁷⁾

• Radio sensitizing effects
• Anticancer effects
• Reversal multidrug resistance in certain tumor cells

A mixture of horny goat weed can be effective for people with atherosclerosis. It is a condition in which the arteries in the neck harden.⁽⁸⁾

It is also effective in calming the symptoms of hay fever. People may find herbal preparation containing horny goat weed effective in this condition.⁽⁹⁾ As in the study, the preparation of several herbs was used, it was difficult to assess whether it was due to the horny goat weed or some other herb.

Like any other supplement, horny goat weed may also lead to certain adverse reactions. The possible side effects include

• Difficulty in breathing
• Racing heart
• Increased energy
• Sweating
• Hot flashes

It is important to speak with the doctor if any of the above symptoms are experienced after using horny goat weed.

Also, the herb may have a negative interaction with certain drugs including warfarin, amitriptyline, cyclosporin, phenytoin, glyceryl trinitrate, estrogen, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, and drugs causing hypotension.

Horny goat weed should be avoided by the following:

• Those with hormone-sensitive cancer, as this herb is known to produce estrogen
• Those with heart disease, as horny goat weed may lead to rapid, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and excitability
• Those who are sensitive to Epimedium
• Those taking aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane.
• Anyone planning to start horny goat weed should discuss it with their doctor and determine whether or not it is beneficial and also about its dosing.
• As there are not enough studies about this herb it is important to ensure its safety, purity, and quality beforehand.