Legend has it that in the period of Wei Jin and North and South Dynasties, there was a sheep herder who found it very strange that his rams especially liked to eat a plant, and after eating it, they came into heat a lot more times every day than before. One day, Tao Hongjing, a famous doctor, came across the goat herder in the mountains and learned about this plant from a casual conversation with him, so after a long investigation, he finally compiled this plant into the pharmacopoeia. The pharmacopoeia says: there are sheep in the north, after eating a plant, sexual intercourse 100 times in one day, so the plant was named: Epimedium. It's official name is also very interesting, it's called: Three Branches Nine Leaf Grass, each plant has exactly three branches, 3 leaves on each branch.

How does horny goat weed work?

The active ingredient, icariin, inhibits the activity of PDE5, which restricts the dilation of arteries in the penis. This inhibition facilitates blood flow, leading to the formation of erections. Interestingly, this mechanism mirrors that of the prescription medication sildenafil (Viagra).

Does horny goat weed really work?

In a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers investigated the effects of horny goat weed on rats. They discovered that rats treated with a purified extract of horny goat weed exhibited improved erectile function. Another study from 2008 revealed that icariin, a component of horny goat weed, effectively inhibits human PDE5, a substance that impedes erections, as demonstrated in test tubes. However, it was noted that sildenafil is 80 times more potent than icariin.

Furthermore, a 2021 review on medicinal plants targeting PDE5 inhibition concluded that icariin is the most effective plant-based option for addressing erectile dysfunction.

Pros and cons

Pros

1. easily accessible in multiple forms and sold over the counter

2. it’s been found to reduce the effects of joint pain and fatigue

Cons

1. large amounts taken at once can result in spasms and breathing problems

2. it may interact negatively with certain medicatinos

Other uses for horny goat weed

Horny goat weed has other medical properties and is sometimes used to improve bone density. It may also help treat heart disease, bronchitis, and even polio.

It works by smoothing muscle tissue. Any strained tissue will get a bit of relief. This can help with joint pain and numbness.

Horny goat weed may have the potential to treat:

- high blood pressure (hypertension)

- hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

- low libido

- symptoms associated with menopause

- osteoporosis

- brain injury

- hay fever

- fatigue

Although you can buy Epimedium in pharmacies, this plant is not suitable for everyone, so please consult a professional before using it in your own situation. We offer Epimedium extract as a health care ingredient in safer dosages, and we can also provide professional assistance with formulations. Please don't hesitate to contact us.