Hormonal/Mobility

Horny Goat Weed

Traditional Asian herb with limited human evidence for sexual function and bone health; primarily studied in small, low-quality trials.

Horny Goat Weed

Traditional Asian herb with limited human evidence for sexual function and bone health; primarily studied in small, low-quality trials.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01May support bone mineral density

02May improve erectile function

03May support testosterone

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Extract standardized to 10-60% icariin
Whole herb powder

Avoid

Proprietary blends without icariin standardization
Tinctures with unlisted icariin content

Expert Note

Icariin is the primary active compound. Standardized extracts ensure you get a studied dose of the putative active ingredient, whereas unstandardized powders and tinctures vary widely in potency. Human trials have used standardized extracts ranging from 10% to 60% icariin.

Protocol

Amount

500-1000 mg

Frequency

Once daily

When

With food to reduce stomach upset.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

No established UL; avoid doses providing more than ~100 mg icariin/day (highest studied in short trials)

Cycling

Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Warfarin or other anticoagulants — theoretical increased bleeding risk

Hypotension or antihypertensive medications — may lower blood pressure

Heart conditions — PDE5 inhibition can stress the cardiovascular system

Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data

Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, prostate) — icariin has phytoestrogenic and androgenic activity

Synergies

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization, providing a complementary mechanism to Epimedium's osteoblast stimulation.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor for bone matrix formation and may complement bone-density protocols.

Avoid Combining With

✕PDE5 inhibitor drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) — additive blood-pressure-lowering and priapism risk
✕Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs — theoretical increased bleeding risk with high doses
✕Blood pressure medications — may have additive hypotensive effects

Updated Invalid Date