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Some people claim it can help treat erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis. People used the herb as an alternative medication for: hay feveratherosclerosisnerve painfatigueosteoporosiserectile dysfunction Human research data to support the use of horny goat weed is limited at best. However, some anecdotal evidence and animal and cell studies claim health benefits. This article explores the uses, dosages, and side effects of horny goat weed. Horny goat weed and erectile dysfunction Share on PinterestMarcel/StocksyErectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem affecting people of all ages, particularly those over 40. Estimates claim that 30-50 million people in the United States experience ED. At times, people may experience psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that may cause or contribute to ED. Many people claim that horny goat weed can be a natural remedy for ED. However, these claims are often anecdotal, and research is lacking. An older study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine assessed the effects of horny goat weed on nerve damage in animals and cellular trials. The researchers reported that icariin, the active component of horny goat weed, might show positive and promising effects in treating ED resulting from nerve injury. Although there is some evidence that horny goat weed may help treat the cellular mechanisms of ED, additional research is necessary. Horny goat weed and pregnancy At this time, there is not enough research to confirm the safety of horny goat weed during or after pregnancy. A 2020 paper published in Medicine did, however, evaluate its potential application as a treatment for infertility. The findings suggest that horny goat weed may improve endometrial thickness in people with a thin endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. An endometrium less than 7 millimeters (mm) during ovulation may make embryo implantation more difficult. The researchers cite the need for more comprehensive studies. Learn more about endometrial thickness here. Horny goat weed and breastfeeding There are also unknowns about nursing while supplementing with horny goat weed. The Department of Health and Human Services advises against herbal supplements while breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Studies have yet to identify the potential risks of horny goat weed consumption in pregnancy on fetuses, newborns, and children so a person should not use it. Other uses for horny goat weed Horny goat weed may have other potential benefits. However, research into other uses primarily involves animal and cellular studies and there is a lack of definitive human evidence to confirm many of its uses. For example, a 2017 review found that horny goat weed may have antiosteoporosis properties in rats menopausal rats. Other cell research has revealed the following possible effects:anticancer effectsradiosensitizing effectsreversal of multidrug resistance in some tumor cells Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries in the neck harden. For people with atherosclerosis, a mixture containing horny goat weed may be beneficial and result in improved symptoms and clinical tests. People with hay fever may experience symptom relief from an herbal preparation featuring horny goat weed, according to older findings cited in ISRN Allergy. However, those in the study took a supplement containing several other herbs, making it difficult to assess the value of horny goat weed for allergies on its own. Horny goat weed dosage As with any medications, herbs, and supplements, it is important for people to speak with their doctor before using horny goat weed. A doctor can work out its safety and dosage based on an individual’s needs and medical history. Alternative medication should not take the place of traditional medication. People should also follow recommendations from their primary care practitioner. Side effects of horny goat weed As with any medication or herbal supplement, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions when using horny goat weed. Possible side effects may include:breathing problemsracing heartincreased energysweatingfeelings of being hot It is important for people to speak with a doctor about these or any other side effects that occur with the use of horny goat weed. Horny goat weed interactions Horny goat weed may have negative interactions with certain medications, including:warfarinamitriptylinecyclosporinphenytoinglyceryl trinitrate and other nitratesestrogenclarithromycin and erythromycindrugs causing hypotension People should not take horny goat weed if they:have hormone-sensitive cancer, as the herb has been shown to promote estrogen productionhave heart disease, as it can potentially lead to rapid, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and excitabilityhave a known sensitivity to Epimediumare taking aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozolea doctor advises against it Anyone considering using horny goat weed should discuss it with their doctor first. Health experts can determine if horny goat weed is right for someone and what the appropriate dosing would be. There have not been enough studies to recommend the use of this herb and to ensure its safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not monitor the quality, purity, or safety of herbs and extra caution is recommended. More studies are needed to guarantee safety and identify potential side effects. If anyone does purchase herbs, they should be sure to buy from a known and reputable source. Summary Horny goat weed is commonly used as an alternative herbal medicine for ED. The herb has ties to traditional Chinese medicine. However, clinical studies on the purported benefits of horny goat weed have yet to confirm its efficacy. Last medically reviewed on May 8, 2022Men's HealthVascularSexual Health / STDsComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bhugra, R. (2019). Does horny goat weed have any clinically significant interactions?https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/UKMi_QA_Horny_Goat_Weed_Interactions_2020_Update.pdfDu, J., et al. (2020). The effect of icariin for infertile women with thin endometrium.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220221/Epimedium. (2020).https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/epimediumFang, J., et al. (2019). Icariin, an anti-atherosclerotic drug from Chinese medicinal herb horny goat weed.http://frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00734/fullHorny goat weed. (2021).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/699.htmlLiu, Y, et al. (2017). The antiosteoporosis effect of icariin in ovariectomized rats: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29208188/Nguyen, H. M. T., et al. (2017). Erectile dysfunction in young men - A review of the prevalence and risk factors [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642047/Pregnancy and medicines. (2019).https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-and-medicinesSayin, I, et al. (2013). Complementary therapies for allergic rhinitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845706/Shindel, A. W., et al. (2010). Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) In vitro and in vivo.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/Sooriyamoorthy, T., et al. (2022). Erectile dysfunction.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/Tan, H.-L., et al. (2016). Anti-cancer properties of the naturally occurring aphrodisiacs: Icariin and its derivatives.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4925704/Zu, Y., et al. (2019). Icariin alleviates osteoarthritis by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6737611/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Lori Smith, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC — Updated on May 8, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageSt. John's Wort: Should I use it?Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD St. John's wort is a herb containing hypericin, which seems to give it antibacterial and antiviral properties. 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