Evidence supporting the use of: Horny Goat Weed
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium species) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as "Yin Yang Huo." Traditionally, it has been used to address a range of ailments, including symptoms related to aging and menopause, such as low libido, fatigue, and joint discomfort. The traditional rationale is based on its reputed ability to "tonify the kidney yang" and strengthen bones, which in TCM theory is thought to alleviate menopausal symptoms caused by kidney deficiency.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating menopause-specific symptoms (such as hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal changes) is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies have examined icariin, Horny Goat Weed’s main active compound, for its potential estrogenic and bone-protective effects, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. The majority of available evidence is anecdotal or based on small, low-quality studies. Therefore, its use for menopause is best described as rooted in tradition, with limited scientific support.

In summary, while Horny Goat Weed is traditionally used for menopause-related symptoms in East Asian medicine, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to strongly support its use for this specific purpose.

More about Horny Goat Weed
More about Menopause

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7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
Alfalfa
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ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
Akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Horny Goat Weed
Hypericum
Isoflavones
Lycium
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Lotus
Loranthus
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Montanoa tomentosa
Meadow sage
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Ophiopogon
Puerain
Pulsatilla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Phytoestrogens
Polygonum
Rue
Rubus
Rockweed
Rehmannia
Rose
Rooibos
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb
Soy
Soy Protein
Stone Root
Vervain
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade

Products containing Horny Goat Weed

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.