Epimedium grandiflorum

Horny goat weed/Drug Interactions:

  • AndrogensAndrogens: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, horny goat weed extract was shown to significantly increase serum estradiol in postmenopausal women (23). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase testosterone activity; however, according to clinical research, changes in testosterone from baseline were lacking (23).
  • Anti-aging agentsAnti-aging agents: In vitro, Epimedium had antiaging effects (2; 1).
  • AnticoagulantsAnticoagulants: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have anticoagulant effects, and extended use of Japanese epimedium may result in nosebleed when taken orally. Although Tangshenqing (TSQ) (Astragalusmembranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, and other ingredients) reduced fibrinogen in human research (35), significant hematological parameter changes were lacking in patients treated with calcium, with or without Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids (EPFs) (34).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have hypotensive effects.
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, horny goat weed extract reduced serum total cholesterol and triglycerides, but differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were lacking (23).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, constituents of various Epimedium species had antiproliferative effects (11; 9; 8; 4).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Epimedium sagittatum had antiviral effects on the herpes simplex virus (7).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: Based on a mechanism of action on S-adenosylhomocysteine-hydrolase, as shown in vitro (36), Epimedium has theoretical cardiovascular effects, based on the potential to alter homocysteine levels. The effect of Enzyte?, which is made up of many herbal products including Epimedium, on QT and QTc intervals was examined (37); however, further details are lacking. In a case report, tachyarrhythmia occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, horny goat weed extract was shown to significantly increase serum estradiol in postmenopausal women (23). In clinical research, Epimedium improved sexual function (13).
  • Drugs used for osteoporosisDrugs used for osteoporosis: In vitro, the flavonoids in Epimedium sagittatum, the ethanol and n-butanol extracts in Epimedium brevicornum, and icariin, from Epimedium pubescens, had antiosteoporotic effects (38; 39; 40).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In clinical research, Epimedium improved sexual function (13).
  • Heart rate regulating agentsHeart rate regulating agents: In a case report, tachyarrhythmia occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). The effect of Enzyte?, which is made up of many herbal products including Epimedium, on QT and QTc intervals was examined (37); however, further details are lacking. According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • HepatotoxinsHepatotoxins: In vitro, icariin, a constituent of horny goat weed, had hepatoprotective effects (12).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). Compared to baseline, after treatment with horny goat weed extract, the serum E2 level was significantly elevated, and significant changes were lacking for progesterone and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women (23).
  • ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: In animal research, the plant flavonoid baohuoside I (B1), isolated from Epimedium davidii, suppressed antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (25; 15). In animal research, the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Epimedium sagittatum had immunostimulating effects (14). In human research, horny goat weed inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 (41). In human monocytes, Epimedium sagittatum increased IL-2 activity (13). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase IL-2, IL-3, and IL-2 receptors.
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In animal research, the plant flavonoid baohuoside I (B1), isolated from Epimedium davidii, suppressed antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (25; 15). In animal research, the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Epimedium sagittatum had immunostimulating effects (14). In human research, horny goat weed inhibited IL-6 (41). In human monocytes, Epimedium sagittatum increased IL-2 activity (13). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase IL-2, IL-3, and IL-2 receptors.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): In animal research, Epimedium brevicornum inhibited the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus (26).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: According to a review, Epimedium showed regeneration effects on nerves (17). In vitro, two enantiomers from Epimedium koreanum Nakai had regeneration effects on nerves (42). In a case report, hypomania occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). According to secondary sources, long-term use of horny goat weed may cause dizziness or potential worsening of aggressiveness or irritability.
  • Osteoporosis agentsOsteoporosis agents: In vitro, the flavonoids in Epimedium sagittatum, the ethanol and n-butanol extracts in Epimedium brevicornum, and icariin, from Epimedium pubescens, had antiosteoporotic effects (38; 39; 40). In human research, Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids (EPFs) in combination with calcium increased lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) vs. calcium alone (34).
  • Renal agentsRenal agents: In animal research, Epimedium sagittatum had renal effects by decreasing blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (43).
  • SteroidsSteroids: According to secondary sources, use of horny goat weed may increase urinary 17-ketosteroids. In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, horny goat weed extract was shown to significantly increase serum estradiol in postmenopausal women (23). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase testosterone activity; however, according to clinical research, changes in testosterone from baseline were lacking (23).
  • Thyroid hormonesThyroid hormones: In animal research, prolonged use of excessive amounts of horny goat weed was associated with decreased thyroid activity and T3, and increased rT3 and TRH (27).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.

