Evidence supporting the use of: Horny Goat Weed
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is primarily valued as an aphrodisiac and a tonic for enhancing vitality, which includes purported benefits for physical stamina and fatigue. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid is mainly based on this traditional reputation rather than robust scientific evidence. The key compound, icariin, has been studied in laboratory and animal models for potential effects on nitric oxide production, muscle function, and endurance. However, direct clinical research in humans supporting improved athletic performance, increased muscle strength, or enhanced exercise recovery is minimal and inconclusive. Most available studies are either preclinical or focus on sexual function rather than athletic performance. Systematic reviews and authoritative sources, such as Natural Medicines and Examine.com, note that there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to support Horny Goat Weed’s use for athletic or exercise enhancement. Thus, while its use in this context persists in some traditional practices and supplements, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence base is weak.
More about Horny Goat Weed
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Horny Goat Weed
ArthritisAthletic and Exercise Aids
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Menopause
Sex Drive (low)
Testosterone (low)