Herb of the month: Epimedium sagittatum
Epimedium sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed) is a perennial creeping rhizome from the Berberidaceae family of plants. Horny goat weed refers to numerous herb species of the Epimedium genus and may be known as "yin yang huo”. About 52 species of Epimedium grow in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Far East.
Historical uses:
For around 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Horny goat weed has been used as a tonic to support male vitality and libido. In TCM it is thought to be “nourishing the kidney and reinforcing the Yang”
Fun fact:
A legend states that the name Horny Goat Weed originated from a goat herder noticing his flock of goats became sexually stimulated after eating this plant. Other names that it is known by include Barrenwort, Bishop’s Hat, Rowdy Lamb Herb, and Fairy Wings.
Parts used:
Aerial parts (leaves and stem)
Major chemical constituents:
Rich in flavonoids (including Icariin), lignans, phenol glycosides, ionines, sesquiterpenes and phenylethanoid glycosides.
Therapeutic actions:
Contain naturally occurring compounds, including flavonoids, which have been studied for their biological activity.
Key benefits:
- Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support healthy libido
Emerging research:
Sexual health: traditionally extracts of Epimedium have been used to treat “coldness”, reinforce kidney yang and male impotence. Laboratory studies have explored compounds such as, Icariin which is a component of Horny goat weed;however, studies in humans are lacking and most of the research has been on rodents.
Bone health: Early research has explored the potential role of Epimedium in bone health; however, evidence in humans remains limited. (Shi et al. 2022)
Cardiovascular health: Some research has investigated the effects of Epimedium on cardiovascular function, though further research is needed.(Fang et al, 2017).
Postmenopausal conditions: some emerging research explored its role in supporting wellbeing during postmenopausal stages. (Natural Medicines Database, 2023).
Cautions/Contraindications:
- Avoid use in pregnancy, may harm developing foetus.
- Bleeding disorders- Theoretically Horny goat weed may slow clotting so could increase the risk of bleeding.
- Hormone sensitive cancers- Horny goat weed can increase oestrogen levels in some people and may worsen oestrogen sensitive conditions.
- Surgery- due to blood clotting changes, stop 2 weeks before surgery.
This information is based on traditional use in Chinese medicine and emerging research. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
References
Fang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2017). Icariin, an Anti-atherosclerotic Drug from Chinese Medicinal Herb Horny Goat Weed. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 734. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00734
Horny Goat Weed. (2022). In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35998248/
Ma, H., He, X., Yang, Y., Li, M., Hao, D., & Jia, Z. (2011). The genus Epimedium: an ethnopharmacological and phytochemical review. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 134(3), 519-541. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21215308/
Medline Plus: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version [Internet]. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; c1995-2018. Horny Goat Weed; [updated 2020 Jun 4; reviewed 2021 Aug 21; cited 2023 Feb 24]. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/699.html#OtherNames
Natural Medicines Database. (2023) [Monograph]https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=699#effectiveness
Pullaiah, T. (2021). Encyclopaedia of World Medicinal Plants 2nd Revised and Enlarged Edn in 7 Vols. Astral International Pvt Ltd.
Shi, S., Wang, F., Huang, Y., Chen, B., Pei, C., Huang, D., Wang, X., Wang, Y., Kou, S., Li, W., Ma, T., Wu, Y., & Wang, Z. (2022). Epimedium for Osteoporosis Based on Western and Eastern Medicine: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 782096. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.782096
