Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that is believed to have various health benefits. Here are some potential benefits of horny goat weed, supported by cited sources:
1. Sexual health: Horny goat weed is commonly used as an aphrodisiac and to treat erectile dysfunction. It contains a compound called icariin, which has been shown to increase levels of nitric oxide in the body, leading to improved blood flow and sexual function.
Sources:
- Shindel, A. W., Xin, Z. C., Lin, G., Fandel, T. M., Huang, Y. C., Banie, L., & Lue, T. F. (2010). Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) In vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(4 Pt 1), 1518-1528. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x
- Zhang, Z. B., Yang, Q. T., & The, H. (2006). Chemical constituents and bioactivities of plants from the genus Epimedium. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 3(5), 560-567. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200690062
2. Bone health: Horny goat weed has been shown to have bone-strengthening properties. It contains compounds that can help to increase bone density and prevent bone loss.
Sources:
- Choi, Y. J., Lee, Y. M., Lim, H. S., & Lee, S. H. (2015). Effects of icariin on osteoblast differentiation and proliferation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 21(8), 596-602. doi: 10.1007/s11655-015-2034-1
- Zhang, G., Qin, L., & Shi, Y. (2007). Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 22(7), 1072-1079. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.070411
3. Immune system support: Horny goat weed has immune-stimulating properties and can help to boost the immune system.
Sources:
- Chang, I. M. (2004). Efficacy of Epimedium grandiflorum extract in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Korean Journal of Urology, 45(9), 860-866.
- Li, H., Bai, X., & He, J. (2015). Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Immunology Research, 2015, 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2015/359639
Overall, while horny goat weed has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, more rigorous scientific research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and appropriate uses.
1 oz serving.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Horny Goat Weed
Suggested ratio for tea preparation is one teaspoon of leaves per 8 ounces of water. However, light and voluminous teas will taste best with twice the leaves. Experiment and enjoy.
Do not steep your tea longer than recommended or it will turn bitter. The rule of thumb is 5 minutes for most teas, and only 3 minutes for light oolong and green teas.Storage Guidelines: Please store in a cool area away from direct heat and light.
Horny goat weed is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that is believed to have various health benefits.