Muira puama, (Liriosma ovata), is a small tree native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. It is known for its traditional use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac and tonic for sexual health, which is why it’s often known as Potency Wood. Various parts of the muira puama tree, including its bark, roots and stems are used to prepare herbal remedies.

Active Ingredients in Muira Puama

Muira puama contains various active compounds that contribute to its purported health benefits.

Some of the key active ingredients found in muira puama include:

Terpenes: Muira puama contains several terpenes, such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and camphene, which are aromatic compounds with potential health-promoting properties.

Alkaloids: These nitrogen-containing compounds are thought to contribute to muira puama’s effects on the nervous system. One of the primary alkaloids in muira puama is muirapuamine, which may have stimulating properties.

Sterols: Sterols are plant-derived compounds that resemble cholesterol and are believed to support overall health. Muira puama contains beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and other sterols that may contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Flavonoids: Flavonoids are antioxidants found in various plants and are known for their potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Muira puama contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which may play a role in its antioxidant effects.

Essential oils: Muira puama also contains essential oils, which are volatile compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma. These oils may contribute to its overall therapeutic effects.

Fatty acids: Muira puama contains fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, which are essential for various physiological functions in the body.

These active ingredients work together synergistically to exert potential benefits on sexual health, cognitive function, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of muira puama.

Muira Puama Health Benefits

Muira Puama is one of the most active botanicals with a long history of traditional use as an energy tonic, general health improver and remedy for impotence & sexual insufficiency. It is used around the World today for its various health benefits. It is known in some circles as “the Viagra of the Amazon” and in fact, many people now consider it the new Yohimbe but with considerably less possible side effects.

Muira Puama in Herbal Medicine Around the World

In Brazil and South American herbal medicine it is used a neuro-muscular tonic, for asthenia, paralysis, chronic rheumatism, sexual impotency, grippe, ataxia, and central nervous system disorders.

In Europe, it has used to treat impotency, infertility, neurasthenia, menstrual disturbances and dysentery. Because of the long history of use in England, it is still listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a noted source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, where it is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

It has been gaining in popularity in the United States where herbalists and health care practitioners are using Muira Puama for impotency, menstrual cramps and PMS, neurasthenia and central nervous system disorders.

Muira puama is believed to have several potential health benefits, including:

Enhancing Sexual Function: Muira puama has a long history of use as a natural aphrodisiac and libido booster. It is believed to improve sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction in both men and women. It can help with reproductive disorders too.

Supporting Erectile Function: Some studies suggest that muira puama may help improve erectile function by increasing blood flow to the genitals and supporting healthy circulation.

Alleviating Stress and Fatigue: Muira puama is often used as an adaptogenic herb, meaning it may help the body adapt to stress and reduce feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. It has been used as a nervous system tonic and to treat cases of mild exhaustion, stress management, trauma and nervous system stimulation.

Promoting Overall Well-being: In traditional medicine, muira puama is used as a general tonic. It can help with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, anti-rheumatic properties and promote vitality and whole body health.

Muira Puama as a Potent Aphrodisiac

Whilst so-called “aphrodisiacs” have come and gone in history, Muira Puama has risen above this class of products and may well provide the most effective natural therapeutic approach for loss of libido in both sexes.

The short term effects of Muira Puama include increasing blood flow to the pelvic area, aiding erections in men as well as sensation and orgasm in women. Longer term use enhances the production of sex hormones in both sexes. It should be noted that, ass with many sexual stimulants, it can slightly raise blood pressure.

Muira Puama Aphrodisiac Research

The roots of this Amazonian tree were the subject of a study conducted by the UCLA School of Medicine. The study showed a significant improvement in both erectile function and sexual desire. The Amazon natives have known this for centuries, as this herb has been widely used as an aphrodisiac by both men and women, and is commonly known as “potent wood”.

Two French studies showed that Muira Puama seemed to improve libido and sexual function. Scientists also believe that this herb increases testosterone levels, though this has not yet been clinically proven.

A clinical study with 262 patients complaining of lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection demonstrated Muira Puama extract to be effective in many cases. Within 2 weeks, at a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract, 62% of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect while 51 percent of patients with “erection failures” felt that muira Puama was of benefit.

Primary chemical constituents of muira Puama include alkaloids (specifically muirapuamine), esters, plant sterols, free fatty acids and phytosterols. Presently, the exact mechanism of action of this herb is still under investigation. From the preliminary information, it appears that it works on enhancing both psychological and physical aspects of sexual function.

How To Take Muira Puama

Muira puama is typically consumed as a tea, or as a supplement in various forms such as capsules, powders or tinctures. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using muira puama if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Muira Puama Herb Notes / Side Effects

Muira puama is generally considered safe for most people when used in appropriate doses. However, like any herbal supplement, it may cause side effects in some individuals, particularly when taken in high doses or for prolonged periods.

Some potential side effects of muira puama may include:

Upset stomach: Some people may experience digestive issues such as nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea when taking muira puama supplements.

Headaches: In rare cases, muira puama may cause headaches or migraines, especially when consumed in high doses.

Insomnia: Due to its potential stimulating effects, muira puama may interfere with sleep in some individuals, leading to insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.

Increased heart rate: Muira puama may have mild stimulant effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to palpitations or an increased heart rate in sensitive individuals.

Allergic reactions: Although uncommon, allergic reactions to muira puama supplements are possible in some people, particularly those with sensitivities to plants in the Annonaceae family.

Hormonal effects: Muira puama may affect hormone levels in the body, particularly testosterone and estrogen. While this can be beneficial for some individuals, it may cause hormonal imbalances in others, leading to unwanted side effects.

Drug interactions: Muira puama may interact with certain medications or supplements, particularly those that affect hormone levels or blood clotting. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before combining muira puama with any other medications or supplements.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information available about the safety of muira puama during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using muira puama supplements unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that individual responses to muira puama may vary, and not everyone will experience side effects. However, if you experience any adverse reactions while taking muira puama, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

As with any herbal supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using muira puama if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Latin Name

There is some confusion regarding the scientific name of Muira Puama, and Liriosma ovata and Ptychopetalum olacoides have both been used in the literature. Historically, Ptychopetalum olacoides was the more commonly accepted scientific name. However, more recent botanical research suggests that Muira Puama may be more accurately classified under the genus Liriosma.

There is not a universally agreed-upon botanical classification, and both names may still be encountered. It’s essential to be aware of this taxonomic uncertainty when referring to Muira Puama in scientific or botanical contexts. Always check the most recent botanical literature or consult with botanical experts for the latest information on plant taxonomy.

Common Names

Muira Puama, MaraPuama, Marapama, Potency Wood, Potenzholz, viagra of the Amazon

Properties of Muira Puama

Aphrodisiac, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-stress, Anti-dysenteric, CNS-Stimulant, Nervine, Neurasthenic, Tonic

Muira Puama is Indicated for:

Improving psychological and physical aspects of libido and sexual function, menstrual cramps and PMS, neurasthenia, tonifying the nervous system and for treating cases of mild exhaustion. Helps with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, stress and trauma.