Muira Puama in Herbalist: Property of Muira Puama

Scientific name

Ptychopetalum olacoides

Family

Olacaceae

Origin

Brazil

Synonyms

Muira puama

Used Parts

Drug consisting of trunk wood and roots

Chemical constituents

Esters of triterpene acids;
Phytosterols;
Essential oil;
Resin;
Tannins;
Flavonoids;
Alkaloids.

Muira Puama in Herbalist: Property of Muira Puama

The empirical use of Muira Puama as an aphrodisiac has made this plant popular, also used as a CNS stimulant and as a tonic; however, adequate clinical pharmacology research is lacking, in particular studies that confirm its efficacy and safety.

Biological activity

As mentioned, aphrodisiac, invigorating and stimulating properties of the central nervous system are attributed to muira puama.

Some clinical studies have shown that, in effect, muira puama is able to restore sexual desire and promote erection; therefore, it can be a valid aid in case of erectile dysfunction.

The active principles responsible for the aforementioned activities have not been exactly identified, but it is believed that the action exerted by the muira puama is attributable to the phytocomplex as a whole, in particular to the esters of the triterpene acids contained in the plant itself.

However, despite the results obtained from the aforementioned studies, the use of muira puama did not obtain official approval for any type of therapeutic indication.

Muira puama in folk medicine and homeopathy

Popular medicine uses muira puama as an aphrodisiac remedy, especially in the form of a particular type of hydroalcoholic extract that is called "punch of love". This extract is obtained by macerating the plant in a liqueur, such as, for example, rum or cognac.

Furthermore, traditional medicine uses muira puama also as an internal remedy to counteract the loss of appetite and to treat diarrhea.

Muira puama is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules, oral drops and mother tincture.

In this context the plant is used in case of impotence, problems with erection and decreased libido.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and according to the type of homeopathic preparation and dilution that you want to use.