Horny goat weed is a leafy plant and is also popular as barrenwort, epimedium, yin yang huo, and xian ling pi. An herbal medicine is prepared from the extract of the leaves. This drug helps men with erectile dysfunction and is used for other foods as well. Many medical warnings are issued with over-the-counter supplements of this particular herb. The dangers of horny goat weed range from mild headaches, vision problems, and nausea to serious effects on the heart and breast cancer.
Mild effects: The Chinese used epimedium to make medicines and used it very effectively. It was mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction, but it was also used for other ailments such as osteoporosis, liver disease, heart disease, joint pain, bronchitis, high blood pressure, memory loss, tiredness, and HIV/AIDS. Doctors claim that there is very little evidence to support the above claims and that one product does not work for everyone. Many people can be allergic to horny goat weed and mild dangers of horny goat weed include rash, nausea, headache, hives, insomnia, vision problems, and itchy mouth. A doctor should be consulted if these symptoms are found.
Serious Effects: Serious dangers of horny goat weed include dizziness, nosebleeds, and vomiting. As stated by doctors and nutritionists, a study has revealed that Epimedium koreanum was also found to inhibit an important cholinesterase enzyme. Inhibition of this enzyme can supposedly mean the danger of loss of muscle harmonization and can result in jerky movements as a result of increased acetylcholine in the muscles. An animal study revealed that a high dose of icariin, a component of this herb, can have a damaging effect on the liver and kidneys, and severe internal bleeding can occur. This internal bleeding can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke and a significant drop in blood pressure.
Risk for women: There are benefits for women to using horny goat weed and include decreased bone loss after menopause, as Epimedium brevicornum has high estrogenic activity which is needed for menopause. But doctors also give a conflicting answer that there are phytoestrogens that cause breast cancer and that horny goat weed is loaded with phytoestrogens. Taking an unlimited amount of this herbal supplement can lead to breast cancer in women.
Doctors and scientists are examining epimedium to learn about the herb’s potential benefits. The herb could be used in the future to treat many medical conditions. But for now, however, with no FDA rules or standards for dosage and ingredients, epimedium or horny goat weed supplements will do more harm than good. There are many big companies like GNC that make epimedium herb supplements and also make their own rules without getting FDA approval. But even then, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking a horny goat weed or epimedium supplement.
