Acetylicariin, apigenin, baohuoside I, baohuoside II, barrenwort, benzene, Berberidaceae (family), breviflavone B, buxueyangyan mixture, caohuoside B, chrysoeriol, desmethylanhydroicaritin, desmethylicaritin, diphylloside B, Epimedii, Epimedii Herba, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, Epimedium acuminatum Franch., Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., Epimedium cremeum, Epimedium coactum, Epimedium davidii, Epimediumdiphyllum, Epimedium flavone, Epimedium grandiflorum Morr., Epimedium grandiflorum var. flavescens, Epimedium hunanense, Epimedium koreanum Nakai, Epimedium leptorrhizum, Epimedium pubescens Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Epimedium sempervirens, Epimedium truncatum, Epimedium wushanense T.S. Ying, epimedokoreanoside-I, epimedoside A, epimedoside E, Herba Epimedii, huichun zhibao, hyperin, icariin, icarisid II, icaritin, ikarisoside A, ikarisoside C, ikarisoside F, Japanese epimedium, kaempferol, korepimedoside A, korepimedoside B linolenic acid, luteolin, magnoflorine, O-methylicariin, oleic acid, palmitic acid, prenyflavone, quercetin, sagittatoside A, sagittatoside B, sterols, syringaresinol, tannin, vitamin E, wanepimedoside A, xian ling pi, xin-qin granule (long-spur epimedium), yin yang huo, zuo-gui-wan.
Background
The leaves of as many as 15 species of Epimedium are used as the herb known as yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine. "Yin yang huo" is usually translated as horny goat weed because the Chinese characters literally mean, "obscene goat leaves of pulse plants."
In traditional Chinese medicine, Epimedium (yin yang huo) is used as a bodybuilding agent, a yang supporter, an agent to reinforce muscles and bones, and a supporter to the health of the liver and kidneys. This herb is also commonly used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain), chronic bronchitis, and neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion). As with many other herbs in Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is rarely used as a single ingredient. Horny goat weed is traditionally used as an ingredient in a yang tonic and for combating wind-damp-cold blocking qi circulation.
Despite its traditional and popular use, there is little scientific evidence in support of horny goat weed. Currently, there exists a potential benefit for the treatment of atherosclerosis symptoms and quality of life associated with hemodialysis. Other promising areas include sexual function.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Atherosclerosis:
Horny goat weed is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disease. Early study suggests that horny goat weed may improve symptoms associated with ischemic cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. However, additional study is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C
Sexual dysfunction (in renal failure patients):
Horny goat weed is traditionally used to increase fertility. One study suggests that horny goat weed may improve sexual performance and quality of life in patients with renal failure on chronic hemodialysis. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C
Tradition
WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Abortion, adrenal cortex function (atrophy), aging, allergy/hay fever, Alzheimer's disease, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), analgesia, angina, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitussive (preventing or relieving cough), antiviral, aphrodisiac, asthma, cancer, chronic bronchitis, chronic hepatitis, cognitive improvement, cold prevention, coronary heart disease, erectile dysfunction, exercise performance enhancement, expectorant, fatigue, hepatoprotection, HIV/AIDS, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), immunosuppression, impotence, infertility, kidney protection, leukopenia, memory, menopause, muscle ache, myocarditis/endocarditis, neurasthenia, osteoporosis, ovulation disorders, paralysis, platelet aggregation inhibition, prostate cancer, quality of life, renal failure (insufficiency), respiratory distress, thyroid disorders, tonic, viral infection (polio), yang insufficiency.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for horny goat weed. In general, 6-15 grams daily has been used. A decoction (5 grams of horny goat weed simmered in 250 milliliters of water for 10-15 minutes) three times daily has been used. A similar amount of horny goat weed in the form of granules (freeze-dried grains made from decocted herb), or powdered herb in capsules has been used. Also, 5 milliliters of 20% tincture three times daily before meals has been used.
For angina pectoris, chronic bronchitis, and neurasthenia, 4-6 0.3-gram tablets (equivalent to 2.7 gram of raw material in each tablet), twice daily for one month have been used; administration has been stopped for 7-10 days and then resumed in a second series, if required.
Intramuscular injections have also been used in ampoules of 2 milliliters (equivalent to 1 gram of raw material). Injections should only be given under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for horny goat weed in children, and use is not recommended.
Safety
DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum).
Side Effects and Warnings
In general, horny goat weed is well tolerated. Based on long-term traditional use in Chinese culture, horny goat weed is possibly safe when taken by mouth at recommended doses. However, avoid use of horny goat weed in patients with fire from yin deficiency (people with too much "yang" or heat, masculinity, and activity, based on Chinese philosophy).
Gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea, vomiting and dryness of the mouth, are the most common side effects. Other side effects may include tachyarrhythmia (disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat), fever, or hypomania (a mild form of mania). Horny goat weed may also dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure. Long-term use may cause aggressiveness, irritability, or respiratory arrest. Extended use of Japanese Epimedium taken by mouth may result in nosebleed, exaggeration of tendon reflexes to the point of spasm, or dizziness. Certain compounds isolated from Epimedium davidii may affect immune responses in some individuals. Use cautiously in patients with immune function disorders due to the potential for worsening symptoms.
Based on these side effects, horny goat weed is possibly unsafe when used in patients with tachyarrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, frequent nosebleeds, musculoskeletal disorders, bipolar disorder, immune function disorders, homocysteine disorders, thyroid disorders, respiratory distress, hormone-sensitive conditions, or cardiovascular disease.
Horny goat weed is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Horny goat weed may increase testosterone and estrogen levels in the body.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Horny goat weed may lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking medications that also lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Horny goat weed have hormonal effects and may interact with certain medications, such as menopausal agents or birth control pills.
Based on preliminary study, horny goat weed may also interact with immunostimulating, immunosuppressing or thyroid medications. Caution is advised.
One species, Epimedium brevicorum, may inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus. Caution is advised when taking horny goat weed with other monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as MAOI antidepressants.
Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking herbs or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Horny goat weed may lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs and supplements that also lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Horny goat weed may have hormonal effects and may interact with certain herbs and supplements that also have hormonal effects, such as black cohosh or St. John's wort.
Based on preliminary study, horny goat weed may also interact with immunostimulating, immunosuppressing or thyroid herbs and supplements. Caution is advised.
One species, Epimedium brevicorum, may inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus. Caution is advised when taking horny goat weed with other herbs and supplements with monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): James David Adams, Jr., PhD (USC School of Pharmacy); Julie Conquer, PharmD (RGB Consulting); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Adam McLean, MPharm (University of Nottingham); Phuong Nguyen, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Toni Schaeffer, PhD, PharmD (Albany College of Pharmacy); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Jen Woods, BS (Northeastern University).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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Yap SP, Shen P, Butler MS, et al. New estrogenic prenylflavone from Epimedium brevicornum inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Planta Med 2005;71(2):114-119.
Yin XX, Chen, ZQ, Dang GT, et al. [Effects of Epimedium pubescens icariine on proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2005;30(4):289-291.
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
