Horny Goat Weed Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Swanson
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Horny Goat Weed Complex 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 Complex is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low libido and sexual function, energy and stamina, menopause symptoms.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 extract, Tribulus terrestris whole plant extract, 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 Complex by Swanson
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson — 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
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson
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
Horny Goat Weed Complex contains 4 active ingredients. Maca is a root traditionally used in Peruvian cuisine; mucuna pruriens (also called cowhage) is a tropical plant that naturally contains levodopa, the same compound used in Parkinson's medications; horny goat weed extract comes from an Asian plant; and tribulus terrestris is a spiky-fruited plant used in traditional medicine.
The product also includes inactive ingredients: rice flour, gelatin, maltodextrin, and magnesium stearate, which are fillers and binders that help form and preserve the capsule.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence supporting these ingredients is limited. For maca, the data we hold shows insufficient evidence to rate it for any condition, including sexual function, amenorrhea, anemia, or bone health.
Mucuna pruriens likewise has insufficient evidence for anxiety, sexual dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. Horny goat weed extract shows insufficient evidence for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, bronchitis, or heart disease.
Tribulus terrestris is the only ingredient with a positive rating: it's possibly effective for sexual dysfunction, though it's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance, and insufficient evidence exists for prostate health. Overall, this product's effectiveness for its intended use is not well established in the data we hold.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Mucuna pruriens and horny goat weed extract carry the most cautions. Because mucuna contains levodopa—an active drug-like compound—it should be used only with professional guidance.
Horny goat weed has limited human safety data; short-term tolerability appears reasonable, but quality varies between products. Common side effects from horny goat weed include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting; one rare report noted respiratory arrest.
Mucuna pruriens may cause diarrhea, flatulence, dry mouth, nausea, abdominal bloating, vomiting, headaches, and in about 3% of users taking high doses, insomnia. Tribulus is generally well tolerated short-term but can cause abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; rarely, liver and kidney injury, seizures, or priapism (chronic painful erection) have been reported.
Maca may cause stomach pain if consumed raw or uncooked, though it's generally well tolerated as a food; long-term supplement safety has not been studied.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), methyldopa or other blood pressure medications, levodopa, diabetes medications, antipsychotic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, or blood thinners (anticoagulants). Additionally, let them know if you're scheduled for surgery requiring anesthesia, or if you take estrogen-based medications or drugs processed through the liver (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 substrates).
No interactions are documented in our data for any ingredient we could not fully check; however, absence of documented interactions is not a guarantee none exist.
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 combines four botanical ingredients with limited effectiveness evidence and multiple medication interactions you'll need to check first. If you take blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, MAOIs, levodopa, blood thinners, estrogen, antipsychotics, or lithium, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting—the interactions can be serious.
Even without those, clear this with your own healthcare provider, especially if you're taking any prescription medication at all.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 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
General information
Key facts about Horny Goat Weed Complex, straight from the product 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 Complex by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Maca | 250 mg | -- |
| Mucuna pruriens | 36 mg | -- |
| Horny Goat Weed extract | 500 mg | -- |
| Tribulus terrestris whole plant extract | 300 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate
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.
Formula
Standardized to 10% total icariins
Horny Goat Weed Complex with tribulus and maca
Supports sexual health for both men and women
Formulation
Supports sexual health for both men and women
Sexual health Passion formula
Brand IP Statement(s)
Swanson Science-backed quality since 1969
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules per day with food and water. For quicker results, take three capsules 60 to 90 minutes before activity.
Precautions
Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.
Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, especially if you are being treated for hypertension, cardiac or pulmonary disease or taking products containing L-dopa. Not recommended for use with MAO inhibitors.
Do not use if seal is broken.
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson 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 Complex by Swanson
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 container60 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.
Maca
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 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 & interactionsHorny Goat Weed extract
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 extract monograph & interactionsTribulus terrestris whole plant extract
Interacts with259 drugs
Tribulus is a plant supplement most often marketed to boost libido, testosterone, and athletic performance, but the human evidence behind these claims...
Tribulus terrestris whole plant extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson carries significant interaction potential through its mucuna pruriens, horny goat weed extract, and tribulus terrestris content.
The most serious concern is with mucuna pruriens and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — a combination that could theoretically trigger a dangerous spike in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Mucuna pruriens also carries Major-severity interactions with blood pressure medications like methyldopa and with levodopa itself, since mucuna contains levodopa as an active compound. If you're already taking levodopa for Parkinson's disease, adding this product could increase unwanted side effects.
Beyond those, the product's ingredients interact with several drug categories at Moderate severity. Mucuna pruriens may lower blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you're on diabetes medications, reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs, or increase the risk of irregular heartbeats during anesthesia.
