A Traditional Chinese Herbal Tonic Standardized for Healthy Blood Circulation, Daily Stamina, and Male & Female Libido Support.
Product Overview: Available in 45-tablet (PF0481) and 90-tablet (PF0482) bottles. Formulated by Planetary Herbals using a dual-action blend of standardized 10% icariin extract combined with raw whole leaf to supply balanced, full-spectrum botanical compounds.
What Is Full Spectrum Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed, known botanically as Epimedium sagittatum and in Chinese herbalism as Yin Yang Huo, has been a cornerstone of Asian wellness systems for over two millennia. Classical herbal texts describe Epimedium as a warming tonic that nourishes kidney “yang” energy—the vital force responsible for reproductive vigor, joint flexibility, and physical endurance.
Many single-herb supplements rely purely on stripped-down chemical isolates, losing the beneficial trace compounds found in raw nature. Planetary Herbals solves this through their Full Spectrum™ philosophy: each tablet combines 500 mg of premium Epimedium extract standardized to deliver 10% active flavonoids (yielding 50 mg of pure icariin) alongside 100 mg of authentic whole aerial leaf. This mirrors the broad therapeutic fingerprint of the live plant while delivering reliable, concentrated strength in every serving.
✓Standardized Potency: Guarantees a verified 10% concentration of icariin flavonoids for dependable biological action.
✓Whole-Plant Balance: Provides secondary bioflavonoids, tannins, and sterols to enhance absorption and digestive tolerance.
✓Dual Sexual Vitality: Traditionally used by both men seeking erectile performance support and women managing hormonal fatigue.
How It Works: The Science of Icariin, Nitric Oxide, and Circulation
Modern pharmacological research reveals that Epimedium is much more than folklore. The principal bioactive compound responsible for its physiological benefits is icariin, a natural prenylated flavonol glycoside. Icariin operates along key vascular and neurological pathways in the body:
1. Natural PDE5 Enzyme Modulation
Healthy blood flow to smooth muscle tissue depends on an intracellular messenger molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). An enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down cGMP, causing blood vessels to constrict. Icariin functions as a natural, mild PDE5 inhibitor. By moderating PDE5 activity, it helps sustain cGMP levels, allowing penile and pelvic smooth muscle tissues to relax and receive natural microvascular perfusion (Dell’Agli et al., 2008).
2. Nitric Oxide (NO) Synthesis Stimulation
Beyond PDE5 regulation, icariin stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) transcription. Nitric oxide signals the arterial walls throughout the body to widen and relax. This dual action supports sexual sensitivity, general arterial elasticity, and workout endurance without the abrupt blood pressure spikes common to artificial stimulants (Shindel et al., 2010).
3. Neuroendocrine Balance & Cortisol Moderation
Chronic daily stress floods the bloodstream with cortisol, which reduces testosterone synthesis and dampens sexual desire in both men and women. Studies demonstrate that Epimedium flavonoids exert mild adaptogenic properties, helping preserve baseline testosterone concentrations and mitigating mental exhaustion during periods of intense work or athletic training (Zhang et al., 2012).
Key Health Benefits
Promotes Healthy Blood Flow
Assists the body’s natural vascular tone, encouraging unhindered circulation to extremities and sensitive reproductive tissue.
Elevates Libido & Stamina
Restores youthful sexual drive and bedroom performance while counteracting everyday mental fatigue and low drive.
Supports Bone Density & Joints
Clinical research indicates that Epimedium flavonoids support osteoblast activity, helping postmenopausal women maintain healthy skeletal bone density.
Enhances Physical Vitality
Traditional kidney tonics support clean, natural cellular energy production throughout the day without caffeine jitters or midday crashes.
VitaNet® ensures all label facts are updated regularly in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 111 cGMP regulations.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container: 45 (or 90)
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Epimedium sagittatum Aerial Parts Extract (standardized to 10% flavonoids as icariin)
500 mg *
Epimedium sagittatum Whole Leaf
100 mg *
* Daily Value (DV) not established.
