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Dietary supplement

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs

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

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 965 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

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

This product contains one active ingredient: Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract at 500 mg per capsule. The capsule itself is filled with cellulose, an inert filler.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: May help treat sexual dysfunction.
  • We looked for evidence on: Erectile dysfunction (ED), Sexual dysfunction, Low libido, Sexual performance.
  • The closest evidence on file: Horny Goat Weed is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Sexual dysfunction (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Horny Goat Weed is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Erectile dysfunction (ED).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that horny goat weed works for any of its common uses. The data rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, bronchitis, and coronary heart disease.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means the research backing those claims isn't solid enough for us to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horny Goat Weed

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

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

Horny goat weed seems to be generally well tolerated when used short-term. The most common side effects reported are dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting.

A rare serious effect—respiratory arrest—has been documented in the literature. One case report described irregular heartbeat in a 66-year-old man after two weeks of use, though it's unclear whether the product was pure horny goat weed or a blend, so a direct link can't be confirmed.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy. There isn't enough data to know whether it's safe while breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Quality and purity vary between products, and human safety data overall is limited.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horny Goat Weed

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Horny Goat Weed.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 966 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.

Before you take this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), blood pressure medications, estrogens or hormone therapy, or any medication that your liver breaks down, including statins and certain heart rhythm drugs. All of these have Moderate-severity theoretical interactions with horny goat weed.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Horny goat weed may be worth considering if you're interested in sexual function or bone health, but the evidence backing those uses isn't established yet. If you take blood thinners, blood pressure medications, hormone therapy, or any drug metabolized by your liver, check with your pharmacist first—the interaction potential is real, even if human cases haven't been documented.

Avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs
Net contents 60 Vegi-Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307165
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs, 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
IngredientAmount% DV
Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose

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 stearates! No fillers, soy, corn, rice, wheat, yeast, dairy, artificial colors or flavors, or titanium dioxide. Non-GMO.

May help treat sexual dysfunction.

Vegetarian standardized extract

General Statements

For more information call 954-479-4320 or go to BarlowesHerbalElixirs.com.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

20% Icariin

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 or more capsules without food as needed.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

See for yourself

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs

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

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

Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract

Interacts with
965 drugs
1000 mg per serving Form: Epimedium sagittatum Aerial Parts Extract

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

Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg?

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
965Drugs
965 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Horny Goat Weed Aerial Parts Extract6 drug types · 965 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg, from the product label.

Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs

See all Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs products
Name
Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs LLC
Street Address
7933 SW Jack James Drive
City
Stuart
State
FL
ZipCode
34997
Phone Number
954-479-4320
Web Address
BarlowesHerbalElixirs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs: Common Questions

Does Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg by Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg has a known interaction with 965 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does horny goat weed actually help with sexual function?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to say. It's rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for sexual dysfunction, so we can't confirm whether it works for that purpose.
What are the most common side effects?
Dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst, and vomiting have been reported. These tend to show up with short-term use. If you use it long-term, dry mouth, thirst, nosebleed, and vomiting have also been documented.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—the safety data advises against use during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough data to know either way, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Why do you mention so many potential medication interactions if they haven't happened in humans?
The interactions are based on lab research showing horny goat weed affects how your liver breaks down drugs and how blood clotting works. Those effects are real in the test tube, but we haven't seen confirmed human cases yet. That doesn't mean they won't happen—it means we're being cautious until we know more.
How long can I safely use this product?
Short-term use seems to be tolerated, but human safety data is limited and product quality varies widely. For long-term use, we don't have solid safety information, so check with your pharmacist about duration.

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

Not sure if Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg 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.

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Horny Goat Weed Extract 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

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

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

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

See these in context on the Horny Goat Weed monograph →

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

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

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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