Horny Goat Weed Vs. Viagra: Which One Should You Choose For ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health issue affecting the quality of life for many men. Two typical methods used to improve this condition are Horny Goat Weed and Viagra. However, which one is better? Viagra provides higher efficacy in supporting ED compared to Horny Goat Weed. However, there are important considerations before making a choice. Explore the article below to find the right product.
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Key Takeaways
- Viagra is more effective than Horny Goat Weed in supporting ED.
- Horny Goat Weed is an herbal supplement, non-prescription, but may not be effective for everyone.
- Viagra is a prescription medication, available in different dosages, allowing for tailored treatment of ED, but it comes with various side effects.
Horny Goat Weed Vs. Viagra: Which is Better for ED?
Viagra performs better than Horny Goat Weed for ED.
Horny Goat Weed contains Icariin as its main component. In Dell'Agli's 2008 study, it was found that Icariin's inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that "turns off" erections, is over 80 times less effective than Viagra and less effective than other prescribed ED medications [1].
However, Icariin acts as an herbal supplement (marketed as Horny Goat Weed), available without a prescription, making it easier to obtain and use. Meanwhile, Viagra requires a prescription and is available in multiple strengths, catering to different needs and severities of ED.
About Horny Goat Weed
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Viagra performs better than Horny Goat Weed for ED.
Horny Goat Weed contains Icariin as its main component. In Dell'Agli's 2008 study, it was found that Icariin's inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that "turns off" erections, is over 80 times less effective than Viagra and less effective than other prescribed ED medications [1].
However, Icariin acts as an herbal supplement (marketed as Horny Goat Weed), available without a prescription, making it easier to obtain and use. Meanwhile, Viagra requires a prescription and is available in multiple strengths, catering to different needs and severities of ED.
How Does Horny Goat Weed Benefit For ED?
Though less effective than Viagra, Icariin is clinically effective in improving ED, facilitating adequate blood flow for penile erection during sexual activity.
Specifically, Icariin in Horny Goat Weed inhibits the activity of PDE5, minimizing contractions in the penile arteries, causing blood to flood into the arteries and cavernous bodies in the penis, leading to an erection. A study in rats with vascular insufficiency showed greater stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis in penile tissue with Icariin supplementation compared to a placebo group [1].
Another study on 32 mature male Wistar rats divided into two groups showed that continuous Icariin supplementation for four weeks improved erectile function, as evidenced by an increase in smooth muscle percentage (PSM) in molecular tissue and the expression of specific isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the rats' corpora cavernosa [3].
Safety and Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
Note that there are currently no studies on the effects of Icariin and Horny Goat Weed on ED in humans. Therefore, the efficacy of this herbal remedy needs to be controlled and should be consumed under medical guidance.
Side effects of Horny Goat Weed can occur, especially if overdosed, and it may not work effectively for everyone. One report noted a case of burst blood vessels caused by this herb in a 77-year-old man [4]. Additionally, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, irregular heartbeat, myocardial infarction, mood swings, nosebleeds, low blood pressure, and dry mouth.
About Viagra
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a brand name for a prescription drug primarily used to improve erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Viagra contains Sildenafil as its active ingredient, which helps improve erectile dysfunction and sexual quality of life in ED patients.
How Does Viagra Work for ED?
Viagra's principal active ingredient is Sildenafil, a prominent phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that relaxes penile blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area during sexual arousal, thereby enabling men to achieve and maintain an erection.
A study conducted on a group of 63 Chinese men over two months with a daily dose of 100mg sildenafil showed significant improvements in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and erectile hardness scores, as well as enhanced endurance capacity in ED patients after treatment [5].
Safety and Side Effects of Viagra
The incidence of sildenafil citrate side effects was reported in a study involving 256 men aged 22 to 76. Common side effects reported as a percentage included flushing (30.8%), headache (25.4%), nasal congestion (18.7%), indigestion (10.5%), and vision changes (5.8%). Dry mouth (1 patient), palpitations (1 patient), myalgia (1 patient), and dizziness (1 patient) were also reported in individual cases. No significant adverse effects on heart or brain blood vessels were reported [6].
Overall, Viagra remains safe when used at appropriate dosages under medical supervision for supporting erectile dysfunction.
Read more: Horny Goat Weed Vs Ashwagandha: Which is Better for Men?
Is Horny Goat Weed Like Viagra?
Horny Goat Weed operates similarly to Viagra, both targeting the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that suppresses erections. Some consider Horny Goat Weed as a natural "Viagra," well-absorbed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). However, Horny Goat Weed may not be effective for everyone. Importantly, it does not provide the same level of PDE5 inhibition and ED improvement as Viagra.
Can You Take Horny Goat Weed And Viagra Together?
It is not advisable to use Horny Goat Weed with Viagra due to significant potential interactions that could reduce the bioavailability of Sildenafil [7].
A pharmacokinetic interaction study conducted on mice aimed to explore dosage-related interactions between Horny Goat Weed extract (0.5g/kg/day) administered for three consecutive days and intravenously injected Sildenafil (0.3mg/kg).
The study demonstrated significant interactions between Horny Goat Weed extract and Sildenafil at both low and high daily doses. Therefore, concurrent use of Horny Goat Weed and Sildenafil should be avoided due to possible drug and herb interactions [8].
