Horny Goat Weed
Scientific Name(s): Epimedium grandiflorum L. Family: Berberidaceae
Common Name(s): Horny goat weed , Chien-Hsieh , Yin-Yang-Hua (arrow-leaf barrenwort)
Clinical Overview
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Uses of Horny Goat Weed
Historically used as a natural sexual stimulator by increasing testosterone production. However, clinical trial data are lacking to support these claims.
Horny Goat Weed Dosing
There are no recent clinical studies of horny goat weed to provide a basis for dosage recommendations.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to Epimedium .
Pregnancy/Lactation
Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. 1
Horny Goat Weed Interactions
None well documented.
Horny Goat Weed Adverse Reactions
No data.
Toxicology
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to Epimedium. Because of the lack of clinical trial data, use during pregnancy is contraindicated.
Botany
Horny goat weed is a rhizomatous perennial herb. It is native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China and grows on hillsides and in cliff crevices and 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. 2
History
Epimedium species have been used as tonics in Chinese herbal medicine to enhance sexual performance by increasing testosterone production, sexual energy, and overall well-being. 3 , 4
Chemistry
The medicinal properties of the plant are primarily contained within the leaves and roots. The roots of the plant contain flavonol glycosides and ikarisosides B, C, D, E, and F. 3 , 5 , 6 The aerial parts of the plant contain more than 30 nonflavonoidal glycosides. 5 , 7 , 8 Minor constituents include ionone derivative glycoside B 10 , dihydrophenanthrene glycoside icariside A 5 , and bibenzyl glycoside A 6 . The glycosides of the dihydrophenanthrene and bibenzyl derivatives are found only in the genus Epimedium . 5
Horny Goat Weed Uses and Pharmacology
Viral myocarditisAnimal data
Research reveals no animal data regarding the use of horny goat weed for viral myocarditis.
Clinical dataOne article reports on a therapy using E. grandiflorum with vitamin C in treating viral myocarditis. Although the results may be statistically significant, further studies are needed to determine clinical significance. 9
Aphrodisiac effectsHistorically, horny goat weed was said to possess aphrodisiac effects and improve impotence, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation. Some manufacturers claim the product has been used as a “natural sexual stimulator” for years in China and Japan. However, clinical trial data are lacking to support these claims. 4
Animal/Clinical dataResearch reveals no animal or clinical data regarding the use of horny goat weed as an aphrodisiac.
Other usesThe results of a chemical study of the flavonoid icariin, isolated from the aerial parts of E. grandiflorum , alluded to evidence of a hypotensive pharmacological effect. However, in vivo studies on this hypotensive action are lacking. 10
Dosage
There are no recent clinical studies of horny goat weed to provide a basis for dosage recommendations.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. 1
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Research reveals little or no information regarding adverse reactions with the use of this product.
Toxicology
Further studies may be warranted to determine the toxicological profile of the plant. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to Epimedium , as well as during pregnancy because of the lack of clinical studies.
Bibliography
1. Cirigliano MD, Szapary P. Horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction. Alternative Medicine Alert . 2001;4:19-22.2. Lovejoy A. Epimediums . Horticulture . 1994;72:42-47.
3. Fukai T, Nomura T. Seven prenylated flavonol glycosides from two Epimedium species. Phytochemistry . 1998;27:259-266.
4. Kessenich CR, Cichon MJ. Hormonal decline in elderly men and male menopause. Geriatric Nursing . 2001;22:24-28.
5. Miyase T, Ueno A. Ionone and bibenzyl glycosides from Epimedium grandiflorum var. Thunbergianum . Phytochemistry . 1991;30:1727-1728.
6. Tokuoka Y, Daigo K, Takemoto T. Constituents of Epimedium . ΙΙΙ. Lignoids of Epimedium grandiflorum . Yakugaku Zasshi . 1975;95:557-563.
7. Tokuoka Y, Daigo K, Takemoto T. Consituents of Epimedium . V. Flavonoids of Epimedium grandiflorum . 4. Yakugaku Zasshi . 1975;95:825-829.
8. Yoshitama K. Anthocyanins and their distribution in the genus Epimedium . Bot Mag . 1984;97:429-435.
9. Kon L, Li Y, He A, Min A. Studies on HMQC and HMBC spectra of a hypotensive compound icariin. Bopuxue Zazhi . 1996;13:595-600.
10. Zhu SC. Clinical observations on 36 cases of viral myocarditis treated with Epimedium grandiflorum Moor and vitamin C. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi . 1984;4:523-524.
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