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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Icariin (Horny Goat Weed)

Active flavonoid from Epimedium acting as PDE5 inhibitor.

Erectile FunctionLibido & Sexual HealthTestosterone SupportBone Health

Overview

Active flavonoid from Epimedium acting as PDE5 inhibitor.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Mechanism of action

      Selective PDE5 inhibition increases cGMP in cavernosal tissue; mild estrogenic activity on bone.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Improves erectile function in animal models

        Moderate evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
        • · GI upset
        Rare
        • · Tachycardia
        Serious

          Drug interactions

          PDE5 inhibitors
          Additive hypotension.
          moderate

          Safety & non-supplemental interactions

          Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

          Avoid with these conditions
          • ·Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian, uterine)
          Avoid / monitor with these medications
          • ·Hormonal contraceptives, HRT, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors

          Supplement interactions

          Pairs well with

          None listed.

          Avoid combining with

          No specific avoidances listed.

          Dosing & bioavailability

          Typical dose
          60–120 mg icariin
          With food?
          Either

          Where to buy

          Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

          Compound
          Icariin (Hor…
          Amazon
          Wide selection · fast shipping
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          iHerb
          Global delivery · curated brands
          Compound
          Icariin (Hor…
          Thorne
          Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

          Scientific evidence (8)

          AnimalAsian J Androl · 2005

          Icariin restores erectile function in diabetic rats

          Liu T, et al.

          STZ-diabetic rat ED model.

          Key findings

          Icariin improved ICP/MAP ratio comparable to sildenafil.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — Improves erectile function in animal models

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) Improves erectile function in animal models" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "Improves erectile function in animal models". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — randomized controlled trial

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — meta-analysis

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — pharmacokinetics

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — safety adverse events

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

          PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — dose response

          Live PubMed search

          Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

          Key findings

          Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

          Open study
          Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

          Google Scholar: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — clinical evidence

          Live Scholar search

          Cross-database citation index for Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

          Key findings

          Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

          Open study
          Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.