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Muira Puama Bark Extract

Also known as: Muira Puama, Potency Wood, Marapama, Ptychopetalum olacoides

Overview

Muira Puama, scientifically known as *Ptychopetalum olacoides*, is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. Its wood and root are traditionally used in herbal medicine. It's often marketed as an aphrodisiac and for its potential to address sexual disorders, menstrual problems, joint pain, and cognitive decline. The extract contains bioactive compounds like alkaloids (magnoflorine, menisperine), sesquiterpenoid tropolone glycosides, and phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, ferulic acid). While it has a history of traditional use, scientific research on Muira Puama is limited, with a lack of robust clinical trials to confirm its efficacy. Available studies are often small-scale, uncontrolled, or involve combination products, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its benefits and safety. More high-quality research is needed to validate its purported effects.

Benefits

Evidence supporting the benefits of Muira Puama is limited. Some small, uncontrolled studies suggest potential improvements in sexual desire. One study involving 262 men reported that 60% experienced improved sexual desire after taking 1 to 1.5 g of Muira Puama extract daily for 2 weeks; however, the lack of a control group weakens this evidence. A pilot study using a combination product containing Muira Puama showed early improvement in erectile function in about 50% of men with erectile dysfunction, but the effect cannot be attributed solely to Muira Puama. Preclinical studies in rodents suggest potential benefits for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, but these findings have not been replicated in human clinical trials. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support specific benefits for any particular population.

How it works

The exact mechanism of action of Muira Puama is not fully understood. It is speculated that it may influence the iNOS-cGMP pathway, which is involved in regulating blood flow and smooth muscle relaxation, potentially explaining its purported effects on erectile function. The bioactive compounds in Muira Puama may interact with the nervous and cardiovascular systems, but the specific interactions and molecular targets remain unclear. Information on the absorption and bioavailability of Muira Puama's active compounds is also lacking, making it difficult to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.

Side effects

Muira Puama is considered possibly safe for short-term oral use at doses of 500-1050 mg daily for up to 1 month. However, long-term safety data is lacking. Mild adverse reactions reported in studies involving combination products include stomach bloating, discomfort, dyspepsia, nausea, burping, migraine, headache, nervousness, and agitation. No severe adverse reactions have been reported in the available studies, but the sample sizes are small. Due to limited research, well-documented drug interactions are not available. Use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before using Muira Puama.

Dosage

Due to the lack of high-quality clinical trials, there is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for Muira Puama. Some studies have used doses ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/day, but these are based on limited and uncontrolled trials. A dose of up to 500 mg daily for 3 months has been used without severe adverse reactions in small-scale studies. There is no clear guidance on timing, but some studies suggest benefits may be evident within 24 hours to 2 weeks. Information on absorption factors is lacking, and there is no evidence to suggest the need for specific cofactors. Until more research is available, it is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Muira Puama.

FAQs

Is Muira Puama safe?

Muira Puama is possibly safe for short-term use but lacks long-term safety data. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

When should I take Muira Puama?

There is no clear guidance on the optimal timing or administration schedule due to limited research. Follow the directions of a healthcare provider if they recommend this supplement.

What results can I expect from Muira Puama?

Any benefits are based on limited and uncontrolled studies, so expected results are uncertain. Scientific evidence supporting the various health claims is weak.

What is Muira Puama used for?

Muira Puama is traditionally used for sexual disorders, menstrual problems, and joint pain. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is weak and more research is needed.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/muira-puama.html – This Drugs.com page provides general information about Muira Puama, including its uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It highlights that evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and primarily based on small or uncontrolled studies, emphasizing the need for further research to validate its claimed benefits.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21044675/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study or review related to Muira Puama. Without the full text, it's difficult to provide a detailed summary, but PubMed entries typically offer abstracts summarizing the study's objectives, methods, results, and conclusions, which would be crucial for assessing the research's quality and findings.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-574/muira-puama – This WebMD page offers an overview of Muira Puama, including its uses, effectiveness, side effects, and precautions. It notes that while Muira Puama is used for various conditions, there is often insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness, and it advises caution and consultation with a healthcare professional before use.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34235823/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study or review related to Muira Puama. Without the full text, it's difficult to provide a detailed summary, but PubMed entries typically offer abstracts summarizing the study's objectives, methods, results, and conclusions, which would be crucial for assessing the research's quality and findings.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996911001451 – This ScienceDirect article likely presents research on Muira Puama, potentially focusing on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, or clinical applications. The abstract would provide key details about the study's design, findings, and implications, allowing for an assessment of the evidence supporting its use.