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Supplements/Compound

Icariin (Horny Goat Weed)

Active flavonoid from Epimedium acting as PDE5 inhibitor.

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Overview

Active flavonoid from Epimedium acting as PDE5 inhibitor.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

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

Pathways
  • · Selective PDE5 inhibition increases cGMP in cavernosal tissue
  • · mild estrogenic activity on bone

Effects on the body

Supports
erectile function in animal models

Organ system effects

Bones

Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) contributes to bone mineralization, osteoblast activity, or calcium-phosphate homeostasis.

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
    • A high-quality multivitamin
      Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
    • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
      Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    60–120 mg icariin
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    Either

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Scientific evidence8Show studies
    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.

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