Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 7 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Horny Goat Weed Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by High Level

Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Horny Goat Weed is a dietary supplement by High Level with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, athletic performance.Based on those ingredients, 1,152 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horny Goat Weed Aerial Plant Extract, L-Arginine Hydrochloride, Tongkat Ali, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horny Goat Weed by High Level

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 9 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Horny Goat Weed Aerial Plant Extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

High Level's Horny Goat Weed contains 9 ingredients, of which the main active components are L-Arginine Hydrochloride (an amino acid that supports blood vessel function), Panax ginseng powder (an adaptogenic herb), Maca powder (a traditional plant used for stamina), Mucuna pruriens Extract (also called cowhage, which contains the compound levodopa), Saw Palmetto berry powder, Icariin (an active compound from horny goat weed), Tongkat Ali powder (a traditional herbal extract), Muira Puama powder, and Polypodium vulgare powder. The capsules also contain three inactive ingredients: gelatin (the capsule shell), rice flour, and magnesium stearate (a binder).

There are no other fillers beyond these.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Sexual function and male vitality.
  • We looked for evidence on: Erectile dysfunction (ED), Sexual desire, Sexual dysfunction, Age-related testosterone deficiency, Male infertility, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Eurycoma Longifolia is rated "Possibly Effective" for Sexual desire (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Also on file: Maca is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fatigue, Sexual desire, and more.

The evidence for these ingredients is mixed and largely limited. Tongkat Ali is rated possibly effective for sexual desire, but most other ingredients in this product — including Maca, Mucuna pruriens, Muira Puama, and Saw Palmetto — have insufficient reliable evidence to establish whether they work for sexual function or any other claimed purpose.

L-Arginine's effectiveness for sexual function isn't rated in our data. We hold no effectiveness ratings for Panax ginseng, Icariin, or Polypodium vulgare.

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 5 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-Arginine and Mucuna pruriens are both generally well tolerated short-term, but both can lower blood pressure and require medical supervision for safe use. L-Arginine may cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, or flushing; when inhaled it can inflame airways and worsen asthma (though oral studies in asthma patients showed no airway problems).

Mucuna pruriens may cause diarrhea, flatulence, dry mouth, headache, or insomnia in some users; one study reported nausea, abdominal swelling, and vomiting at higher doses. Maca is generally well tolerated as a food but lacks long-term supplement safety data; uncooked maca may cause stomach pain.

Saw Palmetto is mild and well tolerated but occasionally causes abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, or changes in libido; rare cases of heart rhythm problems have been reported. Tongkat Ali's long-term safety is uncertain, and it may increase testosterone beyond normal, risking acne, insulin resistance, and liver damage.

Muira Puama has limited human safety data. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid Maca, Saw Palmetto, and Tongkat Ali in pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and hormonal effects; Mucuna pruriens should also be avoided (L-dopa can reduce milk supply); no pregnancy/breastfeeding data is on file for L-Arginine.

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — L-arginine, Saw Palmetto, Cowhage, Eurycoma Longifolia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 705 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.

Do not take this product if you use methyldopa or non-selective MAOIs (Major interactions with Mucuna pruriens). Check with your pharmacist before taking it if you use levodopa, any blood pressure medication, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, potassium-sparing water pills, sildenafil, birth control or hormone therapy, propranolol, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, or anesthesia.

Several ingredients interact with medications processed by your liver's CYP enzyme systems in ways we could not fully characterize.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product pairs several herbs and amino acids traditionally linked to sexual function and stamina, though solid evidence is limited. If you take any blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, heart medications, antidepressants, or psychiatric medications — or if you take levodopa or MAOIs — talk to your pharmacist before starting.

The product isn't recommended for pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you're considering it, run your complete medication list through the checker on this page first.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 22, 2023.

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 High Level
Barcode (UPC) 682863372977
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 287449
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 High Level, 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
682863372977
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Arginine Hydrochloride20 mg--
Panax ginseng, Powder20 mg--
Maca powder250 mg--
Mucuna pruriens Extract30 mg--
Saw Palmetto berry powder100 mg--
Icariin100 mg--
Tongkat Ali, Powder100 mg--
Muira Puama, Powder20 mg--
Polypodium vulgare, Powder20 mg--
Horny Goat Weed Aerial Plant Extract1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Formulation

No soy/salt/yeast/gluten/sugar/dairy or eggs/starch/preservatives

Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement take two (2) capsules once a day. For best results take 20-30 min before a meal with an 8 oz. glass of water or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

Ultra premium horny goat weed complex

Stamina + performance + energy + drive

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Certified

General Statements

@Livehighlevel

See for yourself

Horny Goat Weed by High Level label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horny Goat Weed by High Level

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

L-Arginine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
403 drugs
20 mg per serving

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for bl...

