There are a wide variety of supplements out there but horny goat weed has got to be the most ridiculously titled. You might roll your eyes upon seeing this herb advertised, yet it sits on most shelves in most supplement selling stores because consumers keep buying it. These consumers are primarily men looking for a natural supplement to reverse symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
It turns out that these men may know something you don’t.
Goat Herder Gossip
In ancient China, somewhere around 2,000 years ago, goat herders claimed excessive mating behavior that occurred primarily when their flock would graze on a particular patch of colorful flowering plants. It was such an overt display that the herders compared this behavior and determined it had something do with the flowers they ate only found in the high Asian elevation. This is how the plant, technically known as epimedium, received its name horny goat weed.
Other slang names that were circulated throughout goat herding communities in this area included:
However, according to observational and clinical studies, horny goat weed, the name that has surpassed all others, may not be as ridiculously sounding a title after all.
Stimulating Compounds
The technical botanical label for horny goat weed is epimedium. Related to the family of flowering plants called berberidaceae (pronounced, ‘berber-day-she-eye’), epimedium has been used for centuries to support human well being. When it comes to natural sexual health assistance, the stimulating compounds found in the flowers of this plant may help you in two ways. They could enhance stronger and longer lasting erections as well as increase your desire for sex, known as libido.
Observational Reports
Observational reports of people using horny goat weed to improve sexual relations are vast.
These are some of the reviews posted by WebMD:
“Better blood circulation and muscle growth. Better erections. It works for back pain.”
“Purchased at GNC. Greatly increased my sex drive and my ED I was having issues with. I work mids and am always tired. I believe that is what was causing my ED. This really works for me.”
“Full, hard and easily aroused effortlessly until you’re done and ready to go again!!! 20% icariins”
However, we can attribute people’s opinions to just about any supplement that offers even the slightest semblance of healing capability. Horny goat weed is different, with not only scores of positive reviews but reputable studies to back it up as well.
In the Lab
The natural extract from epimedium is called icariin. It turns out that icariin is as powerful an extract as sildenafil, the synthetic active ingredient found in Viagra.
A study by Chinese researchers titled, ‘Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed’ published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, concluded that,
“Daily treatment with low-dose, purified ICA [icariin] improves penile hemodynamic parameters 4 weeks after cavernous nerve injury in a rat model of ED. Improved functional outcomes in ICA-treated animals are associated with increased penile nNOS [neuronal nitric oxide synthase] and smooth muscle content”
The Journal of Sexual Medicine study corroborates how icariin reduced the production of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) a protein found to interfere with the process that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis to allow blood flow for an erection stating,
“While ICA may have numerous applications in different fields of medicine, it is best known for its’ putative role in potentiating sexual function by inhibition of PDE5I”
Testosterone is a major component in male health. As men age this hormone slowly diminishes as procreation is no longer a major concern. However, with low-T men over 50 lose a lot including muscle mass, joint health, energy, libido, and erections.
Horny goat weed may be helpful in kicking up your testosterone enough to help you navigate more optimal, later-in-life health, particularly sexual health.
The Journal of Plant Biochemistry & Physiology published a study by researchers from the Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, the University of Memphis, Memphis which stated that,
“A recent animal study noted increased testosterone levels in rats treated with epimedium herb extract for a period of eight weeks, as compared to a control group consisting of a high-fat dietary intervention. These findings were similar to a separate group of rats who received testosterone [] for the same eight week period.”
Additional Benefits and Risks
WebMd reports on a variety of other uses for horny goat weed which includes:
It is important to note the possible risk factors when taking this supplement. Over use can result in some adverse effects so make sure you follow instructions and discontinue if any adverse effects occur such as:
Talk to your doctor about taking horny goat weed and see if this natural supplement holds up to its funny (yet appropriate) name.
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