Horny Goat Weed Research

Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is a dietary supplement claimed to work for a variety of different uses. It is most commonly used to enhance sexual function but is also believed to be beneficial for treating high blood pressure, heart disease, and various infections.
 
One study suggests that a specific extract of a certain species of horny goat weed may be effective for preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal women. In the study, 100 women were given either the horny goat weed extract plus calcium or a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient) plus calcium. The women who took horny goat weed did not lose a significant amount of bone, while the women taking the placebo showed significant bone loss. However, more studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
 
In order to further confirm the effectiveness of this herbal supplement, much more research on horny goat weed is needed.
 
(Click Does Horny Goat Weed Work? for more information about horny goat weed research and to learn about other possible uses for this supplement.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;