Horny Goat Weed
Epimedium is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb with the active compound icariin, a natural PDE5 inhibitor (similar mechanism to Viagra/sildenafil). Best evidence is for bone health (B-grade for BMD improvement in 10 studies/956 participants). Also studied for erectile dysfunction via PDE5/NO/cGMP pathway and possible testosterone effects. May have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical PDE5 inhibitors. Requires 60-200mg icariin for bone effects; higher doses for testosterone.
Quick Answer
What it is
Epimedium is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb with the active compound icariin, a natural PDE5 inhibitor (similar mechanism to Viagra/sildenafil). Best evidence is for bone health (B-grade for BMD improvement in 10 studies/956 participants).
Key findings
- Grade B: Bone Mineral Density (Osteoporosis)
- Grade C: Circulating Alkaline Phosphatase (Osteoporosis)
- Grade N/A: Interleukin 6 (Osteoporosis)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Horny Goat Weed
Quick Facts: Horny Goat Weed
- Best Evidence:Grade B
- Conditions Studied:3
- Research Outcomes:10
- Grade B Findings:1
- Key Effect:Osteoporosis
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (3)
Related Supplements
Vitamin K
3 shared conditions · 78 outcomes
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in blood coagulation, bone metabolism, and vascular health. Vitamin K1 is found in many leafy greens and soy, while vitamin K2 is found in meat and fermented foods and is synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Supplementation with vitamin K improves markers of bone health, and vitamin K is administered to newborns to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
Vitamin D
3 shared conditions · 308 outcomes
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.
Whey Protein
2 shared conditions · 197 outcomes
Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.
Vitamin C
2 shared conditions · 262 outcomes
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.
Soy Protein
2 shared conditions · 49 outcomes
Soy protein refers to protein that is derived from soybeans. Soybeans are harvested and processed into high-protein products such as soy flour, soy concentrates, and soy isolates that are used as ingredients in foods.