It goes by many names - Epimedium brevicornum (the plant), icariin (the active chemical), Horny Goat Weed (the commercially available product). I have purchased this from Physicians Formulas and found that it is like a weak Viagra. Of course, with herbs, you never know what you are getting - there is no FDA regulation or quality standards with herbal products - but there is definitely a weak effect.Now there is a study from the Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, which says that altering icariin, the active chemical in Epimedium, can produce a chemical that is as active as Viagra. Here is the link to the recently published study: (CLICK HERE).
One of the authors on the study also showed, in another study, that red wine and the extracts from grape skin inhibit PDE5, the same enzyme that Viagra inhibits. For study: (CLICK HERE).
Horny Goat Weed never did much for me, despite some other people raving about it in forums. As you pointed out, its natural potency seems to be very weak in the area of PDE5 inhibition.
ReplyDeleteAs for modifying the chemical into something more potent, that is pretty cool.
In the pre-Viagra days, I was prescribed a "tri-mix" injection for my impotency. I wonder if now medicine might be headed to an oral "tri-mix" as well, seeing as how one could be made of Viagra, modified-Icariin and Vit E+Carnosine.
Unless they ever discover a working oral alprostadil. Then it could be the "quad-mix". :)
It's been my experience that HGW is more effective than other supplements in the realm of lasting power. For Hardness I haven't found anything to match up to the viagra/cialis type drugs. What are your thoughts on tossing out all other sexual supplement and sticking to HGW?
ReplyDeletePS this does not include fish oil, vit e ,c, and such.
Herbal PDE5 inhibitors just do not compare to pharmaceutical versions and often feel more dirty to me (facial flushing, joint paints, runny nose, etc). I'm sure they are less selective for PDE5 than their pharmaceutical counterparts accounting for the difference. HGW however, may have pharmacological properties other than its effect on PDE5 as their is some evidence of an effect on the androgen system, although it is scant. This means that extracts with very high icariin levels may NOT be best, although it may not. You just cant trust the anecdotal evidence on it because most people are not able to objectively evaluate it and there are several different extracts available. I'm going to do another run with HGW with several extracts.
ReplyDeleteThe only herb that I've seen research supporting PDE5 inhibition is HGW. The active chemical appears to be icariin; the in the study I linked to, they created some versions that were highly specific for PDE5. These should have fewer side effects, although they did not test this. Also, pure icariin - which is not commerical available - may be more effective at blocking PDE5 than Viagra/Cialis/Levitra.
ReplyDeleteThere are, however,icariin 20%,40%,50% extracts sold commercially. I've been using the 20% extract with good success.
ReplyDeletewill - thanks for your comment. I'm intrigued - where can you get icariin? I've only seen HWG for sale. Please leave some information or a link!
ReplyDeleteI use a product sold on Amazon by AmerMed Horney Goat Weed 20% Icariin.Bodybuilding.com sells a product called Icariin 50.
ReplyDeleteHorny goat weed is the best herbs for sex you can find we love it.
ReplyDeleteHorny Goat Weed is the best in the whole wide world.
ReplyDeleteCurculigo orchioides is best aphrodisiac
ReplyDeleteNever tried it but Maca is safe and gets the job done. I think it is also less expensive than HGW. Been used for many many years in South America.
ReplyDeletewhat substance in red wine and grape seed extract inhibits PDE5? would this also be found in raisins, etc...?
ReplyDeleteHey, I have not tried it but this company claims to sell 60% Icariin: http://www.hornygoatweedhealth.com/
ReplyDeleteIcariin 20% Powder is Magic!!
ReplyDeleteYou can buy on ebay, or do a Google
Search, and you'll find some sites like:
www.nutraplanet.com and other sites that
sell powdered extracts of herbal powders.
Yeah the indonesian 60% icariin extract is hands down the best ive tried so far.
ReplyDelete