Muira Puama Facts

Muira puama is a small woody shrub indigenous to the Amazon rainforest that produces flowers with a fragrance similar to jasmine. Historically, various parts of the tree have been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatism, heart disease, dyspepsia, paralysis, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss and sexual dysfunction. Today, it is best known as a treatment for impaired libido and erectile dysfunction, which earned has earned this herb the botanical nickname "Viagra of the Amazon."

Scientific Classification

Muira puama is a generic name used by Brazilian natives to represent the genus Ptychopetalum. Unfortunately, this creates confusion. For instance, P. olacoides and P. uncinatum are different species, yet both are called muira puama in South America. To complicate matters, Liriosma ovata is also known locally as muira puama. However, the majority of the scientific literature now refers to P. olacoides as the primary source of the herbal medicine known as muira puama. The common name for muira puama is potency wood.

Chemical Constituents

The dried root and bark contain a number of compounds with pharmacological effects, such as limonene, linalool, borneol, coumarin, camphor, and eugenol. Other agents found in muira puama include alpha-humulene, beta-caryophyllene, behenic acid, muirapuamine and lupeol.

Main Actions

Muira puama is reputed to provide a wide range of therapeutic actions. Aside from being considered an aphrodisiac, it is believed to possess analgesic, antidepressant, antioxidant, cardiovascular and neuroprotective properties.

Clinical Evidence

While many of the health benefits associated with muira puama are based on anecdotal evidence, there are studies that appear to support some of these claims. For instance, a series of studies led by Dr. Jacques Waynberg confirm that this herbal remedy enhances sexual function in both men and women. Other studies abstrated on the website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine indicate that muira puama extracts may improve cognitive function and enhance memory, possibly due to antioxidant activity. Additional studies also abstracted on PubMed.gov indicate that the antidepressant effects of muira puama may be due to its action on dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin receptor sites in the brain.

Administration and Dosage

Muira puama is taken as a liquid extract or in powdered form. According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, the daily recommended dosage is 0.5 grams of raw material taken in capsule form or prepared as a tea. The dose of the liquid extract is 0.5 to 2 ml, 3 times per day.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects or hazards associated with therapeutic dosages. However, since efficacy and safety during pregnancy and lactation is not yet established, expectant or nursing women should not use muira puama.