Horny Goat Weed Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Horny Goat Weed against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Horny Goat Weed is a dietary supplement by Wonder Laboratories with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 1,116 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horny Goat Weed, Mucuna pruriens. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains 4 active ingredients. Horny Goat Weed is the main ingredient, traditionally used for sexual function and bone health, though evidence is limited.
Mucuna pruriens (cowhage) is a plant seed that naturally contains levodopa, an active compound normally used to treat Parkinson's disease—which is why it carries significant drug interaction potential. Maca Extract is included as an adaptogenic ingredient, also with limited evidence for its claimed uses.
The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: gelatin, vegetable cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silica.
Does it work?
Insufficient evidence
The evidence supporting this product's uses is not established in our data. Horny Goat Weed is listed with insufficient reliable evidence for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, bronchitis, and heart disease.
Mucuna pruriens also has insufficient evidence for anxiety, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions in the data we hold. Maca Extract similarly lacks reliable evidence for sexual function, athletic performance, osteoporosis, anemia, and amenorrhea.
If you're considering this product for a specific health goal, talk with your pharmacist about what the clinical evidence actually shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Short-term use of Horny Goat Weed appears generally well tolerated, though product quality varies between manufacturers. Common side effects in short-term use include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting.
Long-term use has been linked to reports of vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nosebleed. One case report described a 66-year-old man with heart disease who developed an irregular heartbeat after two weeks, though it's unclear if other ingredients in his product were responsible.
Mucuna pruriens (cowhage) seems tolerated orally in the short term, but side effects can include diarrhea, flatulence, mucosal irritation, headaches, nausea, abdominal bloating, and vomiting—and in clinical studies, about 3% of people reported insomnia. Maca Extract can cause stomach pain if consumed raw or uncooked.
Because human safety data for all three checked ingredients is limited, especially long-term, use only under professional guidance. Do not use during pregnancy—Horny Goat Weed and Maca Extract lack sufficient safety data, and Mucuna pruriens should be avoided because of its dopamine-related effects.
Do not breastfeed while taking this product; Mucuna pruriens can lower prolactin and reduce milk supply, and the other ingredients also lack adequate safety data for lactation.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take methyldopa or any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)—these are Major-level interactions to avoid. Also check if you use levodopa, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants (older-type), anesthetics, or guanethidine.
No interactions are documented for Maca Extract or Polypodium vulgare extract (which we could not check).
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product carries real drug interaction risks, especially if you take blood pressure medications, older antidepressants, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or antipsychotics—because of the Mucuna pruriens ingredient. The evidence for what it claims to do is not established.
If you're thinking about it, check your exact medications with the tool on this page first, then talk with your pharmacist before starting.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 18, 2021.
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
General information
Key facts about Horny Goat Weed, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Wonder Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 100 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 18, 2021 |
| DSLD ID | 261037 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
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 Wonder Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Horny Goat Weed | 500 mg | -- |
| Mucuna pruriens | 33.4 mg | -- |
| Polypodium vulgare ext. | 25 mg | -- |
| Maca Extract | 250 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily with a meal. For a more immediate response take 3 to 4 capsules 90 minutes before activity.
Precautions
Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.
Keep out of reach of children
Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.
Formulation
Mfg. in a FDA registered facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.
Made in USA
Dynamic complex
Gluten free
Storage
Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees-86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).
General Statements
Reorder 5941
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.
Horny Goat Weed
Interacts with963 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...
Horny Goat Weed monograph & interactionsMucuna pruriens
Interacts with193 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...
Mucuna pruriens monograph & interactionsPolypodium vulgare ext.
Maca Extract
No knowninteractions
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 Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories contains four ingredients, and we've found significant interaction data for three of them.
The most serious concern is Mucuna pruriens (also called cowhage), which contains levodopa—a powerful active compound. If you take methyldopa for blood pressure, combining it with this product could cause dangerously low blood pressure and you should avoid it entirely.
Similarly, if you take an MAOI (a type of older antidepressant), this ingredient could trigger a hypertensive crisis (dangerous spike in blood pressure), and again, avoid it.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Horny Goat Weed itself carries moderate-level concerns with blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin or aspirin—it may increase bleeding risk—and with blood pressure medications (it might lower blood pressure further). It also may slow how your liver breaks down certain medications, affecting drugs processed by three different liver enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 substrates).
Additionally, if you take estrogen (hormonal birth control or hormone therapy), this ingredient has estrogenic effects and could amplify both benefits and side effects.
