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Botanical

Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed refers to Epimedium herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Icariin is one of their main studied constituents.

Also listed as Epidemium, Herba Epimdii, Icariin, Yinyanghuo

CardiovascularEnergyLongevitySexual HealthBone & Joint

Which conditions matter?

MSK advises against use in people with heart disease after a reported case of rapid, irregular heartbeat and an unusually elevated, overactive mood. It also advises caution with hormone-sensitive cancers because estrogen-like activity has been demonstrated. Case reports identify concerns but cannot tell us how often they occur. 1

Could it interact with medicines?

Laboratory findings raise concerns about drugs handled by CYP3A4 and aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole. MSK notes that the clinical relevance is unknown and recommends medical review for these combinations. 1

Is safety well established?

MSK describes sweating or feeling hot at high doses and reports of rash, while noting that safety evaluations are lacking. A result in one monitored trial does not settle safety across products and populations. 1 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  1. Epimedium Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center