Muira puama is the name that native tribes from Brazil gave to a tree called Ptychopetalum olacoides. This tree from the Amazonian rainforest is famous for its aphrodisiac properties. But there are many other benefits to this tree! Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this natural remedy.
Where does Muira Puama Come From?
The Ptychopetalum trees grow naturally in the Amazonian rainforest, mostly in Brazil. In this area, you can find two different species of Ptychopetalum trees: the P. uncinatum and the P. olacoides. While sometimes both species are used interchangeably, in this article we will refer to P. olacoides.
For many generations, Ptychopetalum olacoides has been very popular in the Brazilian area of Rio Negro, a tributary of the Amazon river. This tree was an important part of folk medicine for this culture. The indigenous people from Rio Negro used to call P. olacaoides “muira puama”, which means “potency wood”. As you can guess, this name referred to the aphrodisiac properties of this tree.
The native population of the Brazilian Amazon have used muira puama as a natural remedy for many conditions for many centuries. Especially for increasing libido and treating erectile dysfunction. But they also used the bark and roots of these trees as a remedy for menstrual problems, rheumatism, flu, cardiac and gastrointestinal issues, and even to prevent baldness.
Active Elements and Pharmacology
The first research on muira puama took place in the 1920s. Since then, this tree has been subject to many scientific studies.
Thanks to this research, we know that some of the main compounds of muira puama are:
- Alkaloid muirapuamine
- Fatty acids and esters
- Triterpenes
- Plant sterols
- Sesquiterpenes
- Monoterpenes
- Diterpenoids
If you want to learn more about the compounds of muira puama, you can check this study.
Many of the first studies on Ptychopetalum olacoides focused on its effectiveness in treating libido-related issues. However, recent research aims to prove its efficacy in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and treating cognistive issues, especially those related to memory loss.
Uses of Muira Puama
The most popular use of muira puama is as an aphrodisiac. Nonetheless, you can use it for other maladies or problems.
Muira puama uses and effects include:
Aphrodisiac
This plant can increase the libido in both men and women. As a result, muira puama is a great natural aphrodisiac, which is sometimes referred to as “Amazon Viagra”. If you are suffering from lack of sexual desire, this natural remedy can give you a boost that will help you fight it. So, if you are suffering from a lack of sex drive due to kratom consumption, this plant may be very helpful.
Erectile dysfunction
This tree has been a traditional remedy for erectile dysfunction for many generations. It can increase blood flow to the pelvic area, which results in more (and firmer) erections, and longer-lasting orgasms.
Menstrual disorders
This herb can also be a women ally. If you are suffering from menstrual disorders, such as menstrual cramps or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), muira puama may help you alleviate the symptoms.
Menopause symptoms
Women coping with the symptoms of menopause can also find muira puama very useful. It can improve the hormone balance and ease the symptoms, such as hot flashes.
Upset stomach
You can also use this plant if you are suffering from upset stomach. However, if you are suffering from peptic ulcer you should avoid this plant, as we will show you later in this post.
Joint pain
The soothing properties of muira puama can help you if you are suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, or other conditions that cause joint pain. While these properties are not very potent, they can be of help if you are suffering from mild to moderate pain.
Memory improvement
The neuroprotective properties of m. puama help you improve your memory and focus. In fact, there are many studies aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of Ptychopetalum olacoides in fighting Alzheimer’s disease or improve cognitive disorders.
You can also use this plant as a general tonic or as an appetite stimulant. It is also said to enhance fertility. While its effectiveness in treating baldness is not proven yet, there are studies that confirm its antioxidant properties. And antioxidants can be very helpful in fighting hair loss.
Muira Puama Side Effects
Even though muira puama is a very safe substance, it has some side effects that you must consider. In most cases, these side effects are linked to high doses:
- It can raise blood pressure: If your blood pressure is high, you should be cautious, as this plant can raise your blood pressure, especially at high doses.
- Anxiety and insomnia: Due to its stimulant effects, high doses of m. puama could produce anxiety or insomnia. Prolonged use could also provoke these side effects.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Muira puama also acts as acetylcholinesterase. Although thanks to this property this herbal product can be effective in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, it can also bring about gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or vomiting. Anticholinesterases also increase gastric acid secretion. That is why you should avoid muira puama if you are suffering from peptic ulcer.
But muira puama also has mild antidepressant effects, so you should not consume this herb if you are using antidepressants.
The impact of muira puama in pregnancy and lactation is not documented. Because of that, it is better to avoid its use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Take Muira Puama
If you want to consume muira puama, it is recommendable you use a 4:1 extract. If you buy this plant in powder, you can use it to prepare a tea or a tincture with alcohol.
In any case, the effects of muira puama are not immediate. Usually, you must consume it daily for about two weeks before you start noticing its effects.
Dosage of Muira Puama
This is the dosage guide for a muira puama 4:1 extract, which is the most common format of muira puama. If you are using a different format, follow the instructions provided by your vendor.
- 4:1 tincture: 2 -4 ml twice a day
- 4:1 powder extract: 1 -2 grams twice a day
Where Can You Find Muira Puama?
Thanks to its popularity, you can find muira puama very easily, from your local natural store to Amazon. It is a legal substance and you will not find any problems if you want to buy it.
However, before buying muira puama you need to make sure you are buying Ptychopetalum olacoides. Sometimes, another plant called Liriosma ovata is sold as muira puama. Although Liriosma ovata is also native to Brazil, it is a completely different tree with different compounds and effects.
On the other hand, there are many sources that do not recommend pills of muira puama. The reason is that the active compounds responsible for enhancing the libido and fighting erectile dysfunction may not be soluble in water. Due to this, many people recommend consuming muira puama in alcohol tincture.
