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Muira Puama powder

Also known as: Muira Puama, Potency Wood, Brazilian Viagra, Ptychopetalum olacoides

Overview

Muira Puama, scientifically known as *Ptychopetalum olacoides*, is a bush native to the Amazon region. Its wood and root are traditionally used in Amazonian medicine to create medicinal preparations. It has been primarily used for sexual disorders, to increase sexual desire, and to address menstrual disorders and joint pain. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The active compounds responsible for its purported effects are not well understood, and research is still in its early stages. Most available evidence comes from small-scale, uncontrolled studies or studies involving combination products, which do not provide high-quality evidence. Therefore, while Muira Puama is a popular herbal supplement, its efficacy and safety require further investigation through robust clinical trials.

Benefits

The evidence supporting the claimed benefits of Muira Puama is limited. Some studies, such as one involving 262 men with a loss of sexual desire, reported that 60% indicated improvement after taking Muira Puama extract (1 to 1.5 g daily) for 2 weeks. However, this study lacked a control group and robust methodology. Another study involving a combination product (Revactin) containing Muira Puama showed early improvement in erectile function in about 50% of patients, but this was not a Muira Puama-only study. There is no strong evidence to support other purported benefits, such as improvements in athletic performance, brain and nerve disorders, indigestion, joint pain, or menstrual disorders. The benefits, if any, appear to be more anecdotal and not well-documented for specific populations.

How it works

The exact mechanism of action of Muira Puama is currently unclear. It is speculated that it may influence sexual function through unknown biochemical pathways, possibly involving the iNOS-cGMP pathway, but this has not been definitively established. There is a lack of clear understanding regarding how Muira Puama interacts with body systems to produce its purported effects. Information on the absorption and bioavailability of Muira Puama is also lacking, making it difficult to determine how it is processed and utilized by the body. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms through which Muira Puama may exert its effects.

Side effects

Muira Puama is possibly safe when taken orally at doses of 500-1050 mg daily for up to 1 month, but there is insufficient information to determine its long-term safety. Mild adverse reactions reported in combination product studies include stomach bloating, discomfort, dyspepsia, nausea, burping, migraine, headache, nervousness, and agitation. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety studies, there is insufficient data to identify uncommon or rare side effects. There are no well-documented drug interactions. Use is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. It should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and there is insufficient information for use in children or other special populations. Caution and consultation with a healthcare professional are advised before use.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose for Muira Puama due to the lack of quality clinical trials. Studies have used doses ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/day, but these are not based on robust clinical evidence. The maximum safe dose is not established, with safety data limited to short-term use (up to 1 month). There are no specific timing recommendations or form-specific recommendations available. Information on absorption factors is also lacking. Given the limited research, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Muira Puama to determine an appropriate and safe dosage.

FAQs

Is Muira Puama safe?

Muira Puama is possibly safe for short-term use (up to 1 month), but long-term safety data is lacking. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

How should I take Muira Puama?

There are no specific timing or administration guidelines. Studies have used doses from 0.5 to 1.5 g/day, but consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What results can I expect from Muira Puama?

Any benefits are anecdotal and not supported by robust clinical evidence. It is often misconceived as a proven treatment for sexual dysfunction, but the evidence is insufficient.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes, Muira Puama is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Consult with a healthcare professional before use if you have any underlying health conditions.

Research Sources

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-574/muira-puama – WebMD provides general information on Muira Puama, including its uses, effectiveness, side effects, interactions, dosage, and safety concerns. It highlights that while Muira Puama is used for various conditions, there is often limited scientific evidence to support these uses. The resource emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before using Muira Puama.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/muira-puama.html – Drugs.com offers comprehensive information on Muira Puama, covering its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes that Muira Puama has been used for sexual disorders and other conditions, but the evidence supporting these uses is limited. The resource also provides details on potential side effects and interactions, advising caution and consultation with a healthcare provider.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X23001466 – This ScienceDirect article likely discusses the chemical composition or pharmacological properties of Muira Puama. Access to the full article would provide more specific details, but ScienceDirect is a reputable source for scientific research. The abstract would likely summarize the study's objectives, methods, and key findings related to Muira Puama's potential mechanisms of action or active compounds.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32967062/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study investigating the effects of Muira Puama or its components. PubMed is a database of biomedical literature, and the abstract would summarize the study's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. The study may focus on Muira Puama's impact on sexual function, cognitive performance, or other health outcomes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090598X16300092 – This ScienceDirect article likely explores the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, or pharmacological activities of Muira Puama. Access to the full article would provide more detailed information, but ScienceDirect is a reliable source for scientific research. The abstract would likely summarize the study's objectives, methods, and key findings related to Muira Puama's traditional uses and potential health benefits.