Recommended for:
Horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum), or yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to help with sexual dysfunction (impotence) and increase blood flow. Research suggests that horny goat weed has this effect by increasing nitric oxide (a vasodilator), increasing testosterone, and by increasing blood flow. Furthermore, horny goat weed has also been shown to improve cardiovascular disease risk by reducing blood clot formation, and having a beneficial effect on cholesterol. Therefore, horny goat weed is particularly beneficial for erectile dysfunction with arteriosclerosis. In traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed has been used to improve overall stamina, having notable benefit to the muscles, bones, and joints, and immune system enhancement. The medicinal properties of the plant are primarily contained within the leaves and roots, which contain flavonol glycosides and ikarisosides. The aerial parts of the plant contain more than 30 nonflavonoidal glycosides, including ionones, sesquiterpenes, and lignins. In vitro studies have focused onthe role of the constituent icariin in erectile dysfunction.
Sexual Dysfunction (Renal Failure)
A case-control study on the therapeutic effects of horny goat weed on patients with chronic renal failure and on hemodialysis maintenance found an improved sexual potentiation effect and improved quality of life compared to control. Interleukin-2(IL-2) activity of peripheral blood monocytes was increased significantly in the patients treated with horny goat weed. It was suggested that horny goat weed had therapeutic effects on sexual disorder and immunologic inadequacy in patients of chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Animal research suggests improved erectile dysfunction with Epimedium from an increase in the number of complete intromissions and ejaculations, compared to the control group, and a reduction in the latent period of ejaculation in rats. Pharmacodynamic: A study on adult rats examined the action of horny goat weed on penile intracavernous pressure (ICP). At doses of 30010,000 µg, a significant increase in IPC was noted. The study suggests that the improvement in erectile function was from a nitric oxide effect, rather than a central neural effect. Another animal study revealed that icariin (ICA) caused a significantly greater positivity for neuronal nitric oxide synthase and calponin in penile tissues of all rats treated with ICA. ICA led to a significantly greater neurite length in cultured specimens of pelvic ganglia. It was concluded that ICA may have neurotrophic effects in addition to known phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibiting effects (which promotes blood flow to penis). In addition, other research has shown horny goat weed to increase testosterone levels.
Cardiovascular Disease
A case-control study conducted on 120 subjects with kidney deficiency syndrome secondary to cerebral-vascular disease investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of horny goat weed treatment. Results showed rates of improvement of 70% in electrocardiogram of the patients with coronary heart diseases, and 75% in electroencephalogram of the patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis. Pharmacodynamic: It appears that horny goat weed showed a significantly higher efficiency in lowering plasma lipids than the control group (in the above study) due to its antioxidant effect and its ability to maintain balance between prostacyclin I2 and thromboxane A2, preventing blood clot formation. In vitro studies have shown horny goat weed to lower homocysteine levels, and therefore improve cardiovascular disease risk by inhibiting the enzyme S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase.
Immune Enhancing
Phytosterols and ß-sitosterol, as found in horny goat weed, are known to lower plasma lipid levels or cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the diet. In vitro and animal models as well as some preliminary human studies indicate that dietary phytosterols can have some immune modulating activity on human lymphocytes and possible effects on cancer cells.
Benign Prostastic Hyperplasia (BPH)
A systematic review concluded that ß-sitosterols, compared to placebo, improved urinary symptoms and flow measure in benign prostastic hyperplasia.
Bone Health
Horny goat weed may have benefits for osteoporosis and bone health due to its estrogenic effect.
Ingredients:
Each vegetable capsule contains:
Horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) extract,
20% icariin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 mg
Cautions:
Consult a health-care practitioner for use beyond 6 months. Consult a health-care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications; if you have a serious medical condition; or if you suffer from a hormone-sensitive condition. Consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner prior to use. Do not use if you have yin-deficient fire; if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; if you have high blood pressure. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nosebleed, diarrhea, or abdominal distention appear. May cause gastrointestinal distress; in which case, discontinue use.
Recommended dosage:
Adults 19+: Take 1 capsule daily. Take for a minimum of 4 weeks to see improvements.
Amount:
60 capsules
