Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed for Healthy Libido

News is spreading in the United States about horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, a botanical used for centuries in Chinese traditional herbalism to support healthy sexual activity. Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum™ Horny Goat Weed combines epimedium extract standardized for the beneficial constituent, icariin, with whole leaf—for a full spectrum of epimedium benefits.

A History of Traditional Use

Epimedium is one of the most valued tonics of Chinese herbalism. Its first recorded use dates back to the ancient text, Shennong Bencao Jing (ca. 200 BC-100 AD). It was viewed as a kidney/adrenal tonic, used for male endocrine function, erectile function, and enhancement of libido in men and women. Epimedium was said to "tonify life's gate", a term used to refer to the vital energy responsible for male sexual capability. In addition, it was thought to strengthen tendons and bones.

Epimedium received its colloquial name, Horny Goat Weed, when goats grazing on the herb were observed to increase their sexual activity.

Scientific Research

Preliminary animal studies suggest that part of the effects of epimedium may be due to its ability to stimulate endocrine secretions of a type of androgen. Androgens are substances, such as androsterone and testosterone that stimulate male characteristics.

Epimedium has also been shown in a pharmacologic study of 104 individuals to enhance sexual vitality in a majority of the subjects.†

The Full Spectrum Difference

Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum™ Horny Goat Weed combines a standardized extract of Epimedium sagittatum with whole leaf epimedium. It is standardized to 10% flavonoids as icariin. The stem and leaf of epimedium also contain des-O-methyl icariin, ß-anhydro icaritin and magnoflorine. Combining standardized epimedium extract with whole leaf maintains the integrity of the botanical while providing a concentrated source of its valuable constituents, according to modern scientific investigation.

All Planetary Herbals products are selected or developed by licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist, Michael Tierra. A clinician since 1972, Michael is an authority on the world's herbal traditions.