Evidence supporting the use of: Horny Goat Weed
For the body system: Glandular System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium species) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as “Yin Yang Huo.” Its primary traditional applications center on supporting sexual health, libido, and male vitality, which are considered aspects of the glandular or endocrine system in some herbal traditions. Historically, it was believed to “tonify the kidney yang,” a concept in Chinese medicine linked to reproductive and hormonal health.
Scientific evidence supporting Horny Goat Weed's effects on the glandular (endocrine) system is limited, though some studies have investigated its active compound, icariin, for its potential role in modulating hormone levels and supporting erectile function. Animal studies suggest icariin may influence testosterone production and have mild phytoestrogenic effects, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that Horny Goat Weed has significant, direct effects on the broader glandular system, such as the thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands.
In summary, Horny Goat Weed’s use for supporting the glandular system is rooted primarily in traditional medicine and anecdotal reports. While there is some preliminary scientific interest in its mechanisms, especially concerning sexual health and hormone modulation, current scientific validation for its broader glandular support is minimal.
Other ingredients that support Glandular System
7-Keto-DHEAadrenal cortex
alfalfa
amino acids
ashwagandha
astragalus
waterhyssop
basil
black cohosh
sesame
bovine
bovine kidney
bovine liver
bovine pancreas
broccoli
brussel sprouts
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chaste tree
cinnamon
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cowage seed
turmeric
turmeric
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
fennel
forskohlii root
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
garlic bulb
ginseng
gokhru
gooseberry
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guayusa
guggul
iodine
iron
jujube
kale
kelp
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lavender
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
maca
magnesium
maitake mushroom
manganese
melatonin
milk thistle
moringa
motherwort
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
omega-6 fatty acids
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
parsley
phytocannabinoids
pregnenolone
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
saw palmetto
scrophularia root
selenium
soybean
tongkat ali
tribulus
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
water
watercress
wheat grass
whole adrenal glandular
wild yam
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
red clover
suma
jiaogulan
gastrodia
capsicum
hedychium spicatum
tinospora cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
dioscorea
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
oriental arborvitae
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
noni
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
thyroid substance
ashitaba
bladderwrack
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aralia
Antler
Anamarrhena
Ajuga
Ascophyllum nodosum
Asteracea
Acemannan
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Black Seed
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Brown Algae
Brassica
Beef
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Brazil nut
Banyan
Barbasco
Bee products
Babassu
Bupleurum
Camellia sinensis
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cruciferous
Cyanotis Vaga
Chinese Thoroughwax
Ceanothus integerrimus
Celastrus
Canscora
Didymocarpus
DHEA
Dendrobium
diiodotyrosine
Deer Velvet
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Devil's Club
Dwarf Morning Glory
Eurycomanone
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Essential Oil Blend
Eucommia ulmoides
Fenuside
Figwort
Fo-Ti
Furostanols
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Fadogia agrestis
Forskolin
Ginsenosides
Golden eardrops
Guggulsterones
Glycyrrhizin
Gugglesterone
Himalayan Salt
jasmine
Molasses
Sandalwood
Tribulus Terrestris
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Horny Goat Weed
BloodCirculatory System
Estrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Kidneys
Male Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Testes
Testosterone