Alternatively known as marapuama and potency wood, muira puama is a small type of tree native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and also northern South America. The tree typically grows to about 5 meters high and has white fragrant flowers. Although people have used forms of muira puama medicinally for centuries, especially in the Amazon, you should always consult a healthcare professional before using it due to limited scientific research on its properties.
Significance
The historical uses of muira puama include treating anxiety, arthritis, decreased female libido, digestion problems, male impotence and nerve issues, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. After explorers brought the herb back to Europe with them, its most common use was treating impotence. Contemporary applications of muira puama include treating hair loss and problems related to beriberi, neuromuscular issues and paralysis, according to Drugs.com and Raintree Nutrition. However, muira puama remains most popular as an aphrodisiac and impotence treatment, particularly for men.
Features
Muira puama is available in common forms, such as alcohol extracts, capsules, powders and tablets. The most widely used parts of the muira puama tree are its bark and roots, states Raintree Nutrition, although Drugs.com reports products often contain the leaves and stems also. An average dose is about 1 g per day, but there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of that amount, according to Drugs.com.
Ingredients
Researchers have been trying to determine the ingredients responsible for the medicinal effects of muira puama since the early 20th century, according to Raintree Nutrition. Their investigations indicate the tree's bark and roots contain high amounts of the alkaloid called muirapuamine, essential oils, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, sterols and triterpenes, in addition to numerous chemicals. Yet more scientific study is required to verify which components produce which effects.
Considerations
Despite the limited scientific evidence available confirming muira puama's effects, Raintree Nutrition cautions the herb is only beneficial for treating impotence and related sexual dysfunction when prepared a certain way. Since the assumed active ingredients do not dissolve in water, products that incorporate muira puama in powder form are not helpful. Raintree Nutrition recommends using an extract tincture created by heating muira puama in alcohol for approximately 20 minutes.
Warning
Although another tree with the scientific name Liriosma ovata is called muira puama too, it is a different species from potency wood, which has the scientific name Ptychopetalum olacoides, according to Raintree Nutrition. Consequently, make sure you are using the correct muira puama if your healthcare provider believes it is safe for you to take the herb.
Also remain cautious about side effects and when considering taking muira puama while pregnant or breastfeeding. The lack of clinical research on the herb means that proof of its effects, both positive and negative, is very limited. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center advises avoiding muira puama entirely if you are pregnant, nursing, a young child or suffering from acute kidney or liver disease.
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