According to a report by WebMD, an extract from a plant called horny goat weed may help the 50 per cent of men aged over 40 who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Italian researchers are testing the alternative to Viagra that they're calling 3,7-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-icaritin. In simple words it is called "horny goat weed."

Horny goat weed is also known as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, or Yin Yang Huo. The weed and other herbs from the same family have been used as a cure for sexual dysfunction treatments for years. Scientists are now deciphering its working.

In lab experiments, a semi-synthetic derivative of the active compound in Epimedium brevicornum, which was used in ancient China as a herbal remedy for impotence showed similar results as that of Vigra. The researchers also elaborated that the herbal cure had less side effects as compared to Viagra.

But in an ironical move Health Canada has issued a string of warnings on Chinese herbal products for erectile dysfunction. The reason for the warnings is undeclared.