Damiana has a theoretical benefit if you suffer from uterine fibroids, but no human studies back this use. This herb has a long history of traditional medicinal use -- mainly as an aphrodisiac -- in Central America, especially in Mexico. Damiana can interact with drugs and worsen some medical conditions, so check with a doctor before use.
Theory
Herbalists and preventive medicine practitioners sometimes recommend damiana herb to shrink uterine fibroids. In theory, damiana works by balancing your estrogen-progesterone levels by mimicking some of the actions of progesterone in your body. This theory is based on a 1998 study published in the "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine" that notes damiana binds to the intracellular receptors for progesterone. Though a progesterone-receptor-binding herb, damiana is not a progestin agonist, but rather neutral, according to lead study author David T. Zava. An agonist is a substance that binds to a cell receptor and mimics the action of a substance, which in this case would be progesterone. An antagonist, on the other hand, would block a substance's action.
Research
Damiana has not been studied specifically for female health problems such as fibroids, according to Blue Shield of California. The research on damiana showing that it weakly binds to progesterone receptors was done in a test tube. While this points to a theoretical benefit, as of 2011 no human studies have been conducted to investigate damiana's possible benefits for female health complaints.
Traditional Use
Traditional use does not back damiana as an herb for treating female health problems such as fibroids. This herb's main traditional use is as an aphrodisiac. Other folk medicine uses include sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, neurosis, depression, bronchitis, asthma, headaches and control of bed wetting. Damiana also is promoted as a substance that can induce euphoria. No clinical trials have confirmed effectiveness for any of these uses as of February 2011, according to Blue Shield of California.
Considerations
Using damiana may be dangerous if you use diabetes medicine, have a breast cancer history, have Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, or have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or schizophrenia, according to Drugs.com. Damiana has a mild laxative effect. You also risk an allergic reaction to this herb, though such reactions are rare. This herb hasn't been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for purity, safety or effectiveness. Since it is not well studied, all potential side effects, drug interactions and other risks may not be known. No regulated manufacturing standards exist for damiana formulations. The experts at Blue Shield of California advise you to avoid it during pregnancy until more is known about this herb's effects on your hormonal system.
References
- Blue Shield of California; Damiana; February 2011
- Atlanta Clinic of Preventive Medicine; Uterine Fibroids: The Epidemic; William E. Richardson, John D. Richardson
- "Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection"; Shawn Talbott; 2007
- "Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine"; Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, and Spices; David T. Zava, et al.; March 1998
- Drugs.com; Damiana; January 2011