Mucuna pruriens also interacts with diabetes medications (risk of low blood sugar), antipsychotics (it may reduce their effectiveness), tricyclic antidepressants (older-type antidepressants), certain anesthetics, and guanethidine (an older blood pressure drug). We could not check Polypodium vulgare extract—we hold no data for it.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,104 individual medications. Run your exact prescriptions through the interaction checker on this page before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Horny Goat Weed interact with 1,116 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 4 ingredients in Horny Goat Weed interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Horny Goat Weed Mucuna pruriens
AmphetamineAdensys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER, Dyanavel XR, Mydayis
How Amphetamine interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Amphetamine interactionBenserazide, LevodopaMadopar, Prolopa
How Benserazide, Levodopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensLevodopa Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Benserazide, Levodopa interactionCarbidopa, LevodopaDhivy, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR
How Carbidopa, Levodopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensLevodopa Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Carbidopa, Levodopa interactionCarbidopa, Levodopa, EntacaponeStalevo
How Carbidopa, Levodopa, Entacapone interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensLevodopa Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Carbidopa, Levodopa, Entacapone interactionChlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250
How Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMethyldopa (aldomet) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHorny Goat WeedAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHydrochlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldoril 15, Aldoril 25, Aldoril D30, Methazide
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMethyldopa (aldomet) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHorny Goat WeedAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionIsocarboxazidMarplan
How Isocarboxazid interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Isocarboxazid interactionLevodopaInbrija, Larodopa
How Levodopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensLevodopa Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Levodopa interactionLevodopa, CarbidopaDuodopa
How Levodopa, Carbidopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensLevodopa Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Levodopa, Carbidopa interactionMethyldopaAldomet, Methyldopa
How Methyldopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMethyldopa (aldomet) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Methyldopa interactionHorny Goat WeedAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Methyldopa interactionMoclobemideManerix, Moclobemide
How Moclobemide interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Moclobemide interactionOzanimod HydrochlorideZeposia
How Ozanimod Hydrochloride interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Ozanimod Hydrochloride interactionPhenelzine SulfateNardil
How Phenelzine Sulfate interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Phenelzine Sulfate interactionRasagilineAzilect
How Rasagiline interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Rasagiline interactionHorny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Rasagiline interactionSafinamide MesylateXadago
How Safinamide Mesylate interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Safinamide Mesylate interactionSelegilineCarbex, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar
How Selegiline interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Selegiline interactionTranylcypromineParnate
How Tranylcypromine interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Tranylcypromine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Mucuna PruriensAntipsychotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, use of cowhage might decrease the clinical effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Read the full Mucuna Pruriens + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Horny Goat Weed — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat WeedCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the effects and side effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionEach 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mucuna pruriens
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Horny Goat Weed, from the product label.
Wonder Laboratories
See all Wonder Laboratories products- Name
- Wonder Laboratories
- Street Address
- 115 S.C.T. Ct.
- City
- White House
- State
- TN
- ZipCode
- 37188
Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories: Common Questions
Does Horny Goat Weed by Wonder Laboratories interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Does this product actually work for sexual function?
What is Mucuna pruriens and why should I care about it?
Should I be concerned about long-term use?
What does the Maca Extract do in this product?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Horny Goat Weed is safe with your meds?
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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.
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.
Horny Goat Weed
Interacts with 963 drugsHorny 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 → Herb & supplement monographCowhage
Interacts with 193 drugsCowhage (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 monographMaca
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 →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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 24 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
- Cirigliano MD, Szapary PO. Horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction. Alt Med Alert 2001;4:19-22.
- Partin JF, Pushkin YR. Tachyarrhythmia and hypomania with horny goat weed. Psychosomatics 2004;45:536-7. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Ramanathan VS, Mitropoulos E, Shlopov B, et al. An Enzyte'ing' case of acute hepatitis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2011;45(9):834-5. PubMed
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Cowhage 12 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Anon. Epidemiological notes and reports: Mucuna pruriens-associated pruritus--New Jersey. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1985;34:732-3.
- HP-200 in Parkinson's Disease study group. An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: Results of a multicenter clinical trial. J Alt Comp Med 1995;1:249-55. DOI
- Infante ME, Perez AM, Simao MR, et al. Outbreak of acute toxic psychosis attributed to Mucuna pruriens. Lancet 1990;336:1129. PubMed
- Vaidya AB, Rajagopalan TG, Mankodi NA, et al. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with the cowhage plant-Mucuna pruriens Bak. Neurol India 1978;26:171-6.
- Vadivel V, Janardhanan K. Nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of velvet bean: an under-utilized food legume in south India. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51:279-87. PubMed
- Akhtar MS, Qureshi AQ, Iqbal J. Antidiabetic evaluation of Mucuna pruriens, Linn seeds. J Pak Med Assoc 1990;40:147-50.
- Prakash, D., Niranjan, A., and Tewari, S. K. Some nutritional properties of the seeds of three Mucuna species. Int.J.Food Sci.Nutr. 2001;52(1):79-82.
- Vadivel, V. and Janardhanan, K. Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of seven South Indian wild legumes. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr 2005;60(2):69-75. PubMed
- Creapure (Creatine Monohydrate). Toxicological Datasheet. Degussa BioActives. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKETS/.../95s-0316-rpt0154-54-Ref-50-vol112.pdf.
- Pulikkalpura H, Kurup R, Mathew PJ, Baby S. Levodopa in Mucuna pruriens and its degradation. Sci Rep 2015;5:11078. PubMed
Maca 1 reference
- Valerio, L. G., Jr. and Gonzales, G. F. Toxicological aspects of the South American herbs cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Maca (Lepidium meyenii) : a critical synopsis. Toxicol.Rev 2005;24(1):11-35. PubMed
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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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