Understanding Horny Goat Weed Extract: Benefits, Effects, and Side-Effects
Explore the potential benefits of horny goat weed extract, from sexual health to cardiovascular and bone health, along with its side effects and precautions. Learn how its active ingredient, icariin, impacts your body and the associated risks of using this supplement.
I have a question about Horny Goat Weed Extract.
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What does the horny goat weed extract change in my body?
Horny goat weed extract, particularly its active ingredient icariin, has several effects on the body:
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Sexual Health: Horny goat weed is commonly used to improve sexual function. Icariin, the main active compound, has pro-erectile properties and has shown effectiveness in rodent models of erectile dysfunction (ED)1. However, evidence in humans is limited.
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Cardiovascular Health: Horny goat weed appears to have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Icariin possesses multiple atheroprotective functions, including improving endothelial function, inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, reducing inflammatory responses, and preventing platelet activation2. These effects contribute to its potential in treating conditions like atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
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Bone Health: There are indications that horny goat weed can improve bone mineral density and reduce pain intensity in people with osteoporosis3. This has been observed both when used alone and in combination with standard osteoporosis medications.
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Neuroprotective Effects: Horny goat weed may also offer neuroprotective benefits. Emerging evidence suggests it can protect nerve cells and may be useful in treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases4.
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Hormonal Effects: Some studies suggest that horny goat weed can elevate estrogen and reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in postmenopausal women5.
While these benefits are promising, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Footnotes
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Shindel, Alan W., et al. "Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium spp.) In Vitro and In Vivo." NCBI. ↩
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Fang, Jian. "Icariin, an Anti-atherosclerotic Drug from Chinese Medicinal Herb Horny Goat Weed." NCBI. ↩
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"What is Horny Goat Weed?" Examine.com. ↩
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"What are Horny Goat Weed’s Main Benefits?" Examine.com. ↩
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Any side effect?
Horny goat weed extract can have several side effects, although it is generally considered safe when taken orally for short periods. Here are the possible side effects observed:
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Minor Side Effects: These may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and slight dizziness1.
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Potential for Serious Side Effects:
- Heart Issues: There have been cases of tachyarrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms) and hypomania2.
- Skin Reactions: Some people have reported rashes, which could be due to allergic reactions3.
- Hormonal Effects: Horny goat weed may increase estrogen levels, which can potentially affect hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or uterine cancer4.
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Interactions with Medications: Horny goat weed may affect blood pressure and blood clotting. Therefore, it might interact negatively with medications that reduce blood pressure or prevent blood clotting5.
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Liver Health: There have been rare cases of liver injury attributed to multi-ingredient products containing horny goat weed rather than the herb alone6.
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Precautions:
- It may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient reliable information.
- It might worsen bleeding disorders or increase estrogen levels, affecting hormone-sensitive conditions.
- Use is cautioned before surgery due to potential blood clotting effects7.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.
Footnotes
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Examine.com, "Horny Goat Weed's Main Drawbacks", Examine.com ↩
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Partin, Jessica F., "Tachyarrhythmia and Hypomania with Horny Goat Weed", PubMed ↩
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Examine.com, "Horny Goat Weed's Main Drawbacks", Examine.com ↩
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MedlinePlus, "Horny Goat Weed", MedlinePlus ↩
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Examine.com, "Horny Goat Weed's Main Drawbacks", Examine.com ↩
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Metz D, Weston P, Barker D., "Horny Goat Weed - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf", NCBI ↩
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MedlinePlus, "Horny Goat Weed", MedlinePlus ↩
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