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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability of males to get or keep a firm erection.
Viagra and similar medicines are the standard treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
But have you ever heard of natural ED treatments like Horny Goat Weed?
What is Horny Goat Weed? Can it be used as a natural Viagra? Is Horny Goat Weed better than Viagra?
Let’s delve deeper into this article on Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra to get all the answers to the above questions.
Horny Goat Weed and Viagra: The basics
It is known by several names, including
- Yin Yang Huo
- Barrenwort
- Rowdy Lamb Herb
- Randy Beef Grass
According to a study, Horny Goat Weed can potentially improve males’ erectile function.
On the other hand, Viagra is a prescription-based medicine to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
Viagra is popularly known as the little blue pill.
ScienceDirect states it is the most effective medication to treat ED, with an efficacy rate of 82%.
Have you ever wondered if Viagra (the little blue pill) can cure ED or not? Find out in this article- Can the Blue Pill Cure Erectile Dysfunction
History of Horny Goat Weed and Viagra
Source: codenamerahulHorny Goat Weed (HGW) is one of the natural alternatives to Viagra.
HGW is the everyday name used to refer to various herb species of Epimedium plant.
This name has come from a story of a goat herder who saw that the goats in his flock became more sexually active after eating the leaves of the Epimedium plant.
Horny Goat Weed as the herb is commonly used in numerous herbal supplements.
The epimedium plant is native to China, Japan, and Korea.
Today it is grown as an ornamental plant in many places, including the United States.
On the other hand, Viagra’s active ingredient, Sildenafil, was initially formulated to treat Hypertension and Angina.
But during clinical trials, it was found to be more effective in inducing erections.
Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: Key differences
Horny Goat Weed and Viagra are both used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in males.
However, there are some key differences between the two.
Here, we will discuss what factors differentiates Horny Goat Weed from Viagra.
Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: Composition
The active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed is Icariin.
According to a study, Icariin acts as a Phosphodiesterase Type (PDE5) inhibitor.
It also has natural aphrodisiac effects, meaning it can increase the sexual desire of an individual.
It inhibits the PDE5 enzyme to improve blood flow to the penis. Thus, it helps in treating ED.
Additionally, Horny Goat Weed contains some phytoestrogens resembling the hormone estrogen.
This makes it beneficial for preventing medical conditions like Osteoporosis.
In contrast, the active component in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate.
Sildenafil is a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that is primarily used to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
Curious to know if Viagra boosts sexual desire or not? Explore the truth in this article– Does Viagra Make You Hornier: Myth or Fact
Which shows results quickly: Viagra vs Horny Goat Weed
Viagra shows results more quickly than Horny Goat Weed.
This is because herbal supplements take time to show effectiveness.
Sildenafil starts working within 30-60 minutes of consumption, whereas Horny Goat Weed may take around one month to start showing effects.
However, this period varies from person to person.
It depends on several factors, like age, medical history, and use of other medications.
Various factors can affect the onset of action of Viagra. To make sure you use it right, check out this article– A Guide on How to Use Viagra for the Best Results
Which causes fewer side effects: Horny Goat Weed or Viagra
Being a natural supplement, Horny Goat Weed causes fewer side effects than Viagra.
They both can cause common effects like headache, dizziness, Nausea, and mouth dryness.
But in rare instances, Sildenafil can cause side effects like vision changes, hearing loss, and Priapism, which Horny Goat Weed does not cause.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that the FDA does not regulate Horny Goat Weed. Therefore, its safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
Consult your doctor before taking any supplement or medication.
Viagra’s interactions can raise the chance of side effects. To discover more about these interactions, explore this article– Interactions of Sildenafil: Drugs, Food, and Disease
Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra: Dosage
Horny Goat Weed has no standard dosages, whereas Viagra has defined dosages.
As per Healthline, the amount of Horny Goat Weed to be taken varies by brand.
It ranges from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) per serving.
On the other hand, Viagra has three fixed doses, i.e., 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.
A standard dose of Viagra is 50mg, which can be changed by your doctor based on your condition.
If this medicine does not work for you at all, the doctor can recommend Viagra alternatives like Cialis.
Which is safer: Horny Goat Weed or Viagra
Viagra is safer than Horny Goat Weed to use.
This is because Horny Goat Weed is a natural supplement; therefore, the FDA does not regulate it.
The quality and consistency of these natural supplements can vary greatly.
Thus, their safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
Viagra, on the other hand, has been rigorously tested and regulated by the FDA.
Therefore, it is safe when used as the doctor prescribes.
Quick overview: Horny Goat Weed vs Viagra
This table is for general guidance. Please consult your doctor if you plan to use either Horny Goat Weed or Viagra.
| Key Factors | Horny Goat Weed | Viagra |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Herbal Supplements | PDE-5 Inhibitors |
| What forms does the medicine come in? | Tablets, Capsules, Powders, Teas | Oral Tablets, and Sildenafil also come in liquid form, known as liquid Viagra |
| Prescription Required (Rx) | No It is available over the counter | Yes It is a prescription-based medication |
| Other medicinal benefits | Fatigue, Osteoporosis, Heart disease, High blood pressure, Low Libido | Pulmonary Hypertension, High altitude sickness, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Difficulty in urination |
| FDA approved for ED | No | Yes |
| Side effects | Dryness of the mouth, stomach pain, mood swings, etc | Headache, dizziness, indigestion, Nausea, etc |
Which is better: Horny Goat Weed or Viagra
Source: getty-images-signatureUndoubtedly, Viagra is better than Horny Goat Weed in terms of both effectiveness and safety.
Although Icariin, the active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed, works similarly to Viagra but it is weaker.
A study indicates that Viagra (Sildenafil) is 80 times more potent than Horny Goat Weed.
Also, the FDA does not regulate natural supplements such as Horny Goat Weed.
This means there is no oversight over their side effects or interactions.
As a result, the safety of Horny Goat Weed cannot be guaranteed.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Your doctor can suggest the most appropriate ED medication or supplement for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Horny Goat Weed make you bigger?
No, Horny Goat Weed does not make you bigger.
There is no evidence that shows Horny Goat Weed increases penis size.
When to take Horny Goat Weed?
There is no set dosage of Horny Goat Weed.
As per Healthline, its amount per serving and time to take vary as set by the manufacturer.
Therefore, consult your doctor to know the appropriate dosage for you.
How fast does Horny Goat Weed work?
Horny Goat Weed is a natural dietary supplement.
Therefore, it may take around one month to notice its results.
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