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Horny goat weed / Epimedium grandiflorum
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.
Synonyms
Acetylicariin, apigenin, baohuoside I, baohuoside II, barrenwort, benzene, Berberidaceae (family), breviflavone B, buxueyangyan mixture, caohuoside B, chrysoeriol, desmethylanhydroicaritin, desmethylicaritin, diphylloside B, Epimedii, Epimedii Herba, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, Epimedium acuminatum Franch., Epimedium brevicornum Maxim., Epimedium cremeum, Epimedium coactum, Epimedium davidii, Epimediumdiphyllum, Epimedium flavone, Epimedium grandiflorum Morr., Epimedium grandiflorum var. flavescens, Epimedium hunanense, Epimedium koreanum Nakai, Epimedium leptorrhizum, Epimedium pubescens Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Epimedium sempervirens, Epimedium truncatum, Epimedium wushanense T.S. Ying, epimedokoreanoside-I, epimedoside A, epimedoside E, Herba Epimedii, huichun zhibao, hyperin, icariin, icarisid II, icaritin, ikarisoside A, ikarisoside C, ikarisoside F, Japanese epimedium, kaempferol, korepimedoside A, korepimedoside B linolenic acid, luteolin, magnoflorine, O-methylicariin, oleic acid, palmitic acid, prenyflavone, quercetin, sagittatoside A, sagittatoside B, sterols, syringaresinol, tannin, vitamin E, wanepimedoside A, xian ling pi, xin-qin granule (long-spur epimedium), yin yang huo, zuo-gui-wan.
Background
The leaves of as many as 15 species of Epimedium are used as the herb known as yin yang huo in traditional Chinese medicine. "Yin yang huo" is usually translated as horny goat weed because the Chinese characters literally mean, "obscene goat leaves of pulse plants."
In traditional Chinese medicine, Epimedium (yin yang huo) is used as a bodybuilding agent, a yang supporter, an agent to reinforce muscles and bones, and a supporter to the health of the liver and kidneys. This herb is also commonly used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain), chronic bronchitis, and neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion). As with many other herbs in Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is rarely used as a single ingredient. Horny goat weed is traditionally used as an ingredient in a yang tonic and for combating wind-damp-cold blocking qi circulation.
Despite its traditional and popular use, there is little scientific evidence in support of horny goat weed. Currently, there exists a potential benefit for the treatment of atherosclerosis symptoms and quality of life associated with hemodialysis. Other promising areas include sexual function.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Condition: Atherosclerosis
Description: Horny goat weed is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disease. Early study suggests that horny goat weed may improve symptoms associated with ischemic cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. However, additional study is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.
Grade: C
Condition: Sexual dysfunction (in renal failure patients)
Description: Horny goat weed is traditionally used to increase fertility. One study suggests that horny goat weed may improve sexual performance and quality of life in patients with renal failure on chronic hemodialysis. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C
Dosing
There is no proven safe or effective dose for horny goat weed. In general, 6-15 grams daily has been used. A decoction (5 grams of horny goat weed simmered in 250 milliliters of water for 10-15 minutes) three times daily has been used. A similar amount of horny goat weed in the form of granules (freeze-dried grains made from decocted herb), or powdered herb in capsules has been used. Also, 5 milliliters of 20% tincture three times daily before meals has been used.
For angina pectoris, chronic bronchitis, and neurasthenia, 4-6 0.3-gram tablets (equivalent to 2.7 gram of raw material in each tablet), twice daily for one month have been used; administration has been stopped for 7-10 days and then resumed in a second series, if required.
Intramuscular injections have also been used in ampoules of 2 milliliters (equivalent to 1 gram of raw material). Injections should only be given under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
There is no proven safe or effective dose for horny goat weed in children, and use is not recommended.
Safety
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum).
In general, horny goat weed is well tolerated. Based on long-term traditional use in Chinese culture, horny goat weed is possibly safe when taken by mouth at recommended doses. However, avoid use of horny goat weed in patients with fire from yin deficiency (people with too much "yang" or heat, masculinity, and activity, based on Chinese philosophy).
Gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea, vomiting and dryness of the mouth, are the most common side effects. Other side effects may include tachyarrhythmia (disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat), fever, or hypomania (a mild form of mania). Horny goat weed may also dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure. Long-term use may cause aggressiveness, irritability, or respiratory arrest. Extended use of Japanese Epimedium taken by mouth may result in nosebleed, exaggeration of tendon reflexes to the point of spasm, or dizziness. Certain compounds isolated from Epimedium davidii may affect immune responses in some individuals. Use cautiously in patients with immune function disorders due to the potential for worsening symptoms.
