Horny Goat Weed: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, And More

Benefits Of Horny Goat Weed

1. May Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction

   Horny goat weed is a magical plant that may help treat erectile dysfunction problems in men.

   The weed contains an active compound called icariin that may help suppress or block a protein called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5).

   Generally, PDE 5 is responsible for reducing the blood flow to the penis, a significant cause of erectile dysfunction.

   Hence, higher PDE 5 levels may^[6]lead to erectile dysfunction. Usually, the human body keeps the PDE 5 protein level under control.

   But, in specific cases like erectile dysfunction, PDE 5 concentration increases uncontrollably, resulting in a lack of erection.

   Hence, people consuming horny goat weed supplements may experience increased blood flow to their penis by suppressing PDE 5 activity.

   Icariin may help treat erectile dysfunction caused due to physiological factors like nerve injury or poor circulation.

   But, additional studies may be required for people suffering from erectile dysfunction due to psychological factors like anxiety.

2. May Help Support Healthy Pregnancy

   Generally, horny goat weed has been beneficial for treating infertility problems in people. But, it may help support a healthy pregnancy in women.

   The endometrial thickness of the uterus is essential for healthy embryo implantation.

   Hence, the endometrium thickness below 7 millimeters may^[7]prevent smooth embryo implantation.

   Here, horny goat weed could be beneficial in improving the endometrium thickness of the uterus and healthy implant of the embryo.

   Thus, the weed may allow comfortable embryo growth in the womb.

   Some more research may be required related to the healthy usage of horny goat weed during pregnancy.

   Hence, you should consult your gynecologist before taking a horny goat weed supplement during pregnancy.

3. May Help Improve Bone Health And Prevent Bone Loss

   Horny goat weed consumption could help improve bone formation and growth while suppressing or preventing bone loss.

   Generally, the horny goat weed contains phytoestrogens, i.e., a plant-based estrogen, which may imitate the action of estrogen in the body.

   Naturally, a woman’s estrogen level gradually decreases with age, specifically after menopause. Thus, a lack of estrogen may lead to bone weakening and loss.

   Here, consuming extracted horny goat weed supplements may help prevent bone loss and replace the old bone tissues with new tissues.

   Moreover, it may help restore mineral density and strength essential for a good body posture.

   Horny goat weed could^[8]be beneficial in slowing down the cartilage breakdown that may potentially cause osteoarthritis.

   Generally, the active compound, icariin, in the weed restores cartilage between joints and prevents medical conditions like joint inflammation and stiffness.

4. May Be Beneficial For Hormone Replacement Therapy

   Horny goat weed could be helpful for postmenopausal therapy or hormone replacement therapy in women after menopause.

   The weed contains an active compound called icariin, a phytoestrogen that^[9]may have an estrogen-like effect on the human body.

   Hence, estrogen levels significantly drop after menopause, so a woman may consider consuming the horny goat weed supplement to increase estrogen levels.

   Moreover, horny goat weed supplement consumption may help lower blood cholesterol levels that significantly increase due to low estrogen in the body.

   But, you should consult any healthcare specialist before taking any supplement to get the best advice.

5. May Have Anti-Aging Properties

   People consuming horny goat weed supplements may delay their aging process.

   Icariin present in the weed is a cell-protective antioxidant that protects the cells from oxidative stress, resulting in delayed aging.

   It is believed that horny goat weed supplement consumption boosts the icariin level in the body, resulting in the activation of anti-aging pathways.

   But, the underlying molecular mechanism of icariin is yet to be discovered. Hence, an additional study would be required to prove horny goat weed’s anti-aging properties.

6. May Help Improve Heart Health

   Horny goat weed consumption could be beneficial in protecting the heart from several severe conditions.

   The weed’s phytoestrogen has effectively lowered blood cholesterol and oxidative stress in cells that may impact an individual’s heart health.

   Icariin could help suppress the oxidative damage of mitochondria that supply sufficient energy to the heart for pumping blood.

   Moreover, lowering blood cholesterol levels may^[10]help reduce the risks of blood clogging and severe conditions like heart attacks.

   It may also prevent the degeneration of heart cells and allow them to survive in low-oxygen conditions.

   But, further research would be required to understand the processes better.

7. May Help Suppress Stress And Anxiety

   Horny goat weed could be used as an anti-stress or anti-anxiety supplement.

   The active component, icariin, present in the weed may help normalize the levels of different stress hormones, i.e., cortisol and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

   Primarily, balancing CRF levels could^[11]help handle the body’s stress response.

   Moreover, people with higher CRF concentration are prone to stress, anxiety, emotional imbalances, depression, etc.