Horny Goat Weed is an herb used for low libido in countries like China for centuries now. This dietary supplement may also help in erectile dysfunction, pain, fatigue and other conditions. Some men take horny goat weed as a natural alternative to medications for Erectile Dysfunction or ED.
In 2008, a lab study found that the herb contains a compound that can inhibit an enzyme that restricts the flow of blood to the penis. Icariin, the suspected active ingredient of horny goat weed, appears to work as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, just like some drugs used for erectile dysfunction. Moreover, the study also concluded that the herb might work better and cause fewer adverse effects as compared to the common drugs for treating ED.
Horny Goat Weed’s Ingredients
This herb for low libido has two key ingredients.
- Icariin
Icariin is among the main active ingredients in Horny Goat Weed. The concentration of icariin is important in determining the potency of a particular species of the plant. This compound relaxes the smooth muscle tissue. Many believe that when the involuntary tension in these internal tissues gets relaxed, the central nervous shifts from the fight or flight mode into a rest/restore mode.
With this change, many elements of erectile dysfunction reverse since the body isn’t in a stressed condition anymore. Although this may not provide a permanent cure to the problem, especially in case of those in advanced stages, men use these herbs to obtain some relief by managing their condition.
- Maca Root Extract
Maca root extract works as a mild to moderate aphrodisiac. Some human studies have been conducted to determine the extract’s potency as a means for sexual enhancement, as an impotence treatment, and as a method to reverse sexual dysfunction caused by the anti-depressant SSRI. This ingredient also appears to have certain benefits on erectile dysfunction.
Does It Work?
The studies on the herb are promising. However, they are based only on lab experiments on animals, meaning that there is no proof for horny goat weed being a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). There are various claims regarding what Horny Goat Weed or Epimedium can do, but the truth is this herb hasn’t been proved to do anything specifically. Therefore, if a person is having sexual difficulties, they might be better off going for a prescription drug.
Horny Goat Weed Dosage & Side Effects
Since it is an unproven treatment option, this herb doesn’t have an established dosage, although some studies indicate that 6-15 grams per day is safe. Horny Goat Weed shouldn’t be taken in high dosage even if it is natural. It can cause serious side effects in people with pre-existing medical conditions. For instance, it may raise blood pressure in those predisposed to the condition.
This herb also isn’t safe for long-term treatment. Any person with physical or mental health conditions such as, high blood pressure, immune disorders, heart/lung ailments, thyroid problem or bipolar disorder should get their doctor’s approval before using horny goat weed.
Before buying any male enhancement supplement, it is crucial to do a thorough research on the product. This includes reading customer and expert reviews, looking for clinical studies that back up the efficacy of the product and properly understanding the dosage & side-effects.