About Horny Goat Weed
Epimedium contains icariin, a prenylated flavonoid with PDE5-inhibitory activity in vitro. Popular in men's health and testosterone-support supplements. However, human RCT evidence is extremely limited. Most claims are based on animal and cell studies. The oral bioavailability of icariin is low. Traditional Chinese medicine use for bone and kidney health. No established RDA/UL.
What Horny Goat Weed supports
- Traditionally used for male vitality and libido
- Preclinical evidence for bone health support
How much Horny Goat Weed to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
250–1000
mg
Standardized for icariin content (10-60%); 250-1000 mg/day in supplements, though clinical dosing is poorly established.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence. In vitro PDE5 inhibition; very few human RCTs. Evidence is predominantly preclinical
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