L-Arginine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Panax ginseng, Powder

20 mg per serving

Maca powder

No known
interactions
250 mg per serving

Maca is a nutrient-rich Andean root often used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. Early studies suggest it may modestly help sexual desire an...

Maca powder monograph & interactions

Mucuna pruriens Extract

Interacts with
193 drugs
30 mg per serving

Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume best known as a natural source of L-dopa, the compound the body turns into dopamine. It is most studied...

Mucuna pruriens Extract monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto berry powder

Interacts with
174 drugs
100 mg per serving

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no bett...

Saw Palmetto berry powder monograph & interactions

Tongkat Ali, Powder

Interacts with
248 drugs
100 mg per serving

Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali) is a Southeast Asian herb most popular for supporting testosterone, libido, and male fertility, with some small huma...

Tongkat Ali, Powder monograph & interactions

Muira Puama, Powder

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving

Muira puama is a Brazilian plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, often nicknamed 'potency wood.' Human research is very limite...

Muira Puama, Powder monograph & interactions

Polypodium vulgare, Powder

20 mg per serving

Horny Goat Weed Aerial Plant Extract

Interacts with
963 drugs
1000 mg per serving

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 Aerial Plant Extract monograph & interactions
  • › Icariin

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

Interaction report

Horny Goat Weed by High Level 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
1,152Drugs
17 Major 1,113 Moderate 22 Minor

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Horny Goat Weed Aerial Plant 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

L-Arginine Hydrochloride9 drug types · 403 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ACE inhibitors may increase the risk for hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ARBs may increase the risk of hypotension and hyperkalemia.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Combining L-arginine with ARBs seems to increase L-arginine-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, ARBs can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ARBs with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Preliminary research suggests that L-arginine infusions reduce platelet aggregation in humans. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research shows that L-arginine decreases blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of hypotension.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Clinical evidence shows that L-arginine can reduce blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension. Furthermore, combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

Theoretically, concurrent use of isoproterenol and L-arginine might result in additive effects and hypotension.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that L-arginine enhances isoproterenol-induced vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension or a family history of essential hypertension.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and L-arginine might increase the risk for hypotension.
In vivo, concurrent use of L-arginine and sildenafil has resulted in increased vasodilation. Theoretically, concurrent use might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and testosterone might have additive effects.
In clinical research, L-arginine increases the level of testosterone in male patients with erectile dysfunction. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Tongkat Ali, Powder5 drug types · 248 drugs

Propranolol (Inderal)

Eurycoma longifolia can reduce the levels and clinical effects of propranolol.
A small clinical study in healthy persons shows that taking a single dose of a water-based Eurycoma longifolia extract 200 mg, in combination with a single dose of propranolol 80 mg, reduces the propranolol area under the curve (AUC) by 29%, reduces the peak concentration by 42%, and increases time to peak concentration by 86% when compared with control. Since the elimination half-life of propranolol did not change, it seems that Eurycoma longifolia alters the kinetics of propranolol by decreasing its absorption in the gut, and not by altering its metabolism. It is not known if separating administration will prevent this interaction.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, Eurycoma longifolia might increase levels CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that methanolic Eurycoma longifolia root extract weakly inhibits CYP1A2 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2A6 (Cyp2A6) Substrates

Theoretically, Eurycoma longifolia might increase levels of CYP2A6 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that methanolic Eurycoma longifolia root extract weakly inhibits CYP2A6 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Eurycoma longifolia might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that methanolic Eurycoma longifolia root extract weakly inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Theoretically, Eurycoma longifolia may further increase levels of testosterone.
A clinical study in aging males with testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL shows that taking a specific water extract of Eurycoma longifolia roots (Physta; Biotropics Malaysia) 100-200 mg daily with breakfast for 12 weeks increases total testosterone levels by 8% to 11% when compared with placebo. It is unclear whether this increase would occur in individuals with normal testosterone levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Mucuna pruriens Extract8 drug types · 193 drugs