When Should You Choose Horny Goat Weed Or Viagra For ED?
As mentioned above, both Horny Goat Weed and Viagra have effects on ED. However, Horny Goat Weed is less effective than Viagra. Additionally, Horny Goat Weed is a non-prescription herbal supplement, while Viagra requires a prescription and is available in various strengths to address different levels of ED severity.
Therefore, if you are seeking treatment for mild erectile dysfunction or exploring a natural supplement to support sexual function, choosing Horny Goat Weed is reasonable. Conversely, if you aim for more effective control of ED or seek treatment with multiple dosage options, Viagra should be chosen.
Other Treatments for ED
Apart from considering medications or herbal supplements, if experiencing ED, it is advisable to implement the following methods concurrently to ensure safety and expedite improvement:
Firstly, consulting a doctor or healthcare professional is essential. Ensure a clear understanding of personal health conditions to identify suitable therapeutic approaches.
Once thoroughly evaluated by a specialist, you can determine the appropriate medication or herbal extracts. Besides Horny Goat Weed and Viagra, consider products derived from tadalafil or vardenafil.
Lastly, overall health is crucial; maintain a healthy lifestyle, limit alcohol and tobacco, adopt a balanced diet, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance ED outcomes.
Read more: Maca Vs Horny Goat Weed: Which One Should You Choose?
Frequently Asked Questions
Horny Goat Weed and Cialis: Which is Better for ED?
Tadalafil compound (Cialis product) is more effective than Icariin (Horny Goat Weed herbal supplement) for ED [9]. Generally, the choice largely depends on expert guidance, user adaptability, and health objectives.
Is Viagra A Stimulant?
Viagra is not a sexual stimulant for men. Viagra contains compounds that support the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), facilitating blood flow to the penis to maintain and sustain erections, thereby improving sexual performance. It does not increase sexual desire by acting as a stimulant.
Which Do Men Prefer, Viagra Or Cialis?
Viagra and Cialis inhibit PDE5, but men prefer Cialis for its longer duration of action. Cialis typically works within 15-45 minutes and is unaffected by food, whereas Viagra may take up to 30 minutes to reach maximum effectiveness, though Viagra's effectiveness is reported at 84%, higher than Cialis's 81% [10].
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Horny Goat Weed and Viagra can help improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Viagra is effective in supporting ED but may also cause some side effects. Horny Goat Weed is a natural option with fewer side effects, but its effectiveness has not been extensively researched. The choice between them depends on your needs and health condition; it is best to consult a doctor for the most accurate advice.
Related Article:
Tribulus Vs Horny Goat Weed: Which is Better & How to Combine?
Horny Goat Weed Vs Ginseng: Which One Should You Choose?
References
- [1] Dell’Agli, Mario, et al. “Potent Inhibition of Human Phosphodiesterase-5 by Icariin Derivatives.” Journal of Natural Products, vol. 71, no. 9, 1 Sept. 2008, pp. 1513–1517, https://doi.org/10.1021/np800049y. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
- [2] Xin, Z C, et al. “Effects of Icariin on CGMP-Specific PDE5 and CAMP-Specific PDE4 Activities.” Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 5, no. 1, 1 Mar. 2003, pp. 15–18, europepmc.org/article/med/12646997. Accessed 27 June 2024.
- [3] Liu, Wu-Jiang, et al. “Effects of Icariin on Erectile Function and Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in Castrated Rats.” Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 7, no. 4, 1 Dec. 2005, pp. 381–388, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16281085/, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00066.x. Accessed 1 Jan. 2023.
- [4] Metz, D., et al. “Case Report of Vasculitic Rash Induced by Ginkgo Biloba And/or Horny Goat Weed.” Case Reports, vol. 2009, no. mar08 1, 17 Mar. 2009, pp. bcr0720080399–bcr0720080399, https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr.07.2008.0399. Accessed 13 July 2020.
- [5] Zhang, Zhihang, et al. “Study on the Combination of Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Viagra in the Treatment of Non-Organic ED.” General Psychiatry, vol. 33, no. 5, Aug. 2020, p. e100184, https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2019-100184. Accessed 12 Feb. 2021.
- [6] Moreira, Sergio G, et al. “Side-Effect Profile of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) in Clinical Practice.” Urology, vol. 56, no. 3, Sept. 2000, pp. 474–476, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00649-x.
- [7] Issam, Abushammala. “INTERACTION of SILDENAFIL with HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS: A REVIEW.” Researchgate, Aug. 2021.
- [8] Hsueh, Thomas, et al. “Herb-Drug Interaction of Epimedium Sagittatum (Sieb. Et Zucc.) Maxim Extract on the Pharmacokinetics of Sildenafil in Rats.” Molecules, vol. 18, no. 6, 21 June 2013, pp. 7323–7335, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules18067323. Accessed 22 Aug. 2022.
- [9] “The Best Supplements for ED: Do Natural Remedies Work?” HelpGuide Handbook, www.helpguide.org/handbook/erectile-dysfunction/best-ed-supplements#:~:text=Icariin%20is%20a%20PDE5%20inhibitor. Accessed 27 June 2024.
- [10] Doggrell, Sheila A. “Comparison of Clinical Trials with Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil in Erectile Dysfunction.” Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2005, pp. 75–84, https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.6.1.75.
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