Horny goat weed is a natural supplement made from a traditional Chinese herb. It is said to be beneficial for erectile dysfunction, and also low libido.
According to legend, a goat herder witnessed their flock grow sexually stimulated after eating the herb. This is where the term “horny goat weed” comes from. Its formal name is epimedium and it’s found in China.
Horny goat weed may contain chemicals that are good for blood flow and vascular health. In relation to erectile dysfunction, this is beneficial because one of the main physical causes surrounds poor blood flow or constricted blood vessels in and around the penis. It’s also said to have other benefits, such as helping with bone density problems.
Horny goat weed is available for purchase as a supplement but it’s not licensed for medicinal use, whether prescription or over the counter.
Because regulatory processes that apply to prescription drugs do not apply as strictly to some dietary supplements, this raises questions about their safety — specifically in relation to the listing of full ingredients and the reporting of side effects.
Example: in 2011, one branded version of horny goat weed, called Via Xtreme, had to be recalled after it was found to illegally contain sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra).
But does horny goat weed work? The evidence is slim. In controlled animal studies on rats , icariin (the active ingredient found in horny goat weed) was found to have positive results. However, no studies surrounding erectile dysfunction in humans have been conducted.
What’s more, horny goat weed can cause a number of side effects (which people sometimes assume herbal supplements do not). For example, side effects of horny goat weed can include dry mouth, dizziness, vomiting, thirst, nose bleeds or even breathing problems.