Damiana Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Damiana, Damiana Glycerite Liquid Extract, Turnera diffusa
Overview
Damiana, scientifically known as *Turnera diffusa*, is a wild shrub native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. Its leaves and stems are traditionally used to prepare extracts for various medicinal purposes. It is commonly utilized as an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and digestive aid, with historical applications for nervous disorders, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. The glycerite liquid extract form, prepared with glycerin as a solvent, is a popular method for preserving its bioactive compounds for oral administration. While damiana has a long history of traditional use, scientific research is moderate and primarily consists of preclinical studies, with a notable lack of extensive, high-quality clinical trials specifically on the glycerite extract. Broader reviews on *Turnera* species offer some insights into its potential effects.
Benefits
Damiana is primarily recognized for its potential aphrodisiac and sexual function benefits. Traditional use and preliminary clinical observations suggest it may improve libido and sexual satisfaction, particularly in women over 40, with some reports indicating increased sexual frequency and satisfaction, and reduced vaginal dryness. However, these findings are often from observational studies rather than large, rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It is also traditionally used for mood enhancement and to reduce nervousness or stress, with some in vitro studies suggesting that its flavonoid content may possess mild anxiolytic or antidepressant properties, though robust clinical evidence is currently lacking. Additionally, damiana may offer digestive health benefits, potentially improving stomach health and reducing ulcers, but clinical evidence for these effects is insufficient. Preclinical in vitro studies have also identified cytotoxic potential of damiana extracts against certain cancer cell lines, attributed to flavonoids like naringenin and apigenin derivatives, but these findings are not directly translatable to human therapeutic use.
How it works
Damiana's mechanism of action is attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, arbutin, and other phenolic compounds. Some of these constituents are believed to inhibit enzymes such as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and cholinesterases, which could influence neurotransmitter levels and potentially impact mood and cognitive function. The proposed aphrodisiac effect may involve the modulation of hormonal pathways, specifically by slowing the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen. This action could lead to an increase in bioavailable testosterone, particularly in women, thereby enhancing libido. While chlorogenic acid and various flavonoids are considered key active components, the exact compounds responsible for its diverse effects are not yet fully isolated. Data on the absorption and bioavailability of damiana glycerite extracts are not well-characterized.
Side effects
Damiana is generally considered possibly safe when consumed orally at typical doses, with reported side effects being rare. However, caution is advised as it may influence blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. This effect necessitates careful monitoring for individuals with diabetes or those scheduled for surgery. Due to insufficient safety data, damiana is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Very high doses, significantly exceeding typical supplement amounts (e.g., over 200 grams of dried herb), have been associated with toxic effects. While no significant drug interactions have been extensively documented in high-quality studies, theoretical interactions with hypoglycemic agents are possible due to its potential to lower blood glucose. Users should consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing regimen for damiana glycerite liquid extract established through rigorous clinical trials. Dosing recommendations vary widely across traditional uses and commercial products. For instance, while some commercial products like the WILE Libido tincture include damiana in doses considered safe, the exact quantities are often not specified. The minimum effective dose and the maximum safe dose for damiana have not been well-defined due to the lack of comprehensive clinical research. Specific recommendations regarding timing of administration or form-specific absorption factors for glycerite extracts are also not readily available. Typically, glycerite extracts are administered orally in small volumes, but users should adhere to product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Is damiana effective for libido?
Preliminary evidence and traditional use suggest potential benefits for libido, especially in perimenopausal women, but high-quality randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm efficacy.
Is damiana safe to use?
It is generally considered safe at typical doses. However, it should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding, and caution is advised for diabetics or before surgery due to potential blood sugar effects.
How fast do effects appear?
Anecdotal reports on the onset of effects vary widely, and there is no controlled scientific data available to determine the precise time course of damiana's actions.
Can damiana cause side effects?
Side effects are rare at typical doses. However, very high doses can lead to toxicity, and it may affect blood sugar levels, requiring monitoring for certain individuals.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675026/ – This systematic review of the *Turnera* genus bioactivities, including *T. diffusa*, analyzed 92 publications. It found that hydroalcoholic extracts of *T. diffusa* did not show significant antihyperglycemic effects, but implicated flavonoids in analgesic and mood-enhancing effects. The review highlighted the need for further isolation studies of active compounds and noted the prevalence of preclinical data over clinical trials, especially for glycerite extracts.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6429218/ – This in vitro study investigated the cytotoxic effects of damiana extracts on multiple myeloma and breast cancer cell lines. It identified specific flavonoids with cytotoxic properties and suggested potential MAO-A and cholinesterase inhibition. While providing valuable insights into damiana's biochemical interactions at a cellular level, the findings are preclinical and do not directly translate to human therapeutic applications.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-703/damiana – This source provides a general overview of damiana, including its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes that damiana is 'possibly safe' when taken orally in typical doses but advises caution regarding its potential to affect blood sugar levels and contraindications during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- https://wilewomen.com/blogs/journal/damiana-for-libido-and-hormonal-health – This article discusses damiana's role in libido and hormonal health, particularly for women. It references an observational study (cited as Ito et al.) suggesting damiana's inclusion in a supplement improved female sexual function, including increased sexual frequency and satisfaction, and reduced vaginal dryness. However, it acknowledges that this was a compound supplement, not damiana alone, and lacks detailed methodology.
- https://www.ewalia.com/en/ewalia-magic-tips/damiana – This source provides general information on damiana, emphasizing its traditional use for mood enhancement and nervous system support. It briefly mentions the presence of flavonoids and their potential anxiolytic effects, aligning with traditional applications for stress and nervousness, though it does not delve into specific clinical trial data.