Muira puama

Photo: Luigiman2007 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Muira Puama

Ptychopetalum olacoides

Family: Olacaceae | Parts Used: Root, bark

Muira Puama, called "potency wood" throughout the Amazon, is a South American herb traditionally used for reproductive health and libido. It functions as a mild stimulant and aphrodisiac, supporting sexual function, male vitality, and hormonal balance. It also has a history of use as a nervous system tonic, and preliminary research investigates its alkaloid and sterol content for effects on nitric oxide and reproductive function.

Reproductive Nervous South American

Traditional Uses

Reproductive tonic
Support for sexual dysfunction
Male vitality support
Hormonal balance support
Nervous system tonic
Body energization and stamina

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

Tincture: 15-30 drops taken once daily.

TCM Profile: Warm, astringent, spicy.

Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance. Clinical safety data for long-term use is limited.

Name Origin: "Muira puama" translates roughly to "potency wood" in the indigenous languages of the Amazon basin, reflecting its primary traditional use as a male reproductive tonic.

Cautions

Limited clinical safety data available. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
May interact with anticoagulant medications.
May affect blood pressure.
Start with low doses to assess tolerance.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to the Amazon region of South America. Grows naturally in tropical rainforests with rich, moist, fertile soil. Not suited to temperate climates.

Sources & Research

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p160

Published Research:

Effect of ginger, Paullinia cupana, muira puama and L-citrulline, singly or in combination, on modulation of the inducible nitric oxide system | Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry (2018)

A combination of ginger, L-citrulline, muira puama and Paullinia cupana for the treatment of erectile dysfunction | Andrology: Open Access (2015)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.