Horny Goat Weed
Scientific Name(s): Epimedium grandiflorum L.
Common Name(s): Arrow-leaf barrenwort, Chien-Hsieh, Horny goat weed, Yin-Yang-Hua
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 24, 2024.
Clinical Overview
Use
Historically, horny goat weed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to "nourish" the kidney and as an aphrodisiac. However, clinical trial data are lacking to support these claims.
Dosing
There are no clinical studies of horny goat weed to provide a basis for dosage recommendations.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to the Epimedium species.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
High doses may cause a stimulatory effect and sweating. Arrhythmia and vasculitis have been reported.
Toxicology
Information is limited.
Scientific Family
- Berberidaceae (Barberry)
Botany
Horny goat weed is a rhizomatous perennial herb. It is native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China and grows on hillsides, in cliff crevices, and in shady areas. The stems contain between 1 to 3 basal leaves. The plant has light yellow, violet, red, and white flowers, which appear in spring, along with oval fruits.Lovejoy 1994, Ma 2011
History
Historically, horny goat weed was thought to possess aphrodisiac effects and was used to treat impotence, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation. Herba Epimedii has been used traditionally in Korea, Japan, and China for more than 2,000 years to "nourish" the kidney. However, clinical trial data are lacking to support these claims.Ma 2011
Chemistry
A phytochemical review of the genus Epimedium has been published.Ma 2011 The medicinal properties of the plant are primarily contained within the leaves and roots, which contain flavonol glycosides and ikarisosides. The aerial parts of the plant contain more than 30 nonflavonoidal glycosides, including ionones, sesquiterepenes, and lignins. The glycosides of the dihydrophenanthrene and bibenzyl derivatives are found only in the genus Epimedium. In vitro studies have focused on the role of the constituent icariin in erectile dysfunction.Fukai 1988, Ma 2011, Miyase 1991, Tokuoka 1975, Tokuoka 1975, Yoshitama 1984
Uses and Pharmacology
Cardiovascular
Animal data
The results of a chemical study of the flavonoid icariin, isolated from the aerial parts of E. grandiflorum, referred to a hypotensive pharmacologic effect.Zhu 1984
Clinical data
Although clinical trials are lacking, Herba epimedii, a traditional Chinese medicine, was reported to exert a hypotensive effect in coronary heart disease.Ma 2011 Controlled clinical trials are lacking.
Erectile dysfunction
Animal data
Studies in rats have shown enhanced erectile tissue function and neurotrophic effects in vitro.Albersen 2011, Shindel 2010 The effects have been attributed in part to the effect of the flavonol glycoside icariin in promoting release of nitric oxide in erectile tissue.Cirigliano 2004, Liu 2005, Qinna 2009 A combination preparation and its individual herbal components were tested for efficacy and safety in rats. Epimedium extract increased the penile erection index compared with control, but less than the combination preparation.Qinna 2009 In vitro experiments have been conducted on extracts from a related plant, Epimedium brevicornum, while other studies suggest Epimedium species may exert estrogenic effects due to phytoestrogen constituents.Ma 2011
Clinical data
Controlled clinical trials are lacking.
Other uses
Antiviral
In vitro inhibitory action of E. grandiflorum has been demonstrated against the HIV virus.Bull WHO 1989 E. grandiflorum has been used in combination with vitamin C in treating viral myocarditis.Kon 1996
Dosing
There are no clinical studies of horny goat weed to provide a basis for dosage recommendations. Tablets and capsules are sold in varying strengths (250 to 500 mg standardized to icariin content).Ma 2011
Pregnancy / Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use. Epimedium species may exert estrogenic effects due to phytoestrogen constituents.Ma 2011
Interactions
Information is lacking.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical trials are lacking to provide information regarding adverse reactions with the use of this product. High doses may cause a stimulatory effect and sweating.Ma 2011 A case report exists of tachyarrhythmia and hypomania with agitation following 2-week consumption of horny goat weed in an elderly patient with significant cardiac history. Partin 2004 Painful, maculopapular, erythematous rash occurred in an elderly patient 4 days after beginning self-prescribed treatment with supplements of Ginkgo biloba and horny goat weed. The rash was located on the legs and arms and was vasculitic in appearance.Metz 2009
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Toxicology
Limited information exists. Studies on Herba Epimedii did not find mutagenicity or any important toxicity, although long-term administration has been associated with a decrease in thyroid activity in animal studies.Ma 2011
Index Terms
- Icariin
References
Disclaimer
This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.
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