Horny Goat Weed Aphrodisiac Review: Information and Side Effects!

Horny goat weed is the common name given to an herb known as epimedium. The choice of this name for the herb is obvious once you know the story behind it. It comes from the observation of a Chinese goat herder, who noticed that his goats would engage in intense sexual activity after eating a certain herb.

The herb epimedium, therefore, came to be known as horny goat weed (OK, OK, please stop laughing!).

The herbal preparation of horny goat weed is actually cultivated from several species of epimedium, a wild, leafy herb that grows in high mountain areas.

The plant contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and a substance known as magnaflorine, all of which are thought to play a key role in the effectiveness of horny goat weed. Though it isn't exactly certain how, it does appear to increase sexual stamina and desire, as well as erectile function in men.

In women, horny goat weed has been used to treat symptoms associated with menopause. In addition, the herb is used as a general energy booster.

Many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine tout horny goat weed, known to them as Yin Yang Huo, as the best remedy for sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. Their claim is backed by the fact that the herb has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years.

The ingredients in horny goat weed, particularly the flavonoids, sterols and magnaflorine, may influence sexual biochemistry in a variety of ways. The herb is thought to enhance the action of neurotransmitters that play a role in arousal and emotional response.

Research also indicates that horny goat weed can inhibit an enzyme that is responsible for stopping the production of these neurotransmitters. With the continual production of neurotransmitters, sexual response remains elevated.

In addition, the flavonoid icariin, one of the primary active ingredients in horny goat weed, is thought to be able to restore levels of testosterone, which are strongly linked to sexual desire and performance in men. People who use horny goat weed to enhance sexual function note a mild to moderate effect after about four days of use.

While horny goat weed is most commonly used as an aphrodisiac, it has some other reported uses as well. Among the other conditions treated with horny goat weed are kidney, joint, liver, and back disorders. The most effective preparations of the herb are standardized to contain 10% icariin flavonoids.

The herb is available in tablets and caplets, and the usual recommended dosage is two 500 mg tablets per day. Horny goat weed is often combined with other libido enhancing ingredients (eg., maca) to enhance its effect. Pinnacle's Exotica product, for instance, combines horny goat weed, maca, and blue diamond truffle extract.

No significant side effects have been reported from the use of horny goat weed (unless you call "horniness" a side effect, ha ha!). However, as with many herbal supplements, pregnant or lactating women should avoid it.

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