Damiana, whose scientific name is Turnera diffusa, is noted for its traditional use as an aphrodisiac. A native plant in these areas, it's been used since ancient times by the peoples of South America and Central America, particularly in Mexico. This plant can still be found growing in Mexico today, as well as in the Caribbean, Texas and South Africa. You also may see it promoted as a substance that can bring euphoria or as an aid to alleviate anxiety, asthma and bronchitis. Most often, you'll find it in herbal combinations rather than as the sole active ingredient in a supplement. The herb does potentially produce hormonal effects, but studies verifying this effect in people don't yet exist, according to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Sex Boosting Effect
Although damiana is often promoted as a sex-drive booster, few studies support this effect, according to Ray Sahelian, MD, nationally known medical writer and "Natural Sex Boosters" author; studies that do suggest such a correlation were done on rats. A study published in the June 25, 2009, "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" concluded that damiana sped up mating behavior among impotent or "sexually sluggish" male rats, but had no effect on rats that were sexually potent. The plant's flavonoids may be partially responsible for the pro-sexual effect, according to lead study author R. Estrada-Reyes. Meanwhile, the damiana liquors manufactured and used in Mexico as an aphrodisiac continue to be popular, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its aphrodisiac effect, according to Sahelian, of Los Angeles.
Progesterone Receptor Binding
Laboratory studies reveal that damiana extracts can bind to progesterone receptors, according to a 1998 study by D.T. Zava published in the "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine." That finding makes damiana potentially useful for fighting breast cancer. Again, however, no human studies have yet examined this use. If you are pregnant, UCSD advises against using damiana until more information is obtained on the way the herb affects the female hormonal system. The active ingredient may come from fragrant substances called terpenes, which are found in extracts of damiana's volatile oil. However, it's still unclear whether the volatile oil is the plant's active constituent, according to UCSD.
Laxative Effect
You may experience minor laxative effects if ingesting the leaves from the damiana plant, according to UCSD. This means your stools may be looser or your stool volume may increase if you use damiana leaf as an herbal supplement. This effect occurs when damiana is used at high doses, according to "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements," by Shawn M. Talbott and Kerry Hughes. Other potential side effects of the herb are not well studied due to lack of research, according to Sahelian, though he does point out that the herb has a long tradition of use with no severe side effects commonly reported.
References
- PubMed.gov: "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine;" "Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices;" D.T. Zava; March, 1998
- PubMed.gov: "Journal of Ethnopharmacology;" "Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males;" R. Estrada-Reyes; June 25, 2009
- Ray Sahelian: Damiana
- University of California, San Diego: Damiana
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements;" Shawn M. Talbott and Kerry Hughes; 2006; page 379
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