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Dietary supplement

Horny Goat Weed Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Earthborn Elements

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Horny Goat Weed is a dietary supplement by Earthborn Elements with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 963 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract. It also includes gelatin as an inactive ingredient in the capsule.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Horny Goat Weed product and its label doesn't state a use — see Horny Goat Weed's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for horny goat weed isn't established in the data we hold. Effectiveness has been rated as insufficient reliable evidence for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, bronchitis, and coronary heart disease.

That means clinical trials haven't yet shown it works clearly for these uses — or haven't been done at all — so we can't tell you whether it'll help you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horny Goat Weed

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Short-term use of horny goat weed seems to be generally well tolerated, though human safety data is limited and product quality varies. The most common side effects in studies were dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting.

Long-term use has been linked to reports of similar effects. A rare serious adverse effect — respiratory arrest — has been reported, and one case of irregular heartbeat was noted after two weeks of use (though it's unclear if that was solely from this herb).

Avoid horny goat weed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There isn't enough safety data in either situation to know whether it's safe, so the guidance is to steer clear.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horny Goat Weed

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Horny Goat Weed.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 964 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product before taking it if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), blood pressure medications, estrogen or hormonal birth control, or any medication that works through liver enzyme pathways (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 substrates). All interactions are Moderate severity and based on lab evidence, not yet reported in patients — but worth verifying your exact medications here first.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Horny Goat Weed is a single-ingredient supplement with incomplete evidence for its marketed uses. If you take any blood thinners, blood pressure medications, estrogens, or medications that your liver clears via CYP enzymes, you'll want to check with us or your doctor first — the interaction risks are theoretical but Moderate.

Short-term use appears tolerated by most people, but long-term safety isn't established. Talk to your pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Horny Goat Weed, straight from the product label.

Brand Earthborn Elements
Net contents 200 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2024
DSLD ID 319591
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
IngredientAmount% DV
Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract940 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: as a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily, preferably with meals. Take with at least 8 oz of liquid.

Precautions

If pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult your physician.

General Statements

Questions? Concerns? Scan this code with your phone's camera to chat with us online and get 20% coupon for your next Amazon Earthborn Elements order!

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract

Interacts with
963 drugs
940 mg per serving Form: Horny Goat Weed Leaf Extract, Horny Goat Weed Stem Extract

Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is a traditional Chinese herb most often marketed for low libido and erectile problems, but solid human evidence for these...

Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Horny Goat Weed?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
963Drugs
963 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Horny Goat Weed with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Horny Goat Weed Leaf, Stem Extract6 drug types · 963 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research and animal research shows that horny goat weed can inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Laboratory research suggests that horny goat weed might have hypotensive effects. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro, horny goat weed leaf extract inhibits CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP2B6 substrates.
In vitro, horny goat weed leaf extract inhibits CYP2B6. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro, horny goat weed extract inhibits CYP3A4 and suppresses CYP3A4 mRNA expression. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of horny goat weed with estrogens might increase their therapeutic and adverse effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that horny goat weed has estrogenic activity. In clinical research, horny goat weed has been shown to increase blood levels of estrogen in some females.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Horny Goat Weed, from the product label.

Earthborn Elements

See all Earthborn Elements products
Name
Earthborn Elements
Street Address
9450 SW Gemini Dr #49936
City
Beaverton
State
Oregon
ZipCode
97008
Web Address
Earthbornelements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements: Common Questions

Does Horny Goat Weed by Earthborn Elements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horny Goat Weed has a known interaction with 963 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Horny Goat Weed contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is horny goat weed safe to take long-term?
Short-term use seems well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been established and is limited by product quality variation. Long-term use has been associated with reports of vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nosebleed. Talk to your pharmacist about how long you're planning to take it.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data for either situation, so it's advised to avoid horny goat weed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're planning pregnancy or nursing, ask your pharmacist or doctor first.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common ones reported in studies are dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting. These are mild and tend to go with short-term use, but let your pharmacist know if they persist.
Does horny goat weed actually work for sexual dysfunction?
The evidence isn't established. Studies so far haven't shown clearly that it works, so we can't tell you whether it will help you with that.
What is horny goat weed actually used for?
It's marketed for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, bronchitis, and heart health, but the evidence for any of these uses is insufficient. Your best bet is to ask your pharmacist whether it's right for your specific goal.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Horny Goat Weed label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Horny Goat Weed's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Horny Goat Weed 11 references
  1. Cirigliano MD, Szapary PO. Horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction. Alt Med Alert 2001;4:19-22.
  2. Partin JF, Pushkin YR. Tachyarrhythmia and hypomania with horny goat weed. Psychosomatics 2004;45:536-7. PubMed
  3. De Naeyer A, Pocock V, Milligan S, De Keukeleire D. Estrogenic activity of a polyphenolic extract of the leaves of Epimedium brevicornum. Fitoterapia 2005;76:35-40. PubMed
  4. 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 2005;98:295-300. PubMed
  5. Yap SP, Shen P, Li J, et al. Molecular and pharmacodynamic properties of estrogenic extracts from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Epimedium. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;113:218-24. PubMed
  6. Yan, F. F., Liu, Y., Liu, Y. F., and Zhao, Y. X. Herba Epimedii water extract elevates estrogen level and improves lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women. Phytother.Res. 2008;22(9):1224-1228. PubMed
  7. Ramanathan VS, Mitropoulos E, Shlopov B, et al. An Enzyte'ing' case of acute hepatitis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2011;45(9):834-5. PubMed
  8. Zhong Q, Shi Z, Zhang L, et al. The potential of Epimedium koreanum Nakai for herb-drug interaction. J Pharm Pharmacol 2017;69(10):1398-408. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12773.
  9. Irfan M, Kwon TH, Lee DH, et al. Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Apr 2021;2021:7071987. PubMed
  10. Tan K, Yang W, Pang L, Hou F. Differences in clinical characteristics among 726 patients with Chinese herbal medicine- or Western medicine-induced liver injury. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022;101(32):e29909. PubMed
  11. Li K, Yu XH, Maskey AR, et al. Cytochrome P450 3A4 suppression by epimedium and active compound kaempferol leads to synergistic anti-inflammatory effect with corticosteroid. Front Pharmacol 2023;13:1042756. PubMed

See these in context on the Horny Goat Weed monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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