How Horny Goat Weed & Tongkiat Ali have been a blessing for millions of men?

In traditional Chinese medicine, the flowering plant known as Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years. The goat herder who gave it its colourful moniker supposedly saw an increase in libido after his herd grazed on the Epimedium that grew nearby.

In traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is employed to treat many medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Epimedium, Icariin, and Yin Yang Hou are some of their alternate names. Researchers have found that compounds in horny goat weed have the potential to boost blood flow and improve sexual performance, making it a promising treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)1.

Horny Goat Weed

But does the evidence support its efficacy2?

There is limited clinical research on horny goat weed at the moment. However, some data from animal and cellular research, together with anecdotal reports, suggests that horny goat weed may:

  • Boosts the level of testosterone in your body.
  • Amplify oestrogen production, especially in women who have gone through menopause
  • Increased libido
  • Improve circulation
  • Reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which has been shown to dampen libido.
  • Prevents bone deterioration

Mechanism of Action1:

Horny goat weed functions similarly to Viagra or Cialis by boosting blood flow to the genital area, which can heighten excitement. The active ingredient icariin blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), which normally reduces blood flow everywhere but the penis. Because of this, blood rushes to the penis, causing an erection3.

However, icariin is not a very effective PDE5 inhibitor in comparison to other medications now available. Inhibition of PDE5 by Viagra (sildenafil) is 80 times more effective than by icariin. However, one study showed that by altering the structure of icariin, researchers could produce a derivative with activity comparable to Viagra. This chemical may have fewer adverse effects because it acts more selectively on the enzyme4 .

Horny Goat Weed Dosage:

The most common ways to consume horny goat weed are in the form of a tea or a pill. You can get horny goat weed in TCM in combination with other stimulating herbs including maca, Panax ginseng, tongkat ali, saw palmetto, L-arginine, and more in the form of a multi-herb preparation.

Tongkiat Ali

Tongkat Ali, or Eurycoma longifolia, is a herb native to Southeast Asia. It is grown commercially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines, among other places. The phytoandrogens in this plant, also called longjack, mimic the actions of testosterone. Use in goods marketed toward men has been on the rise recently because of the compound's many positive health effects. Some of these benefits include alleviating stress and migraines, assisting with weight loss, alleviating indigestion, and warding off fever and infections. Several healthy bioactive chemicals can be found in the shrub's roots. Tongkat Ali is the only place to get some of them. All around Southeast Asia, the roots are dug up and put to use in age-old medical practises. Tongkat Ali is now readily available as a supplement, and there is extensive study being done on its therapeutic effects5.

But does the evidence support its efficacy6:

Tongkat Ali has become more popular as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules and powders due to its extraordinary health benefits. While it has a wide variety of applications, the most common ones involve boosting testosterone levels, improving male fertility, and increasing libido. In addition to helping individuals who are preparing for sports or strength activities, it also has the added benefits of bolstering the immune system, reducing stress, and improving mental state.

Mechanism of Action7:

Tongkat Ali includes eurycomanone, a member of the quassinoids and alkaloids family that stimulates hormone-inducing effects in the body. It stimulates the testicular Leydig cells to make testosterone by activating luteinizing hormones (LH). It reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), resulting in a larger synthesis of testosterone. SHBG levels increase when testosterone levels are low. Due to the actions of Tongkat Ali, only 1% to 2% of free, useable testosterone is released. The stress hormone cortisol, which lowers testosterone in our systems, is decreased simultaneously by tongkat ali. This action mechanism simultaneously enhances our body's creation of free testosterone. As a result, Tongkat Ali's enhanced free testosterone contributes to higher energy, improved mood, increased libido, increased sperm motility, stronger muscular growth, less body fat, improved immune function, and decreased stress.

Tongkat Ali Dosage5:

Clinical studies have  suggested dosage range is 200 to 400 mg is safe for daily consumption. You should adjust your dosage based on your age and the reason you're taking this supplement. Ideally, it should be consumed during or immediately after breakfast. Avoid taking it at night, as it may disrupt your sleep habits. If you are utilising the supplement to increase your training, you should take it one hour prior to your workout to maximise its effectiveness.

Reference:

  1. BS, J. C. 6 Potential Horny Goat Weed Benefits + Dosage, Side Effects. SelfDecode Supplements Learn more (2019).
  2. Corazza, O. et al. Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, and Ginkgo biloba. Biomed Res Int 2014, 841798 (2014).
  3. Dell’Agli, M. et al. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod 71, 1513–1517 (2008).
  4. Xin, Z. C. et al. Effects of icariin on cGMP-specific PDE5 and cAMP-specific PDE4 activities. Asian J Androl 5, 15–18 (2003).
  5. Tongkat Ali: All You Need To Know | Elan Healthcare. Learn more.
  6. Benefits of Tongkat Ali – ATP Science. Learn more.
  7. Naressa. Does Tongkat Ali Really Work? Here is a Scientific Explanation. Akarali Learn more (2020).