Horny Goat Weed is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and is native to China. Hundreds of years ago, a goat herder noticed incessant sexual behavior in his goats. He observed the goats and noticed whenever they ate certain weeds, the goats promiscuous behavior became even more noticeable - hence, Horny Goat Weed. Horny Goat Weed is also called Ying Yang Huo in Chinese, and has been used to treat kidney, joint, liver, and back disorders, and it's also used as an aphrodisiac. Horny goat has testosterone like effects, stimulating sexual activity, desire, increases sperm production, and stimulates sensory nerves. How Does Horny Goat Weed Work? Horny Goat Weed has been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years, and research has also proven its effects on improving sexual desire and performance. So how does Horny Goat Weed work? Research has shown that Horny Goat Weed can inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE rapidly stops neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses like those found in the brain and at neuromuscular junctions, which are needed for speedy responses in the neuromuscular system. By inhibiting AChE, Horny Goat Weed supports higher levels of the key cholinergic neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal. Horny Goat Weed Research There have been much research done on Horny Goat Weed, and its aphrodisiac effects have been well demonstrated in animals and humans. In a study done by Steven Lamm, M.D, 38 men were administered 2 capsules (2 X 800mg) of herbal complex of epimedium grandiflorum, maca pure (lepidium meyenii), mucuna pruriens, and polypodium vulgare (in short, Horny Goat Weed) for 45 days: 25 were healthy men and 13 were men already taking Viagra. Another 4 capsules of Horny Goat Weed were taken 1 to 2 hours prior to sexual activities. The study found 13 of 20 healthy men responded positively to Horny Goat Weed, and 6 of the 13 men already on Viagra also had a positive effect from using Horny Goat Weed. In most cases, the men reported overall improvement in sexual satisfaction and increase in sexual desires. Horny Goat Weed - Epimedium sagittatum Common Name - Horny Goat Weed Scientific / Latin Name - Epimedium Sagittatum Pin Yin Name - Yin Yang Huo Parts Used - aerial parts harvested in spring and autumn. Actions and Uses - Libido enhancement, anti-fatigue, adaptogen, Thermal Qualities - Warm Taste - Pungent, sweet Chinese Uses - Yang tonic for yang deficiency Horny Goat Weed Mechanism of Action The exact way that horny goat weed works remains unclear. Animal studies have shown that it may influence levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine and reduce cortisol levels. The leaves of horny goat weed contain a variety of flavonoids (one prominent flavonoid is icariin), sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine. It’s quite possible horny goat weed influences several aspects of human sexual biochemistry. Icariin is known to help with erectile function. Horny Goat Weed Summary Horny goat weed is, in fact, likely to make you horny. Most users will notice a mild to moderate effect on the third or fourth day of use. Long term benefits and side effects of horny goat weed are not known, hence it is preferable to take breaks from use. Horny Goat Weed Questions Q. Can horny goat weed be combined with other herbs such as yohimbe, maca, or tribulus? A. I can only speak from my personal and professional experience. Thus far I have combined horny goat weed with several herbs and have not found any significant side effects. Q. How long does it take for horny goat weed to start working? A. It may take 3 or 4 days for the full effect of horny goat weed to be noticed. Q. Can horny goat weed be taken regularly for many months? A. As with most herbs, I recommend taking breaks from use since it is possible daily use of horny goat weed could lead to side effects. In the case of horny goat weed you could take it for 1 or 2 weeks on, 1 or 2 weeks off. Horny goat weed has been used in Asia for centuries, however no long term research is available to indicate safety and side effect profile. Q. Can Men of Iron be used with pumping? A. We recommend Men of Iron for use with pumping because of its ability to improve blood flow to the penis. We believe it to enhance pumping sessions. |