    • Horny goat weed/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AndrogenicsAndrogenics: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, horny goat weed extract was shown to significantly increase serum estradiol in postmenopausal women (23). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase testosterone activity; however, according to clinical research, changes in testosterone from baseline were lacking (23).
  • Anti-aging agentsAnti-aging agents: In vitro, Epimedium had antiaging effects (2; 1).
  • AnticoagulantsAnticoagulants: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have anticoagulant effects and extended use of Japanese epimedium may result in nosebleed when taken orally. Although TSQ (Astragalusmembranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, and other ingredients) reduced fibrinogen in human research (35), significant hematological parameter changes were lacking in patients treated with calcium, with or without EPFs (34).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, horny goat weed extract reduced serum total cholesterol and triglycerides, but differences in HDL and LDL were lacking (23).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, constituents of various Epimedium species had antiproliferative effects (11; 9; 8; 4).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In vitro, icariin had antioxidant effects (6; 5). In vitro, the Epimedium koreanum constituents luteolin, hyperoside, and epimedokoreanin B had antioxidant effects (4).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Epimedium sagittatum had antiviral effects on the herpes simplex virus (7).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: Based on a mechanism of action on S-adenosylhomocysteine-hydrolase, as shown in vitro (36), Epimedium has theoretical cardiovascular effects, based on the potential to alter homocysteine levels. The effect of Enzyte?, which is made up of many herbal products including Epimedium, on QT and QTc intervals was examined (37); however, further details are lacking. In a case report, tachyarrhythmia occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, Epimedium improved sexual function (13).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In clinical research, Epimedium improved sexual function (13).
  • Heart rate regulating agentsHeart rate regulating agents: In a case report, tachyarrhythmia occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). The effect of Enzyte?, which is made up of many herbal products including Epimedium, on QT and QTc intervals was examined (37); however, further details are lacking. According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • HepaticsHepatics: In vitro, icariin, a constituent of horny goat weed, had hepatoprotective effects (12).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). Compared to baseline, after treatment with horny goat weed extract, the serum E2 level was significantly elevated, and significant changes were lacking for progesterone and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women (23).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have hypotensive effects.
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In animal research, the plant flavonoid baohuoside I (B1), isolated from Epimedium davidii, suppressed antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (25; 15). In animal research, the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Epimedium sagittatum had immunostimulating effects (14). In human research, horny goat weed inhibited IL-6 (41). In human monocytes, Epimedium sagittatum increased IL-2 activity (13). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase IL-2, IL-3, and IL-2 receptors.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): In animal research, Epimedium brevicornum inhibited the activity of monoamine oxidase in the hypothalamus (26).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: According to a review, Epimedium showed regeneration effects on nerves (17). In vitro, two enantiomers from Epimedium koreanum Nakai had regeneration effects on nerves (42). In a case report, hypomania occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). According to secondary sources, long term use of horny goat weed may cause dizziness or potential worsening of aggressiveness or irritability.
  • Osteoporosis agentsOsteoporosis agents: In vitro, the flavonoids in Epimedium sagittatum, the ethanol and n-butanol extracts in Epimedium brevicornum, and icariin, from Epimedium pubescens, had antiosteoporotic effects (38; 39; 40). In human research, Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids (EPFs) in combination with calcium increased lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) vs. calcium alone (34).
  • Renal agentsRenal agents: In animal research, Epimediumsagittatum had renal effects by decreasing blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (43).
  • Steroidal agentsSteroidal agents: According to secondary sources, use of horny goat weed may increase urinary 17-ketosteroids. In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). In clinical research, horny goat weed extract was shown to significantly increase serum estradiol in postmenopausal women (23). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase testosterone activity; however, according to clinical research, changes in testosterone from baseline were lacking (23).
  • Thyroid agentsThyroid agents: In animal research, prolonged use of excessive amounts of horny goat weed was associated with decreased thyroid activity and T3, and increased rT3 and TRH (27).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.

    • Horny goat weed/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Horny goat weed/Lab Interactions:

  • 17-Ketosteroids17-Ketosteroids: According to secondary sources, use of horny goat weed may increase urinary 17-ketosteroids.
  • 24-Hour urine microprotein24-Hour urine microprotein: In human research, Tangshenqing (TSQ) (Astragalusmembranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, and other ingredients) reduced 24-hour urine microprotein (35).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have hypotensive effects.
  • Bone mineral densityBone mineral density: In vitro, the flavonoids in Epimedium sagittatum, the ethanol and n-butanol extracts in Epimedium brevicornum, and icariin, from Epimedium pubescens, had antiosteoporotic effects (38; 39; 40). In human research, Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids (EPFs) in combination with calcium increased lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) vs. calcium alone (34).
  • BUNBUN: In animal research, Epimedium sagittatum decreased the level of blood urea nitrogen (43).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: According to secondary sources, Epimedium may have anticoagulant effects, and extended use of Japanese epimedium may result in nosebleed when taken orally. Although TSQ (Astragalusmembranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, and other ingredients) reduced fibrinogen in human research (35), significant hematological parameter changes were lacking in patients treated with calcium, with or without EPFs (34).
  • CreatinineCreatinine: In animal research, Epimedium sagittatum decreased the level of serum creatinine (43).
  • Heart rateHeart rate: In a case report, tachyarrhythmia occurred in an individual using a horny goat weed-containing product (24). The effect of Enzyte?, which is made up of many herbal products including Epimedium, on QT and QTc intervals was examined (37); however, further details are lacking. According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may dilate coronary vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • HomocysteineHomocysteine: Based on mechanisms of action of horny goat weed obtained from an in vitro study, horny goat weed may increase or decrease homocysteine levels (36).
  • Hormone panelHormone panel: In vitro, estrogenic effects of various Epimedium species have been investigated, with the majority of studies suggesting estrogenic effects; however, a minority of studies have found antiestrogenic or no estrogenic effects (6; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase testosterone activity; however, according to human research, changes in testosterone from baseline were lacking (23). Compared to baseline, after treatment with horny goat weed extract, the serum E2 level was significantly elevated, and significant changes were lacking for progesterone and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women (23).
  • InterleukinsInterleukins: In human research, horny goat weed inhibited IL-6 (41). In human monocytes, Epimedium sagittatum increased IL-2 activity (13). According to secondary sources, horny goat weed may increase IL-2, IL-3, and IL-2 receptors.
  • LipidsLipids: In human research, horny goat weed extract reduced serum total cholesterol and triglycerides, but differences in HDL and LDL were lacking (23).
  • Thyroid activityThyroid activity: In animal research, prolonged use of excessive amounts of horny goat weed was associated with decreased thyroid activity and T3, and increased rT3 and TRH (27).
  • Urine deoxypyridinolineUrine deoxypyridinoline: In human research, Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids (EPFs) reduced urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) (34).
  • Urine proteinUrine protein: In human research, TSQ (Astragalusmembranaceus, Panax notoginseng, Epimedium brevicornum, and other ingredients) reduced urine protein (35).