By Lori Smith BSN MSN CRNP
Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson,
PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Uses
and research | Dosage | Side effects and interactions
and research | Dosage | Side effects and interactions
Horny goat weed is a
traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is also known by its many botanical
names, including Epimedium, and its Chinese name, yin yang huo.
traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is also known by its many botanical
names, including Epimedium, and its Chinese name, yin yang huo.
As a form of alternative
medicine, the herb has been used to treat conditions from hay fever, to
atherosclerosis, nerve pain fatigue, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction.
medicine, the herb has been used to treat conditions from hay fever, to
atherosclerosis, nerve pain fatigue, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction.
Human research data to support
the use of horny goat weed is limited at best. However, there is some anecdotal
evidence for using the herb to treat certain medical conditions.
the use of horny goat weed is limited at best. However, there is some anecdotal
evidence for using the herb to treat certain medical conditions.
Uses and research
There have been studies
conducted on cells in laboratories that report evidence of several beneficial
properties of horny goat weed. Early research suggests that it may have
properties that can keep bones strong, protect the nerves, and support the
immune system.
conducted on cells in laboratories that report evidence of several beneficial
properties of horny goat weed. Early research suggests that it may have
properties that can keep bones strong, protect the nerves, and support the
immune system.
Other cell research has
revealed the following possible effects:
revealed the following possible effects:
- anticancer effects
- anti-HIV activity
- radio sensitizing effects
- reversal of multidrug
resistance in some tumor cells - postmenopausal bone loss
prevention
Atherosclerosis is a condition
where the arteries in the neck harden. For people with atherosclerosis, a
mixture containing horny goat weed may be beneficial and result in improved
symptoms and clinical tests.
where the arteries in the neck harden. For people with atherosclerosis, a
mixture containing horny goat weed may be beneficial and result in improved
symptoms and clinical tests.
People with hay fever may
experience symptom relief and a reduction in white blood cells that tend to
increase with allergies.
experience symptom relief and a reduction in white blood cells that tend to
increase with allergies.
Horny goat weed and erectile dysfunction
One study looked at rats with
injured nerves and nerve cells grown in a lab. The researchers reported that
icariin, the active component of horny goat weed, might show positive and
promising effects in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by nerve injury.
injured nerves and nerve cells grown in a lab. The researchers reported that
icariin, the active component of horny goat weed, might show positive and
promising effects in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by nerve injury.
ED is a common problem
affecting men, especially those aged 40-70 years old. Nearly 20 million men in
the United States are affected by the condition, which can have many causes. At
times, men may experience psychological conditions, such as depression or
anxiety, that may cause or contribute to ED.
affecting men, especially those aged 40-70 years old. Nearly 20 million men in
the United States are affected by the condition, which can have many causes. At
times, men may experience psychological conditions, such as depression or
anxiety, that may cause or contribute to ED.
ED has 2 categories:
- Primary ED: Men affected by
this rare condition have never been able to have or sustain a penile erection.
Primary ED is often due to a physical abnormality or a psychological cause. - Secondary ED: This form is
typically caused by a physical condition. Causes range from conditions such as
diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and physical injuries. This group of men
will likely have had erections in the past.
Certain medications, such as
those to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression,
cancer, and long-term pain, may contribute to the condition. Some of these
medications include:
those to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression,
cancer, and long-term pain, may contribute to the condition. Some of these
medications include:
- beta-blockers
- clonidine
- spironolactone
- thiazide diuretics
- alcohol and drugs such as
cocaine - opioids
- SSRI and tricyclic
antidepressants - anxiolytics
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs) - amphetamines
- 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors
- anticholinergics
- cimetidine
- hormonal therapies
Although there is some
evidence that horny goat weed may offer symptom relief in certain medical
conditions, additional research is necessary.
evidence that horny goat weed may offer symptom relief in certain medical
conditions, additional research is necessary.
Dosage
As with any medications,
herbs, and supplements, it is important for people to speak to their doctor
before using horny goat weed. A doctor can work out its safety and dosage based
on an individual’s needs and medical history.
herbs, and supplements, it is important for people to speak to their doctor
before using horny goat weed. A doctor can work out its safety and dosage based
on an individual’s needs and medical history.
For the treatment of
atherosclerosis and ED, the University of Michigan recommend taking 5 grams 3
times per day. For the treatment of hay fever, it is recommended to simmer 500
miligrams in 250 milliliters of water for 10-15 minutes and consume 3 times daily.
atherosclerosis and ED, the University of Michigan recommend taking 5 grams 3
times per day. For the treatment of hay fever, it is recommended to simmer 500
miligrams in 250 milliliters of water for 10-15 minutes and consume 3 times daily.
People should check with their
doctor to see if seeping in water is required when treating themselves with
horny goat weed. Typically, the herb is mixed in a tonic to decrease the risk
of side effects.
doctor to see if seeping in water is required when treating themselves with
horny goat weed. Typically, the herb is mixed in a tonic to decrease the risk
of side effects.
Alternative medicine should
not take the place of traditional medicine or be used in the place of
recommendations from a doctor.
not take the place of traditional medicine or be used in the place of
recommendations from a doctor.
High doses of horny goat weed
have been associated with breathing difficulty, vomiting, and nausea.
have been associated with breathing difficulty, vomiting, and nausea.
Side effects and interactions
As with any medication or
herbal supplement, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions
when using horny goat weed. Possible side effects may include:
herbal supplement, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions
when using horny goat weed. Possible side effects may include:
- mood changes such as
irritability and aggression - racing heart
- increased energy
- sweating
- feelings of being hot
- decreased thyroid function
- nausea
It is important for people to
speak to a doctor about these or any other side effects that occur with the use
of horny goat weed.
speak to a doctor about these or any other side effects that occur with the use
of horny goat weed.
Interactions
Horny goat weed may interact
with certain medications that include:
with certain medications that include:
- cortisone
- prednisone
- prednisolone
- methylprednisolone
- dexamethasone
- cytochrome P450 substrates
- aromatase Inhibitors, such as
anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole
People should not take horny
goat weed if they:
goat weed if they:
- have a hormone-sensitive
cancer, as the herb has been shown to promote estrogen production - have heart disease as it can
potentially lead to rapid irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and
excitability - have a known sensitivity to
Epimedium - are taking aromatase
inhibitors such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole - have been recommended not to
do so by a doctor
Anyone who is considering
using horny goat weed should discuss it with their doctor first. Health experts
can determine if horny goat weed is right for someone and what the appropriate
dosing would be.
using horny goat weed should discuss it with their doctor first. Health experts
can determine if horny goat weed is right for someone and what the appropriate
dosing would be.
There have not been enough
studies to recommend the use of this herb and to ensure its safety.
studies to recommend the use of this herb and to ensure its safety.
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not monitor the quality,
purity, or safety of herbs and extra caution is recommended.
Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not monitor the quality,
purity, or safety of herbs and extra caution is recommended.
More studies are needed to
guarantee safety and identify potential side effects. If anyone does purchase
herbs, they should be sure to buy from a known and reputable source.
guarantee safety and identify potential side effects. If anyone does purchase
herbs, they should be sure to buy from a known and reputable source.
SOURCE:
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY
Kayode Emmanuel Ojo is the Co-Founder and Managing Director at SHEFFA Limited. He is presently studying Computer Science at the National Open University, Victoria Island, Lagos.