Horny Goat Weed (epimedium spp, herba epimedii, icariin, inyokaku, yin yang huo)

Suggested dosing of Epimedium spp, herba epimedii (horny goat weed)

2 caps (1000 mg, may vary with mfr)/d PO

3-4 caps PO 90 min before sexual activity

May also be taken as a tea

Preventing osteoporosis: a specific phytoestrogen extract of epimedium containing 60 mg icariin, 15 mg daidzein, and 3 mg genistein, along with 300 mg of elemental calcium PO qDay

 

Suggested uses of Epimedium spp, herba epimedii (horny goat weed)

Erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction (male or female), menopausal symptoms

 

Efficacy

Controversial-studies in China suggest a component, icariin has estrogenic & antioxidant properties; may contain other pharmacoactive compounds

Present in many commercially available supplements

 

Epimedium spp, herba epimedii (horny goat weed) adverse (side) effects

Not known

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Pregnancy, lactation

 

Cautions

Any medical condition

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: unsafe

Lactation: avoid use

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Epimedium spp, herba epimedii (horny goat weed)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Unknown