Levodopa

Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Some cowhage products have been standardized to contain 75-400 mg of levodopa per dose.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with methyldopa might cause additive hypotension. In addition, methyldopa may inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa and increase levodopa levels in the central nervous system; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with non-selective MAOIs might cause hypertensive crisis. However, this interaction has not been reported with MAO-B selective inhibitors such as selegiline.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anesthesia

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and anesthesia might increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthesia has led to arrhythmias. Other anesthetics have not been implicated. Use other anesthetics in patients taking cowhage or tell patients to stop taking cowhage at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that cowhage might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, use of cowhage might decrease the clinical effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa might counteract the antidopaminergic effects of antipsychotic medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Guanethidine (Ismelin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and guanethidine might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with guanethidine might cause additive hypotension; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tcas)

Theoretically, use of TCAs might reduce the levels and clinical effects of cowhage.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of TCAs might reduce the absorption of levodopa. Some case reports describe patients that developed hypertension and dyskinesia when taking both levodopa and TCAs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Saw Palmetto berry powder3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

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

High Level

See all High Level products
Name
High Level, LLC
City
Glendale
State
CA
ZipCode
91203
Phone Number
1-833-444-4585
Web Address
www.LiveHighLevel.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horny Goat Weed by High Level: Common Questions

Does Horny Goat Weed by High Level interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horny Goat Weed has a known interaction with 1,152 medications, including 17 rated major. 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 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Does this product actually work for sexual function?
Tongkat Ali in this formula is rated possibly effective for sexual desire, but the other ingredients — Maca, Mucuna pruriens, Muira Puama, and Icariin — have insufficient evidence in our data to say whether they work. Real-world effectiveness varies by person and isn't guaranteed.
What is Mucuna pruriens, and why does it carry Major interactions?
Mucuna pruriens, also called cowhage, is a plant that naturally contains levodopa — an active drug-like compound. Because of this, it conflicts seriously with certain medications: methyldopa (blood pressure) and non-selective MAOIs can cause dangerous blood pressure swings, and it can't be safely combined with levodopa itself.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
L-Arginine may cause bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, or flushing. Mucuna pruriens may cause diarrhea, gas, or headache. Saw Palmetto may cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or fatigue. Most side effects are mild, but you should stop and contact your pharmacist if anything concerns you.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Maca, Saw Palmetto, and Tongkat Ali should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data and they may affect hormones. Mucuna pruriens should also be avoided while breastfeeding because levodopa can reduce milk supply.
Can this product lower my blood pressure too much?
Yes, it's a real risk. Both L-Arginine and Mucuna pruriens can lower blood pressure, and if you're already taking blood pressure medications — especially ACE inhibitors or ARBs — the combination could cause dangerous drops. Talk to your pharmacist about your specific situation.
What ingredients in this product couldn't be checked for drug interactions?
We hold no interaction data for Panax ginseng, Icariin, or Polypodium vulgare, so we can't say whether they interact with your medications. Run your prescriptions through the search tool on this page to be thorough.

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

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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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Horny Goat Weed’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

L-arginine

Interacts with 403 drugs

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and...

Read the full L-arginine monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Maca

Maca is a nutrient-rich Andean root often used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. Early studies suggest it may modestly help sexual desire and some menopause symptoms, but the evide...

Read the full Maca monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Cowhage

Interacts with 193 drugs

Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume best known as a natural source of L-dopa, the compound the body turns into dopamine. It is most studied for Parkinson's disease symptoms and ma...

Read the full Cowhage monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Saw Palmetto

Interacts with 174 drugs

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no better than a placebo for most men, though i...

Read the full Saw Palmetto monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Eurycoma Longifolia

Interacts with 248 drugs

Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali) is a Southeast Asian herb most popular for supporting testosterone, libido, and male fertility, with some small human studies suggesting possible benefits....

Read the full Eurycoma Longifolia monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Muira Puama

Muira puama is a Brazilian plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, often nicknamed 'potency wood.' Human research is very limited, so its benefits are not well proven,...

Read the full Muira Puama monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Horny Goat Weed

Interacts with 963 drugs

Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is a traditional Chinese herb most often marketed for low libido and erectile problems, but solid human evidence for these uses is lacking. While short-term use s...

Read the full Horny Goat Weed monograph →
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 118 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.

L-arginine 66 references
  1. Sapienza MA, Kharitonov SA, Horvath I, et al. Effect of inhaled L-arginine on exhaled nitric oxide in normal and asthmatic subjects. Thorax 1998;53:172-5.
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Eurycoma Longifolia 4 references
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