Horny Goat Weed, also known as Epimedium, is of interest to researchers for its effect on testosterone synthesis and its ability to increase nitric oxide, the chemical that makes Viagra effective. In this study, researchers studied castrated rats to see if the active chemical in horny goat weed, icariin, increased nitric oxide levels and improved erectile function.
In the study, the rats treated with icariin had significantly higher levels of nitric oxide at the end of the study, which correlated with an increase in intracavernosal pressure.
The researchers concluded:
“Oral treatment with icariin ( 98.6 % purity) for 4 weeks potentially improves erectile function. These results suggest that icariin may have a therapeutic effect on erectile dysfunction.”
