Horny goat weed is also known as epimedium, barrenwort, yin yang huo and xian ling pi. This is a leafy shrub and the leaves are a shape of a heart. The extract from the leaves of this plant is used to treat sexual dysfunction and other types of diseases. The legend states that a Chinese shepherd found an increased sexual activity among his herd after they had eaten the plant. There are a lot benefits that are advertised, but a lot of warnings are also associated with the supplements of the sexy goat weed. The horny goat weed side effects can range from mild allergies to serious effects on the heart.
People associated with herbal medicine state that epimedium has been used in Chinese medicines very effectively to cure sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, high blood pressure, liver diseases, HIV/AIDS, joint pains and osteoporosis, and kidney disease etc. The doctors and scientists claim that there is really no evidence to support the tall declarations of the benefits of horney goat weed, and they also state that one product might not be as effective for everybody. The mild horny goat weed side effects include rash, itching in the mouth and hives. If you note any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
More serious horney goat weed side effects can include bleeding from nose, vomiting and dizziness. And in a study it was revealed that horny goat weed can significantly inhibit the cholinesterase enzyme. This will increase the danger of losing muscle coordination and will result in jerky movements due to the build up of acetylcholine in the muscles. Horny goat weed produces icariin in high quantities and this can be toxic to the liver and kidneys. This can also start serious internal bleeding and result in a hemorrhage. Horney goat weed decreases the blood pressure and patients of high blood pressure should avoid taking this herb.
It is true that the epimedium is beneficial for women and can decrease the bone loss after their menopause. But the problem is that horney goat weed contains high quantities of phytoestrogens that can cause breast cancer. The scientists and doctors are studying about the benefits of horny goat weed for treating multiple diseases. But for now, they state that taking horny goat weed can do more harm than good for your body as there are no FDA regulations set on the herb. And people who want to take horny goat weed must do so after a personal visit to the doctor. The doctor will prescribe the right dose of medicine for you. There are a lot of big companies who are producing drugs based on horny goat weeds but you must not fall prey and use them without visiting your doctor.
There are a lot of studies going on about epimedium and its advantages therefore people must be patient and must wait for these studies to get complete and consult their physicians before taking these medicines. Otherwise they will make a hole for themselves and soon land up in it.