Horny Goat Weed
The common name given to several species of Epimedium – a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat osteoporosis and impotence (aka “Yin Yang Huo”). Horny Goat Weed is a reputed aphrodisiac, so is often added to “male” supplements designed to increase libido and/or testosterone levels.
The primary active compound, icariin, is described as a “testosterone mimetic” in one, small Chinese (rodent) study. Horny goat weed’s reputed ability to enhance libido may be due to a different, non-hormonal mechanism, however. Several animal-based studies have found icariin is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor, similar in function to Viagra. Thus, horny goat weed may actually “work” as an aphrodisiac, but whether it has any influence on testosterone levels in humans is unknown.
See “Horny Goat Weed Aphrodisiac Review: Information and Side Effects” for more information.
