What is Muira Puama?
Muira puama is a tree that grows int the Amazon rainforest.
The muira puama tree is primarily used for its libido-enhancing benefits, and for reducing the effects aging has on the brain.
Traditional uses of muira puama often combined the bark with another local herb known as catuaba for stronger benefit.
While this herb is not well-known by the mainstream public, it’s become very popular among herbalists. It’s a reliable herb for male libido, sperm production, and cognitive function in both men and women.
Here, we’ll cover the doses of muira puama, discuss the current research, and provide insight on how to use muira puama effectively.
What Else is Muira Puama Known As?
- Muira Puama
- Uiratã, Muiratam
- Pau-homen
- Potenzholz
- Boise de la Puissance
- Bois de la puissance sexuelle
- Potency wood
- Marapuama
Herbal Actions/Properties of Muira Puama
- list the herbal actions of the plant
What is Muira Puama Used For?
- Adaptogen
- Antidepressant
- Stimulant
- Aphrodisiac
- Nootropic
- Male tonic
- Nervine
- Antiulcer
Folklore & History of Muira Puama
Muira puama is used as a sort of panacea among Amazonian indigenous cultures but is especially popular for what they referred to as nervous weakness — which referred to symptoms such as sexual debility, muscle weakness, low motivation, and fatigue.
Muira Puama Side-Effects & Safety
Some people find muira puama to be stimulating — if this is the case, simply take muira puama earlier in the day to avoid issues falling asleep at night.
Taking large doses of muira puama over long periods of time could lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). Avoid using this herb if you suffer blood pressure problems, or are taking blood pressure medications.
How Much Muira Puama Do I Use?
There’s not much research on the best dose of muira puama to use, so the dose is often debated among herbalists.
Most herbalists use a 1:2 tincture of muira puama at a dose of 2 – 4 mL per day.
Traditionally the herb was used in generous portions — containing up to 10 grams of the dried root bark infused in water per day.
Scientific Research Involving Muira Puama
- [2016] Bioactive Indole Alkaloids from Croton echioides.
- [2015] Lupeol inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer PCNA-1 cells through AKT/ERK pathways.
- [2014] Recent updates in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders using natural compounds.
- [2014] Lupeol: an antioxidant triterpene in Ficus pseudopalma Blanco (Moraceae).
- [2014] Essential oil from lemon peels inhibit key enzymes linked to neurodegenerative conditions and pro-oxidant induced lipid peroxidation.
- [2013] The dietary terpene lupeol targets colorectal cancer cells with constitutively active Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
- [2010] Anti-stress effects of the “tonic” Ptychopetalum olacoides (Marapuama) in mice.
- [2009] MK801-and scopolamine-induced amnesias are reversed by an Amazonian herbal locally used as a “brain tonic”.
- [2009] Antidepressant profile of Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (Marapuama) in mice.
- [2008] Serotonin receptors contribute to the promnesic effects of P. olacoides (Marapuama).
- [2007] The herbal drug Catuama reverts and prevents ventricular fibrillation in the isolated rabbit heart.
- [2007] Brazilian plants as possible adaptogens: an ethnopharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil.
- [2007] Antioxidant activities of Ptychopetalum olacoides (“muirapuama”) in mice brain.
- [2002] Anxiogenic properties of Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth.(marapuama).
- [2001] The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herbal medicine Catuama® and its constituents.
- [1999] Effect of lupeol and lupeol linoleate on lysosomal enzymes and collagen in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
Other Resources
- [2013] Antimicrobial activity of amazonian medicinal plants.
- [2005] The healing power of rainforest herbs: A guide to understanding and using herbal medicinals.