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Muira Puama Bark Powder

Also known as: Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth., Ptychopetalum uncinatum Anselm., Liriosma ovata Miers., Muira puama, Marapuama, Potency wood, Mirantã, Composita, Pilula potentin, Raiz del macho, Ptychopetalum olacoides

Overview

Muira puama, scientifically known as Ptychopetalum olacoides, is a small tree native to the Amazon rainforest. The bark and roots of this tree have been traditionally used in folk medicine for their purported aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties. It is often included in herbal formulations aimed at improving sexual function, reducing fatigue, and enhancing cognitive function. While it has a long history of traditional use, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in humans remains limited and preliminary. Most clinical data comes from studies involving combination products or animal models, and there is a lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating muira puama alone. The active constituents are believed to include alkaloids like muirapuamine. It is available in various forms, including bark powder, extracts, and capsules.

Benefits

Muira puama is traditionally used for several potential benefits, though scientific evidence varies. Animal studies suggest it may improve erectile function through mechanisms similar to PDE5 inhibitors, possibly involving nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways. Some open-label studies have indicated that muira puama extract may improve libido and sexual desire in men and postmenopausal women, particularly when combined with other ingredients like Ginkgo biloba. Animal research also points to potential cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, suggesting possible applications in cognitive decline. Furthermore, in vitro and animal studies support its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, potentially offering protection against stress and inflammation. However, most human studies involve multi-ingredient supplements, making it difficult to attribute benefits solely to muira puama.

How it works

Muira puama's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but research suggests several potential pathways. Its active constituents, including alkaloids like muirapuamine, may contribute to its pharmacological effects. Animal studies indicate that muira puama can enhance nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and activate the iNOS-cGMP pathway in cavernosal smooth muscle, potentially improving erectile function. In vitro and animal models have also demonstrated effects on estrogen receptors and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, suggesting possible neuroprotective and cognitive benefits. However, the exact bioactive compounds and their pharmacokinetics in humans remain unclear, and data on absorption and bioavailability are lacking.

Side effects

Muira puama is considered possibly safe when taken orally at doses of 500–1050 mg daily for up to one month, based on limited data. Common side effects reported in combination supplement studies include sleeplessness, headaches, heartburn, stomach bloating, nausea, burping, migraine, nervousness, and agitation. No severe adverse reactions have been reported in small clinical studies, but data are insufficient to fully characterize rare events. There are no well-documented drug interactions. Due to a lack of safety data, avoidance is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution is advised in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Long-term safety data are lacking, and the potential for interactions with other medications or supplements should be considered.

Dosage

Due to the lack of high-quality clinical trials, there is no standardized dosing established for muira puama. Doses used in studies range from 500 mg to 1.5 g daily of muira puama extract, often as part of multi-ingredient supplements. The duration of use in studies typically ranges from 2 weeks to 3 months. There are no data on the maximum safe dose or long-term safety. Absorption and required cofactors are not well-studied. It is important to note that most studies involve combination products, making it difficult to determine the optimal dosage for muira puama alone. Individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using muira puama, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

FAQs

Is muira puama effective for erectile dysfunction?

Evidence is limited and primarily from animal studies or multi-ingredient supplements. Isolated effects in humans remain unproven. More research is needed to determine its efficacy for erectile dysfunction.

Is it safe to use long-term?

Safety beyond 1 month is unknown. Short-term use appears well-tolerated in some studies, but further research is needed to assess long-term safety.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

No safety data are available regarding the use of muira puama during pregnancy. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How soon might benefits appear?

Some studies report improvements within 1–2 weeks, but these are preliminary findings. The onset of benefits may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated.

Does muira puama work alone or only in combination?

Most human data involve combination products, making it difficult to determine the isolated efficacy of muira puama. Further research is needed to assess its effects when used alone.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7340557/ – This article discusses various herbal aphrodisiacs and their potential mechanisms of action. While it mentions muira puama, it highlights the limited human data and the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10490034/ – This study investigated the effects of a multi-ingredient supplement containing muira puama on erectile function in men. The results showed improvements in erectile function, but it's difficult to attribute the effects solely to muira puama due to the combination of ingredients.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-574/muira-puama – WebMD provides general information about muira puama, including its uses, potential benefits, and side effects. It notes that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for various conditions.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/muira-puama.html – Drugs.com offers information on muira puama, including its traditional uses and potential benefits. It also mentions the lack of high-quality clinical trials to support its efficacy.
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/muira-puama.html – The University of Texas at El Paso's Herbal Safety website provides a fact sheet on muira puama, covering its uses, safety concerns, and potential interactions. It emphasizes the need for caution and further research.