Horny goat weed can lower blood pressure further if combined with blood pressure drugs, and it may interfere with how your body processes certain medications through the liver (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 substrates). Horny goat weed may also increase bleeding risk with blood thinners (anticoagulants) and may heighten estrogen effects if you take estrogen-based medications.
Tribulus terrestris may lower blood pressure or blood sugar, and it could increase lithium levels in your blood if you take that medication. Altogether, these interactions span 1,117 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to search your exact prescriptions before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Horny Goat Weed Complex?
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 Complex interact with 1,116 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 4 ingredients in Horny Goat Weed Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Horny Goat Weed extract Tribulus terrestris whole plant extract Mucuna pruriens
AmphetamineAdensys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER, Dyanavel XR, Mydayis
How Amphetamine interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — through 3 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 interactionTribulus Terrestris Whole Plant ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant Extract + Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHorny Goat Weed ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Chlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHydrochlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldoril 15, Aldoril 25, Aldoril D30, Methazide
How Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 3 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 interactionTribulus Terrestris Whole Plant ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant Extract + Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionHorny Goat Weed ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyldopa interactionIsocarboxazidMarplan
How Isocarboxazid interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — through 3 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 Weed ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Methyldopa interactionTribulus Terrestris Whole Plant ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant Extract + Methyldopa interactionMoclobemideManerix, Moclobemide
How Moclobemide interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Rasagiline interactionSafinamide MesylateXadago
How Safinamide Mesylate interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — 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 Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking tribulus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant Extract + Acarbose interactionMucuna 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 Complex — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Acebutolol interactionTribulus Terrestris Whole Plant ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Tribulus Terrestris Whole Plant Extract + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — 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 Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractCytochrome 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 Extract + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Horny Goat Weed Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Horny Goat Weed ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, horny goat weed might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Horny Goat Weed Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Horny Goat Weed Complex 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 extract
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.
Tribulus terrestris whole plant extract
Antidiabetes Drugs
Taking tribulus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that Tribulus can lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes who are taking antidiabetes medications.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking tribulus with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that tribulus can lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Tribulus has also demonstrated hypotensive effects in pre-hypertensive adults.
Lithium
Theoretically, tribulus might increase the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
Tribulus is thought to have diuretic properties. Due to these potential diuretic effects, tribulus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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 Complex, from the product label.
Swanson
See all Swanson products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- swanson.com
Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson: Common Questions
Does Horny Goat Weed Complex by Swanson interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What is mucuna pruriens, and why is it in here?
Does this supplement actually improve sexual function?
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
Is this product the same from one brand to another?
Can this interact with my blood pressure or diabetes medications?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Horny Goat Weed Complex is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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 Complex’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
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 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 monographHorny 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 monographTribulus
Interacts with 259 drugsTribulus is a plant supplement most often marketed to boost libido, testosterone, and athletic performance, but the human evidence behind these claims is weak and inconsistent. It is general...
Read the full Tribulus monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Horny Goat Weed Complex'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 34 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.
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
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
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
Tribulus 10 references
- Sharifi AM, Darabi R, Akbarloo N. Study of antihypertensive mechanism of Tribulus terrestris in 2K1C hypertensive rats: role of tissue ACE activity. Life Sci 2003;73:2963-71. PubMed
- Walker D, Bird A, Flora T, O'Sullivan B. Some effects of feeding Tribulus terrestris, Ipomoea lonchophylla and the seed of Abelmoschus ficulneus on fetal development and the outcome of pregnancy in sheep. Reprod Fertil Dev 1992;4:135-44. PubMed
- Al-Ali M, Wahbi S, Twaij H, Al-Badr A. Tribulus terrestris: preliminary study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison with Zea mays. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;85:257-60. PubMed
- Tabakova, P., Dimitrov, M., Ognyanov, K., and et al. Clinical study of Tribestan in females with endocrine sterility. Documentation for Registration (unpublished) 1999.
- Akhtari E, Raisi F, Keshavarz M, et al. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Daru 2014;22:40. PubMed
- Ryan M, Lazar I, Nadasdy GM, et al. Acute kidney injury and hyperbilirubinemia in a young male after ingestion of Tribulus terrestris. Clin Nephrol 2015;83(3):177-83. PubMed
- Postigo S, Lima SM, Yamada SS, et al. Assessment of the effects of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function of menopausal women. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2016;38(3):140-6. PubMed
- Talasaz AH, Abbasi MR, Abkhiz S, Dashti-Khavidaki S. Tribulus terrestris-induced severe nephrotoxicity in a young healthy male. Nephrol Dial Tranplant 2010;25(11):3792-3. PubMed
- Samani NB, Jokar A, Soveid M, Heydari M, Mosavat SH. Efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with diabetes mellitus: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Evid
- Siddiqui MA, Itrat M, Mobeen A, Khan MI. Efficacy of khar-i-khasak (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Complement Integr Med. 2021.
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