Sure, what would you like to know about the NOW Foods Horny Goat Weed Extract supplement? Feel free to ask anything specific about its ingredients, potential benefits, dosage, side effects, or any other related information.

Horny goat weed extract, particularly its active ingredient icariin, has several effects on the body:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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:

1. Minor Side Effects: These may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and slight dizziness¹.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Liver Health: There have been rare cases of liver injury attributed to multi-ingredient products containing horny goat weed rather than the herb alone⁶.

5. 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.