Your Guide to Horny Goat Weed

Did you know that around 52% of men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction? This was revealed in a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. The study revealed that 10% of the respondents suffered from severe erectile dysfunction, while 17% suffered from mild ED and 25% from moderate ED. This means that an estimated 18 to 30 million people suffer from ED in the US alone!

But the good news is that there are supplements that claim to treat this condition. One of the most popular ingredients to treat this condition is horny goat weed. It has been used as herb for boosting low libido in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries. The plant is native to Japan, China and Korea. It is believed that the name originated when a farmer noticed that by eating this herb his flock had become sexually excited.

Horny goat weed is also believed to help with joint pain, arthritis, weak knees and back, memory loss, and physical and mental fatigue. But there is not a lot of scientific research to support these claims.

How Does it Work?

One of the causes of erectile dysfunction is damaged nerve endings. A study was done to test the effect of this weed on rats with damaged nerve endings. It was reported that icariin, which is the main active component of this herb shows positive effects on ED.

Promising results were also found in a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. In the study, rats that treated with purified weed extract showed improvement in erectile function. It has also been found that icariin can be helpful in inhibiting PDE5, a substance that blocks erections. This makes horny goat weed helpful for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).

With the activity of PDE5 blocked, blood is able to flow to the arteries of the penis and fill the 3 chambers. This makes achieving an erection much easier. It is similar to the way Viagra works. The supplement is also believed to increase sexual desire and energy among men. These benefits have made it a common ingredient of many top male enhancement supplements.

Dosage & Side Effects

Just like any other supplement, it is important to consult your doctor if you have any pre-exisitng medical condition or are on prescription medication before using any male enhancement supplements. The dosage of this herb would depend upon the physiology and medical history of the individual. But in general, it is recommended to take 5 grams 3 times a day for treating ED.

Generally, when taken in the prescribed quantities by mouth, it is safe. However, sometimes side effects can include:

• Mood changes, including aggression and irritability
• Increased energy
• Racing heart
• Reduction on thyroid function
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

One should also be careful of the medicines they are taking while using horny goat weed. These supplements should be avoided when one is on the following medicines:

• Prednisone
• Prednisolone
• Cortisone
• Dexamethasone
• Cytochrome P450 substrates
• Methylprednisolone
• Aromatase Inhibitors, such as exemestane, anastrozole, and letrozole.

This herb has shown great results in laboratory conditions. It has also received numerous positive reviews from customers. That is why maximum strength male enhancement supplements use this ingredient.