Other Ingredients: Dibasic calcium phosphate, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, modified cellulose gum, and magnesium stearate.
Formulated Without: Yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, wheat, sugar, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor, or fragrance.
Suggested Use, Dosage & Best Practices
Standard Serving: Take 1 tablet twice daily between meals with an 8 oz glass of water, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Why Between Meals? Consuming herbal flavonoids away from heavy dietary proteins and fats improves gastrointestinal transit speed and prevents other food components from competing with active icariin uptake.
Timing & Consistency: While some individuals notice improved circulation within a few hours of use, Epimedium’s most significant revitalizing effects build gradually over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Safety Profile, Medical Precautions & Drug Interactions
Important Consumer Safety Notice: Dietary supplements possess active biochemical properties that can interact with underlying health conditions and prescription medications. Always speak with your doctor or physician before starting any new herbal routine.
Cardiovascular & Blood Pressure Conditions: Because Epimedium promotes nitric oxide production and vasodilation, it may naturally lower blood pressure. If you take antihypertensive medications, monitor your readings closely to avoid hypotensive episodes.
Prescription PDE5 Inhibitors: Do not combine high doses of Epimedium with prescription erectile dysfunction medications (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) without direct medical oversight, as additive vasodilatory effects can cause dizziness or low blood pressure.
Bleeding Disorders & Anticoagulants: Icariin exhibits mild platelet aggregation inhibition. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to scheduled dental or surgical procedures, and consult your hematologist if taking prescription blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel).
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Individuals diagnosed with estrogen-sensitive conditions (such as breast, uterine, or ovarian carcinomas, or endometriosis) should exercise caution, as Epimedium exhibits phytoestrogenic properties.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Not for use by women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
California Proposition 65 Warning: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.
Scientific References & Authoritative Citations
Dell’Agli, M., Galli, G. V., Dal Cero, E., Belluti, F., Matera, R., Zironi, E., Pagliuca, G., & Bosisio, E. (2008). Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. Journal of Natural Products, 71(9), 1497–1501. https://doi.org/10.1021/np800049y
Shindel, A. W., Xin, Z. C., Lin, G., Fandel, T. M., Huang, Y. C., Banie, L., Breyer, B. N., Garcia, M. M., Lin, C. S., & Lue, T. F. (2010). Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(4 Pt 1), 1518–1528. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.x
Zhang, Z. B., & Yang, Q. T. (2006). The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin. Asian Journal of Andrology, 8(5), 601–605. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00197.x
Zhang, G., Qin, L., & Shi, Y. (2007). Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effects on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: A 24-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 22(7), 1072–1079. https://doi.org/10.1359/jbmr.070405
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Full Spectrum Horny Goat Weed good for?
Full Spectrum Horny Goat Weed is primarily used to encourage healthy peripheral blood circulation, enhance sexual stamina and libido in both men and women, support natural daily energy, and help maintain healthy bone mineral density.
How long does it take for Horny Goat Weed to work?
While minor vasodilatory effects (such as warm skin and relaxed blood flow) may be felt 90 minutes to two hours after consumption, optimal benefits for sexual vigor, hormonal balance, and endurance typically develop over two to four weeks of consistent, twice-daily supplementation.
Can women safely take Horny Goat Weed?
Yes. In traditional botanical medicine, Epimedium is considered a non-gender-specific tonic. Women frequently use it to rekindle intimate desire, combat mid-day fatigue, and support bone strength post-menopause. However, women who are pregnant, nursing, or treating hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid use.
Why does Planetary Herbals use both extract and whole leaf?
Standardized extract guarantees a measured, therapeutic dose of active icariin (10%), while whole aerial leaf supplies the natural matrix of plant bioflavonoids, phytosterols, and trace nutrients that help your body absorb and process the active compounds smoothly.
Can I take this supplement every day?
Yes, when used at the suggested dosage of one tablet twice daily between meals, it is suitable for ongoing daily wellness regimens. Many herbalists recommend a “rest cycle” (such as taking the herb for 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a 1- to 2-week break) to preserve natural receptor sensitivity.
