Welcome to your general health and well-being column… HEALTH- CHECK with
This week, we shall be discussing about a plant known as Horny Goat Weed …
Let us quickly learn about the Horny Goat Weed….
Horny Goat Weed also known as Barrenwort, Herba Epimedii, Horny Goat Weed, Japanese Epimedium, Xian Ling Pi, Yin Yang Huo, originated from Western, and Eastern Asia and the Mediterranean.
It has many health benefits.
(1) MALE SEXUAL HEALTH
Behind its comical name, Horny Goat Weed stands as a time tested aphrodisiac that increases libido and improves erectile function.
This is thought to be due, in part, to the flavonoid “icariin”, which is also responsible for the best known health benefits associated with this herb.
Icariin has been found to have the ability to boost the successful transmission of Nitric Oxide, the primary chemical transmitter for the successful and ample delivery of blood to the penis tissue.
Secondly it increases the natural circulation of free form testosterone around the body, not only boosting libido – testosterone is crucial to the health of the prostate and plays a dominant role in the production of healthy sperm.
(2) FEMALE
SEXUAL HEALTH
With the increased blood circulation improving blood flow to the genital area of women too, this herb is excellent for stimulating female libido and decreasing sexual dysfunction.
Whilst improved blood flow is a key element in sexual desire, Horny Goat Weed also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions to testosterone. Although it is considered a male hormone, testosterone is produced by both men and women and plays an important role in human sexuality.
(3) MENOPAUSE
Several studies have found that the active constituents of Horny Goat Weed has the tendency to balance oestrogen and estradiol levels in women.
Icariin is one of these prenylflavonoid compounds which acts as a natural phytoestrogen, associated with decreased symptoms of menopause, including low libido and vaginal dryness.
(4) BONE HEALTH
It seems that icariin is the wonder molecule responsible for many of this plant’s health benefits. A recent research found out that Horny Goat Weed has positive effects on restoring bone density.
(5) OSTEOPOROSIS
Horny goat weed is beneficial for helping slow bone loss and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones, leading to actual holes forming in the bones.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with this disease because women have smaller, thinner bones, and due to decreased estrogen levels .
post-menopause. Osteoporosis puts women at risk for broken bones and fractures.
Broken bones in older adults lead to poor health outcomes, infections, and a variety of other medical complications.
There are some medications that can help maintain bone mass, as well as adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. But, horny goat weed may also help protect women’s bones.
There is also some indication that Icariin may help the body form bone more easily and may increase bone mineralization. People at risk for osteoporosis may want to consider a horny goat weed supplement, in addition to increasing calcium and vitamin D intake to help strengthen their bones.
(6) HORNY GOAT WEED MAY ALSO HELP DECREASE INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is a natural process in reaction to injury. If you accidentally cut your finger, you may experience swelling, warmth, redness, and a little immobility in that area for a few days as your body works to heal the wound. This process is known as “inflammation” and is extremely beneficial for acute injuries such as a cut or wound.
This type of inflammation goes away after a few days. But, current environmental triggers, such as poor diet, pollution, smoking, alcohol intake, and high-stress levels, triggers a constant low-grade inflammation. These external factors trigger the inflammatory response, but the immune system has no actual injury to react to.
This is called systemic inflammation and has been linked to a myriad of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disease.
The cure for almost all chronic disease may lie in helping reduce systemic inflammation.
Horny goat weed has been shown to inhibit the inflammatory process in several studies likely due to its flavonoid content.
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that may help reduce the risk of diseases.
Horny goat weed has also been investigated for a variety of other diseases and its potency is likely related to its anti-inflammatory power. It has been shown to improve kidney function in rats due to its ability to reduce inflammation.
It has also been shown to inhibit the activity of several viruses, including herpes simplex and hepatitis A.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, icariin has been indicated to be protective of the neurons in the brain. Maintaining memory, learning ability, and brain health is one of the key factors in preventing dementia, which affects over 47.5 million people worldwide.
In a recent study it has been shown to improve memory and increase learning ability.
It may also be protective against stroke.
Researchers believe that horny goat weed is protective due to active flavonoid icariin which helps reduce brain inflammation.
(7) SAFETY
Horny goat weed seems to be generally safe to take with no significant side effects reported in healthy people who took the it for up to two years.
There has been only one case study published of a toxicity related to taking horny goat weed.
Although horny goat weed is generally safe for healthy people, it is advised that it should be used with caution. The herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because there isn’t enough evidence to known about the effect it may have on a developing fetus.
People with bleeding disorders should use caution because horny goat weed does increase blood flow and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Since it increases bleeding, anyone preparing for any type of surgery should not take horny goat weed.
As previously discussed due to its estrogen-like properties, it can increase estrogen levels, and may not be indicated for people who have been diagnosed with estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer.
It may lower blood pressure, therefore people who already have low blood pressure should avoid taking this supplement as it may drop blood pressure too low.
Now I believe we all know some of the health benefits of the Horny goat weed.
This is where we would be stopping this week.
Till I come your way again next week…
I remain yours in good health, .. Oluwabukunolami.
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Pls note, I am a naturalist and not a herbalist…
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