Muira puama is called potent wood by Amazonian natives and is known for its long history of use as an aphrodisiac. In recent times, it is best known as herbal Viagra. Muira puama is also an ingredient in the Brazilian herbal tonic called catuama. Muira puama is used for a variety of ailments but its efficacy has not been scientifically proven for any of them. First consult with your health care provider before using muira puama medicinally.
Identification and Dosing
Muira puama is also commonly called Ptychopetalum olacoides, marapuama, marapam and potenzholz. The wood and root of the muira puama plant are used medicinally. There are no scientific studies from which to determine dosing guidelines. However, Drugs.com reports that the commonly used dose range of muira puama leaves, stem, and roots is 0.5 to 1.5 g daily.
Uses
Muira puama is used for treating sexual impotence, enhancing sexual interest, and preventing sexual disorders. Other uses include alleviating stomach distress, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome or PMS, symptoms of menopause, arthritic joint pain, and paralysis from polio. It is also used to treat hair loss and depression. Some use Muira puama as a tonic for general health and to increase appetite. Muira puama is applied to the skin for treating erectile dysfunction, joint pain, beriberi and muscle paralysis.
Effectiveness
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database or NMCD, the substances identified in muira puama have no known biological effects. Furthermore, there is not enough information from human studies to determine the effectiveness of muira puama for any health problem, says the NMCD.
Considerations
According to the NMCD, there are no reported side effects to muira puama. There is also not enough scientific information about muira puama to assess its safety, says the NMCD. Therefore, muira puama should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, warns the NMCD.
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