Male Sexual Health

Behind its comical name, Horny Goat Weed stands as a time tested aphrodisiac that increases libido and improves erectile function. This is thought to be due, in part, to the flavonoid “icariin”, which is also responsible for the best known health benefits associated with this herb.

Firstly, icariin has been found to have the ability to boost the successful transmission of Nitric Oxide, the primary chemical transmitter for the successful and ample delivery of blood to the penis tissue. Secondly it increases the natural circulation of free form testosterone around the body, not only boosting libido – testosterone is crucial to the health of the prostate and plays a dominant role in the production of healthy sperm.

Female Sexual Health

With the increased blood circulation improving blood flow to the genital area of women too, this herb is excellent for stimulating female libido and decreasing sexual dysfunction. Whilst improved blood flow is a key element in sexual desire, Horny Goat Weed also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions to testosterone. Although considered a male hormone, testosterone is produced by both men and women and plays an important role in human sexuality.

Menopause

Several studies have found that the active constituents of Horny Goat Weed balance oestrogen and estradiol levels in women. Icariin is one of these prenylflavonoid compounds which acts as a natural phytoestrogen, associated with decreased symptoms of menopause, including low libido and vaginal dryness.

Bone Health

It seems that icariin is the wonder molecule responsible for many of this plant’s health benefits.  Research done by the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Tokyo found that Horny Goat Weed has positive effects on restoring bone density, with findings from animal studies showing that icariin is a strong candidate for an osteogenic compound for use in bone tissue engineering. The researchers observed significant new bone formation in rats treated with icariin after 4 weeks, with further increases after 6 weeks.

Another study by the Institute of Orthopaedics Centre of Lanzhou General Hospital in China reported similar results. They found evidence that icariin can prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density and bone formation, decreasing bone resorption and improving the microstructure of bone.