6 Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

The plant horny goat weed (Epimedium) also known as barrenwort, bishop’s hat, fairy wings, horny goat weed, or yin yang huo, is referred to as a natural aphrodisiac since it has been found to increase libido and hormone production in some animal experiments.

The species known as Epimedium, a member of the Berberidaceae plant family that mostly thrives in China, other regions of Asia, and the Mediterranean, is the one that gives rise to horny goat weed. The majority of Epimedium’s health-promoting properties are brought about by its active component, icariin.

You’re right if you believe the name of the plant, horny goat weed, is peculiar. Farmers noted that goats and sheep who consumed epimedium herbs grew more enthusiastic about animals of the opposite sex, which is how the name for the herb came to be.

The FDA does not strictly regulate the quality of icariin or epimedium supplements sold on the market because horny goat weed is a herbal treatment rather than a medication.

To guarantee you’re obtaining the right product, always buy herbal products from a respected supplier and check the ingredient labels. Epimedium may have various unwanted side effects when used in large doses. These include transient symptoms such as increased thirst, wooziness, nausea, and nosebleed, albeit they are typically well-tolerated.

Horny goat weed’s active component is icaridin. It transforms into the flavonoid Baohuoside I after being prenylated. Antioxidants known as flavonoids have been found to offer numerous anti-aging benefits.

They are the same substances that can be found in some of the world’s healthiest foods. Blueberries and other berries, teas like green or oolong, raw chocolate, and fresh herbs like parsley are some of these foods.

Numerous flavonoids are present in different epimedium plant species (some species have up to 37 different flavonoid compounds). Prenylflavonoids make up most components.

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6 Health Benefits of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

1. Serve As A Natural Aphrodisiac

Some of the negative consequences of stress on the body, such as decreased sex desire, mental weariness, and different issues with hormonal balance or sexual performance, may be mitigated by horny goat weed, which may help stabilize cortisol levels and diminish some of these symptoms.

It may be effective in treating symptoms including poor energy, forced ejaculation, and dry vagina by aiding in the normalization of testosterone and estrogen levels.

Icariin contains some anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a vasodilator, which aids in improving blood flow.

Icariin may also affect neurotransmitter synapses and many neuromuscular processes by suppressing the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase, according to a study.

The use of icariin has been linked to beneficial alterations in body composition, such as improved bone density, muscle mass, and strength, which can improve performance, vigor, and even confidence.

2. May Help With Erectile Dysfunction

As was already noted, horny goat weed may cure erectile dysfunction (ED) by promoting blood flow in the blood arteries that connect the penis, acting as an erectogenic and enhancing erectile function.

Nitric oxide (NO), which is released during sexual stimulation, causes the corpus cavernosum (tissue that forms the penis) blood vessels to widen, resulting in an erection.

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which can be broken down by the chemical PDE5, accumulates whilst this is taking place. Icariin increases the effects of nitric oxide by preventing PDE5 from doing so, which aids in maintaining an erection.

In rat research, daily administration with icariin dramatically improved penile functional results when compared to the control group in healthy 12-week-old rats that had experienced cavernous nerve crush injury to the genital area.

Nitric oxide levels rose and smooth muscle effects were seen in the group receiving icariin, which reduced ED symptoms brought on by nerve injury.

3. Increases Testosterone

It has been demonstrated that icaridin contains natural testosterone-mimicking qualities, which is one of the reasons it helps to increase sex drive, strength, and even athletic performance.

Researchers discovered that, as compared to rats who were not given the extract, rats that received icariin extract had healthier reproductive organs overall and had higher levels of testosterone in their blood. To determine whether it will function as a human testosterone booster, more research is required.

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4. Helps To Balance Hormones After Menopause

According to TCM, Yin Yang Huo is thought to support yin energy, regaining balance and energy levels. It is beneficial for persons who feel exhausted or yin deficient due to its spicy, sweet, and warm qualities, especially those going through hormonal changes like menopause.

Prenylflavonoids have been demonstrated in several studies to help boost estrogen levels and lessen menopause symptoms in females because they act as phytoestrogens.

Thus, horny goat weed can be regarded as an estrogenic since it contains a variety of prenylflavonoid chemicals, the strongest of which is icariin, which has been linked to a reduction in menopausal symptoms like reduced libido and bone loss.

5. Increases Muscle Strength

Icariin has been shown in several trials to increase the growth of lean muscle. Proteins known as neurotrophins support the growth, development, and operation of neurons. It’s thought that icariin aids in the body’s secretion of proteins that promote cell growth and aid in tissue healing.

Icariin is frequently used as a component in supplements by those who want to bulk up and gain muscular mass, such as athletes and bodybuilders. Its use has also been connected to enhanced post-exercise recovery and enhanced sports performance.

Some people find that taking supplements containing icariin can help them increase their strength, stamina, and endurance, despite the fact that it is not thought of as a stimulant and doesn’t function in the same way that something like coffee does.

6. Bone Health

Since horny goat weed has beneficial benefits in repairing bone density, it may help avoid osteoporosis symptoms like fractures or decreased spine bone density. The compound icariin is a promising candidate for use as an osteogenic substance in bone tissue engineering.

In rats given icariin treatment, the researchers noticed considerable new bone development after four weeks and further increases in bone thickness after six weeks.

Icariin may help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density and bone production, lowering bone resorption, and improving microstructure of bone, according to the available research.

According to additional research, ingesting horny goat weed extract for 24 months prevented post-menopausal women from losing bone density in their spine and hips.

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