October
2007
Horny Goat Weed ( Epimedium Sagittatum )
Calling it as you see it would best explain the name Horny Goat Weed. Legend has it a Chinese goat herder noticed an increase in sexual behavior in his goats while foraging in certain areas. This observation led to the discovery of Horny Goat Weed that has been a staple in Chinese medicine for 2000 years. Horny Goat Weed is low growing plant from which the leaves are harvested once or twice a year. Prolific and abundant in the wild there are few farms that strictly cultivate Horny Goat Weed. According to Chinese medicine Horny Goat Weed has not always been strictly limited or used for its aphrodisiac properties. Besides stimulating the libido Horny Goat Weed has been used to treat liver, joint, and back disorders. Relief from coughing and phlegm from those suffering with chronic asthma has also been reported.
While the debate continues on what exactly in the extracts of Epimedium triggers an increase in libido or its other medicinal properties Horny Goat Weed has been labeled an Adaptogen by western medicine. Adaptogens is a term by western medicine that places many herbal supplements, like Horny Goat Weed, into one category referring to a hypothetical treatment or a general wellness for the body. One could easily describe Adaptogens as many herbals that cannot be proven by modern science at this time but there is too much clinical evidence to disprove them.
Since Horny Goat Weed is used primarily for improving sexual desire and performance its not hard to figure why so much attention to the hows and whys that it works. Some research suggests the extract of Epimedium dilates capillaries and blood vessels in the kidney and reproductive organ area while others report an increase of noradrenaline, serotonin, and dophamine levels in the blood. The dophamine levels in particular might explain sexual stimulation since it encourages leutenzing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone from the testes.
Other research suggests Horny Goat Weed inhibits an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Basically, by slowing or inhibiting (AChE) other higher levels of neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal are allowed to take effect. This may be why Horny Goat Weed works for both men and women since it appears to effect neurotransmitters in the brain. With the suggestion of a chemical release in the blood that stimulates men, the research that points towards an increase in sexual arousal neurotransmitters, and an increase in blood flow in the pelvic region for both men and women, it just may be the combination of the Horny Goat Weed Adaptogen working synergistically.
As we all know not everything works for every body and this would probably be true with Horny Goat Weed. Most libido increasing supplements on the market today either include Horny Goat Weed or advertise Horny Goat Weed as the primary ingredient. Most often other natural or herbal ingredients known for their sexual properties are added. The reasoning here is not every body will positively react to the same level of Horny Goat Weed. Many of the other ingredients work synergistically with the Horny Goat Weed or I the individual reacts on a lower level the other ingredients with high sexual or libido properties will kick in sort to speak. If an individual is experiencing erectile dysfunction or from prescribed medications or low blood pressure it would be highly recommended to check with a doctor or other qualified medical professional before taking Horny Goat Weed since it may be considered a blood thinner. Otherwise there are no know side effects from Horny Goat Weed.