Horny Goat Weed Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed

Also known as
  • Epimedium grandiflorum
  • Barrenwort
  • Épimède
  • Épimède à Grandes Fleurs
  • Épimède du Japon
  • Epimedium
  • Epimedium Grandiflorum Radix
  • Herba Epimedii
  • Herbe Cornée de Chèvre
  • Hierba de Cabra en Celo
  • Japanese Epimedium
  • Xian Ling Pi
  • Yin Yang Huo
Horny Goat Weed Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, is a plant native to Asia and a member of the Berberidaceae family. It is known for its small, purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves. In traditional medicine, horny goat weed is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, and it has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin disorders. Horny goat weed is also commonly used as a natural treatment for male infertility and as a natural performance-enhancing supplement as it may have a mild androgenic effect.
There are 482 drugs known to interact with Horny Goat Weed

Additional Details

Is Horny Goat Weed Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Horny goat weed has a long history of use, dating back over 2000 years, to treat impotence and infertility. It is known by several names and is commonly found in supplement products. While horny goat weed extract is considered possibly safe for short-term oral use when taken appropriately, there are certain precautions to keep in mind. Long-term use or high doses of some species of horny goat weed have been linked to serious adverse effects, including respiratory arrest. It is also advised to avoid using horny goat weed orally during pregnancy due to its potential androgenic activity, which could potentially harm the developing fetus. Insufficient information is available regarding its use during lactation. As with any supplement, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using horny goat weed, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

How Is Horny Goat Weed Thought to Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Horny goat weed contains various active constituents, including flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and lignans. The most abundant compound found in horny goat weed is icariin, which constitutes up to 6.5% of its dry weight. These constituents contribute to the potential effects of horny goat weed. Here's a breakdown of its mechanism of action:

  • Antiaging effects: Horny goat weed has been shown to accelerate DNA synthesis and prolong the lifespan of aging cells in laboratory studies.
  • Anticancer effects: Some constituents of horny goat weed, including icariin, have demonstrated the ability to induce differentiation and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Horny goat weed has traditionally been used for conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis and hepatitis. Laboratory research suggests that it can inhibit proinflammatory mediators.
  • Antioxidant effects: Icariin and other constituents of horny goat weed exhibit antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative stress.
  • Antiviral effects: In vitro research suggests that horny goat weed may have activity against HIV.
  • Bone effects: Horny goat weed compounds target estrogen signaling and bone formation pathways, stimulating osteoblasts (cells involved in bone formation) and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation (cells involved in bone breakdown).
  • Cardiovascular effects: Horny goat weed causes vasodilation, potentially by blocking calcium channels, and has hypotensive effects. It may also offer cardioprotective benefits by reducing homocysteine levels.
  • Cytochrome P450 effects: Horny goat weed inhibits specific enzymes involved in drug metabolism, such as CYP1A2 and CYP2B6, which can affect the clearance and side effects of certain medications.
  • Genitourinary effects: The icariin constituent of horny goat weed inhibits phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) and enhances cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), potentially contributing to its effects on sexual function.
  • Hepatoprotective effects: Icariin appears to have protective effects on liver cells exposed to certain toxins, potentially offering hepatoprotective benefits.
  • Hormonal effects: Horny goat weed contains compounds with hormonal activity, including estrogenic effects and the potential to stimulate semen secretion and the growth of certain reproductive organs.
  • Immunomodulating effects: Horny goat weed has been found to normalize immune-related markers in patients undergoing hemodialysis and stimulate the innate immune system in animal studies.
  • Neurologic effects: Some constituents of horny goat weed, such as syringaresinol, have shown the potential to increase the formation of neurites, which are essential for nerve cell function.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, the absorption of icariin, a major constituent of horny goat weed, primarily occurs in the duodenum and ileum. Metabolism studies indicate that peak plasma levels of icariin's metabolite, icariside II, occur around 4 hours after oral intake, while the accumulation of the desmethylicaritin metabolite has a biphasic pattern. The half-life of icariside II is approximately 12-15 hours, indicating its elimination from the body.

Interaction Overview

Horny goat weed may interact with certain drugs and supplements, leading to potential risks or altered effects. Here's an overview of some interactions to be cautious about:

  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with these medications.
  • Antihypertensive drugs: There is a possibility that horny goat weed may increase the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) when combined with antihypertensive medications.
  • Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates: Horny goat weed may enhance the effects and side effects of drugs metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme.
  • Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates: Similarly, horny goat weed may increase the effects and side effects of drugs metabolized by the CYP2B6 enzyme.
  • < li>Estrogens: Combining horny goat weed with estrogen medications or supplements may increase their therapeutic and adverse effects.
  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet herbs and supplements: Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding when used in conjunction with herbs and supplements that have similar effects.
  • Caffeine-containing herbs and supplements: There is a theoretical possibility that horny goat weed might reduce the clearance of caffeine from the body.
  • Herbs and supplements with hypotensive effects: Combining horny goat weed with herbs and supplements that have hypotensive effects may increase the risk of low blood pressure.

It's important to be aware of these potential interactions and consult with a healthcare professional before using horny goat weed, especially if you are taking any medications or supplements.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When using horny goat weed, common side effects to watch for include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, vomiting, and in rare cases, respiratory arrest. If any of these side effects occur or worsen, it is advisable to discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Supplements containing horny goat weed are commonly standardized to icariin content. The percentage of icariin can vary depending on the product. It's important to read the labels and choose reputable brands that clearly indicate the standardized content to ensure consistency and quality.

Drugs that interact with Horny Goat Weed

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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