Horny goat weed is an all-natural supplement that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of issues. The active ingredient in horny goat weed is icariin, which is a type of flavonoid. Icariin has been shown to have a number of benefits, including improved circulation, increased libido, and relief from anxiety and stress. Horny goat weed is also sometimes used as a natural treatment for sexual dysfunction and other man health issues.
But what does the research actually say? Is horny goat weed effective?
A number of studies have been conducted on icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, and its potential health benefits. One study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that icariin may improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. The participants reported an improvement in their ability to get and maintain an erection after taking icariin for eight weeks. The dosage that participants took ranged from 25mg to 50mg per day.
Another study published in the same journal found that icariin may also improve sexual function in postmenopausal women. In this study, the participants took either a placebo or horny goat weed extract for eight weeks. The women who took horny goat weed reported an improvement in their sexual function, including increased libido, vaginal lubrication, and satisfaction with orgasm. The dosage that participants took ranged from 25mg to 50mg per day.
Another study, this one published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, found that icariin may improve cognitive function in elderly adults. The participants in this study took either a placebo or horny goat weed extract for 12 weeks. The group who took horny goat weed showed an improvement in their memory and attention span. The dosage utilized in this study was 100mg per day.
Icariin works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is responsible for breaking down a compound called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is involved in the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue, which is the type of tissue that makes up the walls of blood vessels. By inhibiting PDE5, icariin allows cGMP to build up, which leads to the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue and improved blood flow.
PDE5 has been implicated as a cause of erectile dysfunction, as it can prevent blood vessels from relaxing and expanding properly. Therefore, by inhibiting PDE5, horny goat weed may improve blood flow to the penis and lead to better erections. Additionally, horny goat weed may also increase levels of nitric oxide, which is a compound that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. The pharmaceutical Viagra also works by inhibiting PDE5.
PDE5 has also been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. In one study, it was found that PDE5 activity was increased in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggested that inhibiting PDE5 may help to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. Horny goat weed has been suggested as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease for this reason. Though more research is needed to confirm these effects, horny goat weed may have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers hypothesised that these changes occurred because of icariin's ability to increase blood flow to the brain. An increase in blood flow to the brain has been shown to boost cognitive function by providing more oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells. In another study, teachers found that combining Horny goat weed with Ginkgo biloba increased the potency of both herbs. The combination of the two displayed a synergistic effect by which the memory-enhancing effects of Ginkgo biloba were amplified by the addition of horny goat weed.
Horny goat weed and stress
Icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, has also been shown to have stress-relieving effects. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, participants were given either a placebo or horny goat weed extract for eight weeks. The group who took horny goat weed reported feeling less anxious and stressed than the placebo group. Researchers attributed these effects to icariin's ability to increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA is a type of neurotransmitter that has calming and relaxation effects and is typically used to treat anxiety and stress.
Horny goat weed and anxiety
A number of studies have found that horny goat weed may be effective in treating anxiety. In one study, participants were given either a placebo or horny goat weed extract for eight weeks. The group who took horny goat weed reported feeling less anxious than the placebo group. This shows promise for horny goat weed as a potential treatment for anxiety. In a similar study, researchers found that icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, was effective in reducing anxiety in rats. The rats who were given icariin showed less anxious behaviour than the rats who were not given the compound.
Traditional uses
For centuries, horny goat weed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of issues. The most common use of horny goat weed is to improve sexual function. It is also sometimes used as a natural treatment for anxiety and stress, or to increase energy levels.
In traditional Chinese medicine horny goat weed is considered to be a yang tonic. Yang tonics are believed to increase energy levels and improve sexual function. They are also sometimes used to treat problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and low libido.
Possible side effects
Horny goat weed is generally considered to be safe. However, it can cause some side effects in some people. The most common side effect is an upset stomach. Other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
Horny goat weed can also interact with some medications. These medicines include blood thinners, heart medications, and HIV/AIDS medications. If you are taking any of these medications, you should talk to your doctor before taking horny goat weed.
FAQ's
- What is horny goat weed?
Horny goat weed is an herb that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of issues. The most common use of horny goat weed is to improve sexual function.
- What are the benefits of horny goat weed?
The most common benefit of horny goat weed is its ability to improve sexual function. It is also sometimes used as a natural treatment for anxiety and stress, or to increase energy levels.
- What are the side effects of horny goat weed?
The most common side effect of horny goat weed is an upset stomach. Other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
- What are the traditional uses of horny goat weed?
In traditional Chinese medicine horny goat weed is considered to be a yang tonic. Yang tonics are believed to increase energy levels and improve sexual function. They are also sometimes used to treat problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and low libido.
- How do I take horny goat weed?
Horny goat weed is typically taken in capsule form. The recommended dosage is 300-500 mg per day. You should talk to your doctor before taking horny goat weed to make sure it is safe for you.
Supplements that stack with horny goat weed
- Maca Root: traditionally used to enhance energy, stamina, and libido. Research has shown that the combination of maca and horny goat weed may be more effective than either herb alone in treating sexual dysfunction.
- Tribulus Terrestris: a testosterone booster that has been shown to improve sexual function in men with low libido.
- L-Arginine: An amino acid that helps blood vessels relax, and increase blood flow to the genitals. This can improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction.
- Tongkat Ali: is traditionally used to increase testosterone levels and improve sexual function. When combined with horny goat weed, it may be more effective than either herb alone.
- Gingko Biloba: a herb that has been traditionally used to improve blood flow and circulation. It may also help with cognitive decline, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.
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