ED and Horny Goat Weed

 Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is a flowering plant often used in dietary supplements. These supplements are used for a variety of different conditions but are most commonly used for treating sexual problems such as impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction, or ED). Horny goat weed is also claimed to be beneficial for the treatment of:
 
Horny goat weed is believed to contain numerous different "active" components, including flavonoids (plant compounds that may have antioxidant activity) and phytoestrogens (estrogen-like compounds found in plants). One of these phytoestrogens, is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, much like Viagra® (sildenafil) and other similar prescription impotence medications.
 
(Click Benefits of Horny Goat Weed for more information about ED and horny goat weed, as well as an explanation of whether the supplement is suitable for children.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD