Horny Goat Weed inhibits cortisol
Horny Goat Weed, aka Epimedium brevicornum , contains the flavonol icariin, a substance that has been shown to boost testosterone levels in animal studies. According to researchers at Nanjing University, this same icariin prevents the cortisol level from rising under conditions of stress. Study Studies have shown that Horny Goat Weed enhances stamina in lab animals, and reduces cortisol produced as a result of exertion. The researchers wanted to know whether icariin can also reduce the rise in cortisol level during chronic stress. They decided to expose rats to chronic, but not extreme, stress for a week. Every day the Chinese hung a stroboscope above the rats' cage, tilted their cage, introduced a strange animal into the cage, wet their sawdust, took away their food and drink, and exposed them to noise. Half of the rats were given a placebo daily [vehicle] and the other half were given a small amount of icariin. Administration started 5 weeks before the stress week bega...