Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed better than Viagra?

Horny goat weed is a Chinese plant that may be able to tackle impotence with fewer side effects than Viagra, scientists from the University of Milan say.

Both Viagra and horny goat weed contain ingredients that block phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), an enzyme which limits blood flow to the penis and therefore prevents erections.  Previously, Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra was shown to be 80 times more effective than icariin, a compound found inside the horny goat weed.  However, Mario Dell'Agli, the lead pharmacologist on the study said that by producing a modified version of the icariin molecule a version that works as well as Viagra can be made.

Horny goat weed is also known as epimedium brevicornum or Bishop's Hat.  A drug made from it could also have fewer side effects than those associated with the little blue pills.  People with heart problems are unable to take Viagra as it affects enzymes that are essential for the heart.  Early testing suggests icariin does not have this problem.  As Mr Dell'Agli said, "At this stage of the research, we cannot say if the molecule we have synthesized possesses less side effects with respect to Viagra. However, this derivative seems to be in vitro more selective than Viagra, because it targets more precisely."

Mr Dell'Agli said that further tests were necessary and that it would be at least 10 years before any drug was available to consumers.

The study is expected to be published in the October 24 issue of the Journal of Natural Products, a publication of the American Chemical Society.

The researchers also tested Lebanese Viagra (Ferula hermonis) and Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) which are reputed to boost sexual performance, but found no benefit in their cases.

Anything that reduces the chances of seeing this, has got to be a good thing!

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