Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) Dosing
A universally recommended dose of Epimedium is not established because products vary substantially by species and standardized active-constituent content. [1] Clinical human data primarily support dosing of standardized Epimedium extracts and isolated icariin rather than a single “Horny Goat Weed” gram dose. [2], [3]
Product-Label Dosing Examples
Many commercial “horny goat weed” products provide a serving size of 500 mg per day with stated standardization to icariins. [1] An NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Dietary Supplement Label Database entry for a “Horny Goat Weed Complex” product lists suggested use of 2 capsules per day with food and water. [1] A general LiverTox summary reports that horny goat weed is available in tablets or capsules of 250 mg or 500 mg, with a “usual dose” of one tablet or capsule daily. [3]
Standardized Extract Doses Studied in Humans
A randomized, placebo-controlled human pharmacokinetics study administered single oral doses of a standardized Epimedium prenylflavonoid extract of 370 mg, 740 mg, or 1110 mg. [2]
Icariin Doses Studied in Humans (Active Constituent)
A human randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults studied icariin at total daily doses spanning 100 mg/day through 1680 mg/day. [4]
Safety and Formulation-Dependence Considerations
Different Epimedium preparations can differ in standardized icariin content, so dosing should be aligned to the label’s standardized extract or icariin content rather than to the raw plant powder amount. [1], [3] High-quality evidence for efficacy is limited in rigorous, prospective controlled trials, which affects dose selection beyond tolerability. [3]
Common Practical Dose-Selection Approach
Dosing is commonly selected using label directions that specify a standardized extract strength (for example, icariin % standardization) and a stated daily serving. [1] If standardized extract or icariin content is known, trial-based dose levels can be used as reference points for tolerance data. [2], [4]