Muira Puama & Insomnia

Muira puama, also known as marapuama or by its scientific name Ptychopetalum olacoides, is commonly referred to as the "potency wood" because of its reported uses for stimulating the libido. However, like other herbs with stimulant or libido-increasing properties, muira puama also carries the risk of negative side effects, including insomnia. As with any herbal remedy, consult your doctor before using muira puama.

About Muira Puama

Muira puama is a bushy plant that grows in the Brazilian rain forest. Indigneous healers and native people have used all parts of the plant for healing purposes, however, the bark and roots are the most widely utilized. Muira puama has traditionally been used to cure impotence in men, increase libido in women, reduce anxiety, nerve problems, digestive complaints and arthritis. However, as of 2011, there's no real scientific evidence to support any of these claims. Muira puama is sold as a dietary supplement in capsule and liquid form. Like other herbal remedies, the use of muira puama can cause unpleasant side effects, including insomnia, especially if taken right before bedtime, says herbalist Brigitte Mars and medical writer Chrystle Fiedler in their book "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies."

Insomnia Facts

Insomnia is a common complaint for many people. There are two types of insomnia; primary insomnia, which is not associated with any physical, chemical or psychological cause, and secondary insomnia, which may be related to psychological factors like stress, anxiety or depression, medical conditions, or the use of medications and herbal remedies. Using certain stimulants, such as coffee or nicotine, or stimulating over-the-counter supplements, like muira puama, can induce episodes of secondary insomnia. The American Sleep Association suggests avoiding stimulants for at least eight hours before bedtime in order to alleviate symptoms of insomnia.

Clinical Evidence

There's not much clinical research on the benefits or negative side effects associated with the use of muira puama. Only one study reported insomnia as a possible side effect of muira puama. This study, published in 2005 in the journal, "Phytotherapy Research," evaluated the effects of an herbal medicinal extract of Paullinia cupana, Trichilia catigua, Ptychopetalum olacoides -- muira puama -- and Zingiber officinale, on 45 healthy men and women between the ages of 19 and 45. Only one study participant reported insomnia for one day. More clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the possible effects of muira puama on insomnia.

Considerations

While the use of muira puama may result in negative side effects like insomnia, there's not enough evidence to unequivocally prove this claim. Consult your doctor before using muira puama. If you suffer from prolonged periods of insomnia, discontinue the use of muira puama and see your physician as soon as possible. Insomnia can also be a sign of another underlying health condition.