Based on these side effects, horny goat weed is possibly unsafe when used in patients with tachyarrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, frequent nosebleeds, musculoskeletal disorders, bipolar disorder, immune function disorders, homocysteine disorders, thyroid disorders, respiratory distress, hormone-sensitive conditions, or cardiovascular disease.
Horny goat weed is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Horny goat weed may increase testosterone and estrogen levels in the body.
Interactions
Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Horny goat weed may lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking medications that also lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Horny goat weed have hormonal effects and may interact with certain medications, such as menopausal agents or birth control pills.
Based on preliminary study, horny goat weed may also interact with immunostimulating, immunosuppressing or thyroid medications. Caution is advised.
One species, Epimedium brevicorum, may inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus. Caution is advised when taking horny goat weed with other monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as MAOI antidepressants.
Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking herbs or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Horny goat weed may lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs and supplements that also lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Horny goat weed may have hormonal effects and may interact with certain herbs and supplements that also have hormonal effects, such as black cohosh or St. John's wort.
Based on preliminary study, horny goat weed may also interact with immunostimulating, immunosuppressing or thyroid herbs and supplements. Caution is advised.
One species, Epimedium brevicorum, may inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus. Caution is advised when taking horny goat weed with other herbs and supplements with monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): James David Adams, Jr., PhD (USC School of Pharmacy); Julie Conquer, PharmD (RGB Consulting); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Adam McLean, MPharm (University of Nottingham); Phuong Nguyen, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Toni Schaeffer, PhD, PharmD (Albany College of Pharmacy); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Jen Woods, BS (Northeastern University).
Bibliography
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
Chen KM, Ge BF, Ma HP, et al. The serum of rats administered flavonoid extract from Epimedium sagittatum but not the extract itself enhances the development of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Pharmazie 2004;59(1):61-64. View Abstract
De Naeyer A, Pocock V, Milligan S, et al. Estrogenic activity of a polyphenolic extract of the leaves of Epimedium brevicornum. Fitoterapia 2005;76(1):35-40. View Abstract
Lin CC, Ng LT, Hsu FF, et al. Cytotoxic effects of Coptis chinensis and Epimedium sagittatum extracts and their major constituents (berberine, coptisine and icariin) on hepatoma and leukaemia cell growth. Clin Exp.Pharmacol.Physiol 2004;31(1-2):65-69. View Abstract
Liu TZ, Chen CY, Yiin SJ, et al. Molecular mechanism of cell cycle blockage of hepatoma SK-Hep-1 cells by Epimedin C through suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and increased expression of CDK inhibitors p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1). Food Chem Toxicol. 2006;44(2):227-235. View Abstract
Ma A, Qi S, Xu D, et al. Baohuoside-1, a novel immunosuppressive molecule, inhibits lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo. Transplantation 9-27-2004;78(6):831-838. View Abstract
Meng FH, Li YB, Xiong ZL, et al. Osteoblastic proliferative activity of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(3):189-193. View Abstract
Oh MH, Houghton PJ, Whang WK, et al. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine. 2004;11(6):544-548. View Abstract
Partin JF, Pushkin YR. Tachyarrhythmia and hypomania with horny goat weed. Psychosomatics 2004;45(6):536-537. View Abstract
Sun Y, Fung KP, Leung PC, et al. Characterization of medicinal Epimedium species by 5S rRNA gene spacer sequencing. Planta Med 2004;70(3):287-288. View Abstract
Wang YK, Huang ZQ. Protective effects of icariin on human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury induced by H2O2 in vitro. Pharmacol.Res 2005;52(2):174-182. View Abstract
Wang ZQ, Lou YJ. Proliferation-stimulating effects of icaritin and desmethylicaritin in MCF-7 cells. Eur.J Pharmacol. 11-19-2004;504(3):147-153. View Abstract
Yap SP, Shen P, Butler MS, et al. New estrogenic prenylflavone from Epimedium brevicornum inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. Planta Med 2005;71(2):114-119. View Abstract
Yin XX, Chen, ZQ, Dang GT, et al. [Effects of Epimedium pubescens icariine on proliferation and differentiation of human osteoblasts]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2005;30(4):289-291. View Abstract
Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-26-2005;98(3):295-300. View Abstract
Zhang X, LiY, Yang X, et al. Inhibitory effect of Epimedium extract on S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase and biomethylation. Life Sci 11-26-2005;78(2):180-186. View Abstract