Overview
Active flavonoid from Epimedium acting as PDE5 inhibitor.
- Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
- Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
- Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
- 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.
- · Selective PDE5 inhibition increases cGMP in cavernosal tissue
- · mild estrogenic activity on bone
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) contributes to bone mineralization, osteoblast activity, or calcium-phosphate homeostasis.
Evidence-based benefits
Improves erectile function in animal models
Moderate evidencePotential side effects
- · GI upset
- · Tachycardia
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian, uterine)
- ·Hormonal contraceptives, HRT, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors
Supplement interactions
- A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
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 studiesHide studies
Icariin restores erectile function in diabetic rats
Liu T, et al.
STZ-diabetic rat ED model.
Icariin improved ICP/MAP ratio comparable to sildenafil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PubMed: Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Icariin (Horny Goat Weed) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.