If you’ve been searching for supplements to improve male fertility, you may have come across horny goat weed. As the name suggests, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to improve libido and erectile dysfunction. Evidence is still limited, but horny goat weed’s male benefits may also include improving sperm parameters and other areas of male fertility.
In this article, we’ll explore what the plant is, why it’s called horny goat weed, and its potential uses to improve male fertility.
Key takeaways
- Horny goat weed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
- More research in people is needed, but based on animal studies, there’s some evidence that the plant may improve sperm quality and increase testosterone and libido.
- Other supplements to improve sperm parameters include antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and zinc — these have more scientific backing than horny goat weed for male fertility.
What is horny goat weed?
Horny goat weed, also called yin yang huo, is a plant in the Epimedium genus that grows in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Up to 15 species of Epimedium have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to improve conditions like sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Extracts from the plant are now available in supplement form.
Why is it called horny goat weed?
It’s probably exactly what you’re thinking.
According to some sources, the name “horny goat weed” came from a goat herder’s observation that male goats mounted their mates more frequently after eating the weed. The Chinese name, yin yang huo, roughly translates to “obscene” or “lascivious” goat herbs.
Why do people take horny goat weed?
People may take horny goat weed to help with:
- erectile dysfunction
- brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- fatigue
- pain from arthritis
There is some evidence from animal studies that horny goat weed can improve erectile health. One study in rats found that subjects treated with a concentrated form of horny goat weed had higher penile intracavernous pressure, one way of measuring erectile function and how much blood is flowing to the penis.
In general, more research is needed to support the use of horny goat weed to treat medical conditions.
Can horny goat weed improve male fertility?
Most of the research exploring horny goat weed for fertility has been performed either on animals, or on cells in test tubes. Some of these studies suggest that horny goat weed may improve sperm count, sperm quality, libido, testosterone levels, and other aspects of male fertility and sexual health.
However, more research in people is needed to confirm these results and indicate whether horny goat weed can improve male fertility. If you’re interested in trying this supplement, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Can horny goat weed improve sperm count and quality?
Horny goat weed may increase semen parameters.
In a 2006 study, mice took horny goat weed extract for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Compared to the control group, mice given the supplement for 60 days had greater sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. As a result, the authors suggested that horny goat weed extract may help treat male infertility.
| Average sperm concentration |
| Control group | 10.75 million |
| Mice given horny goat weed for 30 days | 12.1 million |
| Mice given horny goat weed for 60 days | 23.2 million |
| Mice given horny goat weed for 90 days | 18.3 million |
| Mice given horny goat weed for 120 days | 17 million |
Source: Choi et al, 2006.Another animal study from 2018 found that male mice who received sugars extracted from horny goat weed for 20 days had significantly higher numbers of sperm in their testes, as well as increased testosterone levels, compared to the control group.
Horny goat weed may protect sperm health
A 2020 study examined the impact of the pain reliever tramadol, as well as horny goat weed, on sperm parameters in rats. Rats treated with tramadol had reduced sperm parameters — but the group that subsequently received horny goat weed had an increase in sperm count and motility (sperm’s ability to swim), as well as reduced sperm abnormalities.
| Average parameters | Control group of rats | Rats receiving horny goat weed | Rats receiving tramadol | Rats receiving tramadol & horny goat weed |
| Sperm count | 79 million | 83 million | 35 million | 60 million |
| Motility | 67% | 78% | 36% | 60% |
| Morphology | 93% | 96% | 78% | 84% |
Source: Abdelaziz et al, 2020.A similar study also found that sperm count and motility decreased in mice given the cancer medication cyclophosphamide. Horny goat weed helped restore both of these sperm parameters. The supplement also appeared to reduce oxidative stress and repair damage to the testes. Another study in rats from 2008 found that horny goat weed was associated with reduced damage to the epididymis caused by chemotherapy and increased sperm viability.
These studies suggest that horny goat weed may help alleviate the impact of other medications and therapies, such as painkillers or chemotherapy, on male fertility.
Horny goat weed and testosterone
Horny goat weed may help raise testosterone levels and protect the testes, though more research in people is needed.
In the tramadol study mentioned above for sperm count, the rats that received horny goat weed supplementation also had increases in testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are important for sperm production.
A study from 2010 found that in rats with puberty delayed by obesity, taking horny goat weed extract was associated with increased testosterone levels, and improved sexual and testis development.
In another study from 2021, horny goat weed helped protect Leydig cells, the cells in the testes that produce testosterone, from the damaging effects of pesticide exposure.
Horny goat weed and libido
A 2021 research review concluded that horny goat weed improved libido, erectile dysfunction, sperm quality, and fertility. However, the authors noted that the findings were based on animal and experimental research, and that human clinical studies are needed to confirm them.
According to one study from 2007, giving horny goat weed extract to male rats for 10 days increased erectile function and libido in older rats. Compared to the control group, the group that received the extract:
- Engaged in 150% more sexual intercourse.
- Had 250% more ejaculations.
Other benefits of horny goat weed
Horny goat weed may have health benefits beyond male fertility and sexual function.
While more research is needed, some studies show that horny goat weed may help treat and prevent osteoporosis. Low levels of estrogen can cause brittle bones, which is why osteoporosis is more common after menopause. One 2013 study found that an extract of horny goat weed promoted estrogen production and may help treat osteoporosis.
Another study from 2007 also found that compounds from horny goat weed appeared to help prevent bone loss in late postmenopausal women.
Very preliminary research suggests that horny goat weed may have a beneficial impact on cancer risk. Research from 2000 indicated that icariin, the active compound in horny goat weed, helped fight metastatic human lung cancer cells in vitro. Icariin metabolizes into icaritin, and this compound may help prevent the growth of endometrial cancer cells, according to a 2011 study.
How to take horny goat weed
Currently, there’s no suggested dose for horny goat weed. Supplements usually typically come as 250 or 500 mg capsules. As with any supplement, it’s best to talk with your doctor if you’re considering trying it to make sure it doesn’t interact with any medications or conditions.
Is it safe to take horny goat weed while trying to conceive?
While more research is needed, horny goat weed appears to be safe when taken for a short period of time. One extract of horny goat weed that contains the chemical icariin may be safe for up to six months, while another extract containing phytoestrogens may likely be consumed safely for up to two years.
You shouldn’t take horny goat weed if you have cancer, a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or will be undergoing surgery within the next two weeks. This is because it may affect hormone levels and blood clotting.
Horny goat weed may interact with some medications and supplements, so also avoid using it if you’re taking:
- estrogen
- antihypertensive drugs or supplements, like niacin and stinging nettle
- anticoagulant drugs or supplements, like ginger and gingko
- supplements or foods that contain caffeine, like coffee and green tea
There are no known risks to fertility or the health of the baby associated with taking horny goat weed while trying to conceive.
Other supplements to benefit male fertility and hormone health
If you’re looking to improve your fertility with supplements, there are many currently available that are supported by research.
A 2013 research review suggested that the antioxidant action from substances like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc may increase pregnancy and live birth rates. These supplements may also improve sperm quality, though more studies are needed in this area.Legacy’s Male Fertility Supplement includes vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, folate, selenium, and more and is designed to support your fertility health. These supplements, alongside healthy lifestyle changes, can give you the best chance of boosting your sperm health and conceiving a child.