If you’ve done any research on natural remedies for low libido, you’ve probably come across Horny Goat Weed.
In the field of natural remedies for low sex drive, Horny Goat Weed is among the most promoted and researched. It has been used for centuries in some cultures, and of late, has come into the crosshairs of the pharma industry.
But, does it have any proven benefits?
As it turns out, yes, there is reasonably convincing research about its effectiveness. Keep reading to find out more about horny goat weed and what it can do to boost your libido.
1. HORNY GOAT WEED – ORIGINS
The Horny Goat Weed falls into the Epimedium genus of plants. It has numerous species, and the one most commonly used as a supplement is Epimedium grandiflorum.
Several species exist in Europe, but it was initially identified as a libido booster in Eastern medicine. Practitioners of Chinese traditional medicine recognize its effectiveness as both a sex enhancement supplement and relieving premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Additionally, Horny Goat Weed is used to decrease fatigue generally and increase sexual stamina. However, many of its suggested properties are purely anecdotal.
Horny Goat Weed has a multitude of sterols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and other ingredients. However, the most salient in terms of helping sexual performance is icariin.
So, what is icariin, and what does it do?
2. ICARIIN AND ED
The most common cause of low libido is erectile dysfunction. As such, it’s one of the causes that’s most addressed.
Having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection in about 20% of sexual encounters falls within normal parameters. However, any more than that might fall into the category of erectile dysfunction.
Erections are almost entirely governed by blood flow. Proper blood flow is a crucial element of an erection, and anything that impairs cardiovascular health also impairs erections.
Moreover, a primary component of erections is phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). It’s a protein present in the spongy regions of the penis that become engorged with blood during an erection. Too much PDE5 can effectively block erections, and many common ED drugs, such as Viagra, target PDE5.
That’s where icariin comes in.
Icariin inhibits the mechanism of action of PDE5 and helps the blood vessels in the penis to dilate more readily.
It’s worth noting that while icariin has a similar effect to drugs like Viagra and Cialis, it’s much milder.
3. HORNY GOAT WEED AND ED
That brings us back to Horny Goat Weed. How effective is it in helping increase libido?
The data about HGW centers mostly around icariin, so in that respect, it has some promising effects.
A study published in 2010 found that icariin helped rats with damaged blood vessels. The rats in the study synthesized nitric oxide more effectively in penile tissue.
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it helps blood vessels expand and allow more blood to flow.
Numerous studies posited the effectiveness of PDE5 as a PDE5 inhibitor, as well.
But these studies don’t equate to a longitudinal clinical trial. That kind of research on Horny Goat Weed doesn’t exist yet.
So, while there is compelling evidence about several of the compounds in Horny Goat Weed, it’s difficult to talk about effective dosages and typical results.
4. OTHER CAUSES OF LOW LIBIDO
It’s also important to underscore that erectile dysfunction isn’t the only cause of low libido.
If you’re suffering from chronic fatigue and certain other medical conditions, there’s some weak evidence that Horny Goat Weed can help with that. But, it’s far from conclusive.
Horny Goat Weed isn’t a silver bullet either. If your low libido stems from things like smoking or obesity, Horny Goat Weed won’t do much to help you. Instead, you’ll have to make substantial lifestyle changes, and supplements like HGW will help you get across the last mile.
As explained earlier, there’s no medically established effective dose of HGW for increasing libido or stamina. However, if you choose to try a supplement, you should aim for HGW extract standardized to 20% icariin, at least. Any less than that means you’re paying for a lot of compounds without any tested benefits.
5. WHAT’S IN A NAME
Horny Goat Weed owes its name to deeply-held beliefs about its effectiveness as a libido booster and sex enhancer. But beliefs can only get you so far.
It’s proven that HGW has several compounds that can play a crucial role in helping relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, Horny Goat Weed isn’t medically established as an aphrodisiac.
As with anything else related to human health, a multi-pronged approach will likely be the most effective to help your low libido. Eating a complete diet, regular exercise, and the right supplementation is the winning combination to help you perform to the peak of your ability.
