Does the Horny Goat Weed Live Up to Its Name?

In terms of purported effects, the horny goat weed can never be accused of being deceitful. In fact, this ancient plant has made its intentions known at the outset. It is actually an ancient herb, dating back to Chinese civilisation more than 2,000 years ago. In fact, some people are surprised that they’ve only just heard about the plant for the first time. People order horny goat weed to treat erectile dysfunction of low libido. But is the herb too good to be believed?

Where Does the Silly Name Come From?

Legend has it that a local herder in a mountain somewhere in the Chinese mountain ranges has noticed that his goats were behaving strangely. They were particularly rowdy and were sexually active. However, they did not do this all the time. It took him a long time to figure out when he brought the goats again to a particular region where the herb abound. When they ate the plant, they became sexually excited.

The Chinese called it Yin Yang Huo. It is also called Epimedium, which refers to a clump of flowery plant that is known as an aphrodisiac. When it was brought to the West, it was marketed as horny goat weed.

Horny Goat Weed as an Enhancer and ED Cure

But going back to the question: does it really live up to its name? Will your problems go away if you order horny goat weed online?

There are no exhaustive studies that would quell all doubts on the positive effects of horny goat weed. But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence and testimonies from real users who claimed improvements on their conditions after taking the supplements.

Also, preliminary research showed that all the pieces of anecdotal evidence are not entirely wrong. For instance, a 2008 study showed that the herb would counteract the enzyme that restricts the blood flow to the penis. By blocking this enzyme, it will promote erection. In medical terms, the horny goat weed works as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It is a similar effect found in erectile dysfunction medication.

In Australia, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is quite high. According to the Australian Family Physician, 4 in 10 men suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. In some cases, the problem is persistent. The risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, alcohol and tobacco dependence, depression, and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

Horny goat weed can also be an effective enhancer to boost your low libido. Dr. Zhong-Cheng Xin of Peking University in Beijing said that the active ingredient in the plant called Icariin had been found to increase the libido in castrated rats. Also, he found that the plant can also have a long-term effect on treating erectile dysfunction without any adverse side effects.

In the conclusive portion of the 2010 study, the researchers said that daily treatment of low-dose supplements for horny goat weed would improve the male function. The study not only validated anecdotal evidence but also open opportunities to conduct new studies to treat erectile dysfunction.

Author Bio: Carmel Issac is a blogger and writer. He loves to express his ideas and thoughts through his writings.