Horny goat weed's therapeutic uses
Horny goat weed is a plant traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine, known for its proposed therapeutic applications primarily in enhancing sexual function for both men and women. It has been associated with the treatment of female and male sexual dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, heart health, and osteoporosis. The herb's name stems from folk observations that goats that grazed on it exhibited heightened sexual activity. Despite its traditional uses, scientific evidence supporting these claims is very limited. Some studies suggest potential benefits for men’s erectile function, but these often involve other ingredients, and the data remains preliminary. Additionally, there are claims regarding its effects on testosterone levels and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, but these assertions lack robust scientific backing. Safety concerns have also been raised, particularly regarding potential side effects like rapid heart rate and mood changes, though the exact cause remains unclear. Overall, more rigorous research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of horny goat weed for these therapeutic uses.
Horny goat weed's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Female sexual dysfunction, male sexual dysfunction
OTHER PROPOSED USE: Menopausal symptoms, fatigue, heart health, osteoporosis
Overview
Horny goat weed is an ornamental plant that also has a long history of traditional use in Asian herbal medicine. Its whimsical name derives from folk observations that goats who grazed on the herb became unusually sexually active. Horny goat weed is said to “tonify the kidney yang,” which is an expression whose meaning cannot be fully explained without entering the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine. In a loose sense, it signifies warming and invigorating the core energy of the body. Traditional uses of the herb (generally in formulas involving several other herbs as well) include treatment of male sexual dysfunction, prostate and urinary problems, low back pain, knee pain, poor memory, emotional timidity, and general symptoms of aging. The aboveground portion of the plant is used medicinally.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of horny goat weed is 250-1,000 milligrams daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Horny goat weed is marketed as a sexual stimulant for all sexes and as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. Still, there is very limited meaningful scientific evidence to support these proposed uses. One small study from 2013 found positive effects on erections and sexual performance in men taking a supplement containing horny goat weed. However, the supplement contained other ingredients as well. Statements across the Internet claim that it increases testosterone levels, inhibits acetylcholinesterase (a chemical important in the function of the nervous system), and has been shown to act as an aphrodisiac in mice. However, the references cited on these websites do not support these statements. The limited scientific evidence available is too preliminary to prove anything.
According to test-tube studies and preliminary human trials, a different species in the same family, Epimedium brevicornum, may have estrogenic activity. However, even if this were to also apply to horny goat weed, it would not indicate effectiveness for menopausal symptoms. Many herbs with estrogenic effects in the test tube do not appear to help menopausal symptoms. (The herb that most reliably appears to affect menopausal symptoms, black cohosh, does not have estrogenic effects in the test tube.)
A study of yet another distinct species, E. koreanum, seems to be the source of the widespread claim that horny goat weed affects acetylcholinesterase.
Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can begin to prove a treatment effective, and only a few have been performed on horny goat weed taken by itself. One study of this type from 2007 found postmenopausal women taking a specific extract of horny goat weed had decreased bone loss over twenty-four months. Another study of this type tested a combination of horny goat weed, maca, Lepidium meyenii, Mucuna pruriens, and Polypodium vulgare. It supposedly found benefits, but its design and reporting were markedly inadequate, and the results are unreliable.
Safety Issues
The safety of horny goat weed is unknown. One case reported the use of a horny goat weed product caused rapid heart rate and maniclike mood changes in a sixty-six-year-old man. It is not clear whether the herb itself caused the symptoms, as the product used by this individual might have been adulterated or contaminated with an unlisted active substance. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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Oh, M. H., et al. "Screening of Korean Herbal Medicines Used to Improve Cognitive Function for Anti-cholinesterase Activity." Phytomedicine, vol. 11, 2004, pp. 544-548.
Partin, J. F., and Y. P. Pushkin. "Tachyarrhythmia and Hypomania with Horny Goat Weed." Psychosomatics, vol. 45, 2004, pp. 536-537.
Tran, Trang. "Can Horny Goat Weed Improve Sexual Function for Men?" Verywell Health, 19 July 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/horny-goat-weed-for-men-89463. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Wilson, Debra Rose. "Horny Goat Weed: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects." Medical News Today, 3 Jan. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317023. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Yap, S. P., et al. "New Estrogenic Prenylflavone from Epimedium Brevicornum Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells." Planta Medica, vol. 71, 2005, pp. 114-119.
Zhang, C. Z., et al. "In Vitro Estrogenic Activities of Chinese Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 98, 2005, pp. 295-300.