You should know that the horny goat weed is a hardy and perennial plant that grows in dry and shady areas beneath the shallow-rooted trees. It has colorful foliage and flowers, which provide it good groundcover and this is a reason why it is used as an ornamental plant in Western countries. In Chinese traditional medicine, the horny goat weed was used as a natural aphrodisiac for around 2,000 years. The horny goat weed has many health benefits which are scientifically proven, so you can use it. In traditional medicine, the horny goat weed has been used as a natural aphrodisiac.
It is an intriguing herb with a name that fits it perfectly. In recent studies was shown that it can help to improve the intimate life, but also, it can benefit other aspects of your well–being too, including your heart and bone health. The most common side effects that are associated with the long–term usage of this herb include severe breathing problems, spasms, nosebleeds, thirst, dry mouth, vomiting, and dizziness.
In some cases, when the horny goat weed is mixed with ginkgo for improving memory and libido, then it is causing side effects, like burning sensations, pain, and rashes. You should talk you’re your doctor before you add horny goat weed to your diet, so you will be sure that it will not cause you side effects. Below are given some health benefits of horny goat weed:
Helps lower the risk for atherosclerosis
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The horny goat weed has icariin, which is providing many atheroprotective properties. Some of them are including regulating inflammatory responses, curbing the proliferation of smooth muscles, and reducing DNA damage.
Helps fight against certain types of cancer
There are many studies in which are shown that icariin and its derivates (icariin and acaricide II) can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the breast, kidneys, stomach, lungs, and prostate.
Helps protect your nerves
There was one study done in 2013 in which is shown that the horny goat weed extract can help to promote recovery of damaged nerves and it can improve nerve regeneration.
Reduce inflammation
The horny goat weed can help to reduce inflammation by lowering the pro-inflammatory molecules. Also, it blocks a key inflammatory pathway that is known as NF – kB.
Helps inhibit postmenopausal bone loss
There are some studies in which are shown that the phytoestrogen flavonoids derived from the horny goat weed can help to inhibit bone loss in postmenopausal women without causing detectable hyperplasia. The horny goat weed can increase the protein that helps to form bone and cartilage. Also, it can enhance the production of osteoblasts, which are cells that build and repair bones.
Erectile dysfunction
Many people know horny goat weed as natural Viagra. There are some studies in which are shown that the horny goat weed can help men with certain types of sexual dysfunction. The horny goat weed has icariin, which is blocking the protein associated with erectile dysfunction, known as PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5). When the body is functioning at normal levels, then it normally suppresses PDE5 levels, but in men, with erectile dysfunction, this does not happen. Scientists have found that the icariin functions in much the same way as Viagra by suppressing PDE5 activity. The horny goat weed has shown a positive effect in men who have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
Mood disorders
In one pilot study of ten depressed people, who suffer from alcohol addiction and bipolar disorders, the dose of icariin of up to 300 mg per day in a period of eight weeks has reduced the alcohol drinking and depressive symptoms. The horny goat weed was tolerated well and it does not cause side effects.
Anti-aging
There are many compounds in horny goat weed which are acting as cell-protective antioxidants, so this is a reason why horny goat weed can help to support longevity. In one cell study, the icariin protected DNA by reducing oxidative stress. This component can activate the anti-aging pathways, but the extent to which this holds true in humans is not known.
