Muira Puama
OTHER NAME(S): muarapuama, muira puama, potency wood, Ptychopetalum olacoides
Overview
Muira puama is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. It is available as a dietary supplement and is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac (a product thought to increase sex drive). However, very little research has been done to study this plant. Its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking muira puama, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is muira puama used for?
Muira puama is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac and for improving sexual performance, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed muira puama for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does muira puama work (mechanism of action)?
Muira puama refers to a group of plants from the Amazon rainforest known as Ptychopetalum. Dietary supplements that contain muira puama are usually made from Ptychopetalum olacoides. These products may contain different parts of the plant, including its bark and roots.
Muira puama is often marketed as an aphrodisiac (a product thought to increase sex drive) and to improve sexual performance. But very little research has been done to understand how this plant may work in the body. There is currently no evidence that it can help improve sex drive or sexual performance, and it is not clear how it might work for any use.
Herbal products, like muira puama, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific muira puama product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store muira puama?
You should store muira puama according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of muira puama?
There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by muira puama. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of muira puama that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of muira puama?
While less common, the most serious side effects of muira puama are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Muira puama may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using muira puama and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use muira puama?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use muira puama.
- Muarapuama
- Muira puama
- Potency wood
- Ptychopetalum olacoides
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific muira puama products they stock.
What should I know about muira puama before using it?
Muira puama is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep muira puama out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as muira puama, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific muira puama product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Muira puama is available in many different forms, including as a liquid extract, dried ground powder, or capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
Muira puama may be made from different parts of the plant, including the bark and roots. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.
The FDA has not tested muira puama products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using muira puama?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if muira puama is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how muira puama could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if muira puama passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does muira puama interact with foods or drinks?
There is not enough research to know if muira puama interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.
Does muira puama interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between muira puama and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with muira puama is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking muira puama with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much muira puama?
If you or someone else has used too much muira puama, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use muira puama safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Pharmaceuticals: “Pharmacology of herbal sexual enhancers: a review of psychiatric and neurological adverse effects."
- Sexual Medicine Reviews: “Efficacy and safety of common ingredients in aphrodisiacs used for erectile dysfunction: a review.”
- Translational Andrology and Urology: “Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED.”