Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to improve libido, increase energy levels, overcome stress and fatigue, and shorten recovery time after exercise.

Scientific studies uncovered potent anti-cancer benefits linked to this plant too. Research into this rejuvenating herb has been continuing at breakneck speed. The results of which have been extremely encouraging, particularly in the areas of brain and joint health, which is why we are bringing you this important update.

Horny goat weed helps protect your brain cells from harmful toxins

One of the most promising benefits linked to horny goat weed is an ability to protect against dementia. The plant contains a natural chemical called icaritin, which scientists believe may help shield brain cells against specific toxins that are implicated in causing dementia.

In an animal study conducted just a few months ago, Chinese scientists from the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, discovered that horny goat weed extracts were able to reverse damage caused by a toxin called beta-amyloid: biological rubbish that clogs up your brain cells, disrupting memory processes and resulting in other symptoms associated with dementia, such as behavioural problems.

For the purpose of the study the researchers studied animal brain cells in the laboratory and reported that beta-amyloid caused DNA damage which resulted in the death of brain cells. However, icaritin (the active ingredient in horny goat weed) was able to prevent this damage and protect the cells against premature death.

This finding is extremely important because it shows that horny goat weed works by getting to the root cause of dementia. Human studies are currently underway.

Promotes healthy joints and may even repair damaged cartilage

In an animal study, Chinese scientists from the Academy of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology of Henan Province, looked at the effects of horny goat weed extracts on the growth of cartilage a whitish gristle which lines the ends of your bones and helps your joints move effortlessly. Damaged cartilage can occur as a result of an injury or age-related degeneration, such as in the case of arthritis, and causes the affected joints to become swollen, painful and stiff.

The scientists applied horny goat weed extracts or placebo treatment to damaged cartilage. They found that the cartilage which was treated with horny goat weed showed clear signs of regeneration and growth, whereas the untreated cartilage did not show any significant changes. As an added bonus for arthritis sufferers, horny goat weed has been found to possess a powerful anti-inflammatory action helping to reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness. If you suffer from painful joints resulting from arthritis or a sports injury and decide to try horny goat weed, it is best to take it in combination with other joint-strengthening supplements, particularly condroitin (400mg three times a day), glucosamine (500mg three times a day), boswellia (300mg two or three times a day) and/or devils claw (200mg three times a day).

Bone-strengthening properties offer hope to osteoporosis sufferers

In addition to horny goat weeds ability to promote healthy joints, scientists have recently found that the plant is able to maintain bone health too. Scientists from the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, made this discovery after studying the phytoestrogens natural chemicals that resemble your own oestrogen hormones that are present in horny goat weed. Oestrogen is better known for alleviating menopausal symptoms but it has many other health benefits, including the protection of your bones, brain and heart.

The scientists tested these phytoestrogens on two groups of rabbits with weak and damaged bones, resulting from poor blood circulation or a build up of fatty deposits inside the bones. The scientists found that the rabbits treated with horny goat weed experienced significantly less bone damage, improved blood supply within their bone tissue, and had a reduced amount of abnormal fatty deposits within their bones.

In a separate study, researchers revealed that horny goat weed is able to improve the structure of bone tissue. An ingredient called icariine (not to be confused with the active ingredient mentioned earlier called icaritin that helps shield the brain from harmful toxins) appears to be responsible for this action.  With age, your bone becomes less tough and more fragile due to the loss of calcium and other minerals from it. But it is now becoming clear that icariine can boost the growth of new and healthy bone cells containing optimal amounts of calcium. As a result the bone tissue becomes stronger, which helps reverse any existing bone damage as in the case of osteoporosis.