Supplement

Horny Goat Weed in Dietary Supplements

Horny Goat Weed
Prohibited Status
NOT prohibited

What is horny goat weed?

Horny goat weed, also known as barrenwort and yin yang huo, refers to various species of the Epimedium plant. It’s been used in Chinese and East Asian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and to treat erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, infertility, fatigue, and symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. Today, horny goat weed is commonly found as an ingredient in dietary supplements promoted for sexual vitality, to boost energy, strength, and performance. In fact, it’s even been advertised as a “natural Viagra.” 

As a dietary supplement, horny goat weed might be listed on product labels as Epimedium, Epimedium spp., Epimedium grandiflorum, Epimedium sagittatum, or Epimedium brevicornum. It’s often combined with other ingredients promoted for athletic and sexual performance, such as tongkat ali and Tribulus terrestris

Are there any benefits of horny goat weed as a dietary supplement? 

  • There is a lack of human research data on horny goat weed to support any claims for promoting sexual health or boosting energy, strength, or performance.
  • Small studies report bone mineral density improvement in patients with osteoporosis. However, further research is needed to determine if there might be any clinical benefit for such patients.

What are the possible side effects of horny goat weed?

Reported side effects from use of horny goat weed supplements include:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid, irregular heartbeat.
  • Behavioral changes such as irritable mood, feelings of aggression, and inappropriate verbal or sexual behaviors.
  • Other adverse events reported include dizziness, dry mouth, fever, headache, muscle spasm, nosebleeds, and painful skin rash.

In addition, some products containing horny goat weed marketed for sexual enhancement and energy have been reported by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be adulterated with prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction such as tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra), and avanafil (Stendra). These products may cause potentially serious side effects and may interact with medications or other dietary supplements. 

Due to safety concerns, it is especially important to talk to a qualified healthcare provider before taking products containing horny goat weed.

Will horny goat weed cause a positive drug test? Is it prohibited for Service Members?

Bottom line 

  • Horny goat weed is commonly promoted for sexual vitality, to boost energy, strength, and performance. However, current evidence does not support these claims.
  • Side effects associated with the use of horny goat weed dietary supplements could include gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and behavioral changes.
  • Horny goat weed is not on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List.

Additional resources

Testosterone boosters

Posted 8 October 2024