This article discusses the science behind Muira Puama; a powerful aphrodisiac which has been shown to be pharmacologically active. This herbal sexual enhancer is most effective in the long/short term and is most effective for men.
Also referred to as “potency wood”, Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum Olacoides) is a native shrub with white flowers found in Brazil and the Amazon Rain Forest. This shrub can reach an impressive 15ft (5m) in height and produces quite strong flowers with a jasmine-like fragrance. It’s found in abundance across the Amazon River basin.
Since before recorded history, Muira Puama has been prized as an herbal medicine by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. Stems and roots of young plants were used for a variety of complaints, but none are as famous as its use as a male aphrodisiac. Muira Puama has now been taken out of the Amazon and into the lab, proving that it may help to significantly improve erectile function and sexual desires in males.
One clinical study took place with over 200 patients who complained of a lack of sexual desire. In other words; males with low libido. Those who were also invited to the study complained of an inability to get and maintain an erection. The trial took place over a 2 week period, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. A daily dose of 1000mg was administered. This is how the results played out:
- An impressive 62% of the male patients complaining about a lack of libido felt “tangible positive effects.”
- An equally impressive 51% complaining of erectile issues also saw a noticeable improvement.
As the study said; “more investigation is needed to determine the exact mechanism”, which means that although these studies were promising, even though test results on real patients with real issues were found, until the actual science of Muira Puama is discovered, scientists can only go so far with any glowing reviews. The good news for any males with erection issues or who are suffering low libido (perhaps due to erection issues), have a powerful means to help combat this sexual wellness issue.
Our Supercharged Long Term formula contains 200mg of 4:1 Muira Puama extract; the same dose that was given the patients in the clinical trials outlined here. Although Muira Puama is known as an Aphrodisiac for males, the surprising results from the clinical trial as well as our panel of 32 volunteers provided results that were too significant to ignore.
Speaking of, although “potency wood” has been used in South America for males, a study was conducted to see if Muira Puama could be effective for females. This study combined Muira Puama with Gingko biloba; another herb that was accidentally found to have a very positive effect on sexual wellness for both men and women. In this study, over 200 women who complained of a low libido participated in a double-blind study. The dosage wasn’t mentioned in the study, but it can be assumed that it was similar to the study with males. This is how the impressive results played out for this study:
- An impressive 65% of the women reported noticeable positive changes in their sexual wellness.
The assessment from the extensive questionnaires that were given showed significant improvement on several fronts; sexual desire frequency and intensity, as well as increased ability and intensity of orgasm at varying degrees for a significant portion of the testing population. In the short term, Muira Puama include appeared to increase the blood flow to the pelvic area, aiding erections in men and offering improved sensation and climaxes in women.
Some herbal aphrodisiacs can have a cumulative effect, which is why the over-the-counter “quick fixes” are often met with disappointment and seen only as marketing hype. But Muira Puama is one of those fast-acting herbs that have tangible short-term effects, verified by informal clinical trials. It also seems to be effective in the long-term as well, which is why Muira Puama is an integral ingredient in several of our Sextracts Sexual Wellness products.
Dr. Jacques Waynberg, is considered a world authority on sexual functioning, and belongs to the Institute of Sexology in Paris. His clinical trials reveal and confirm what the indigenous people of Brazil and the Amazon Basin have known for countless generations; that Muira Puama is effective in increasing libido (sexual desire) in both men and women, and can support healthy and strong erections in males. The plant is so well regarded, that it’s now listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
Typical Traditional Dosage
While Muira puama has been show to be effective when used in teas and capsules, it’s most effective as an extract. At Sextracts Sexual Wellness, we use a 4:1 full spectrum extract that’s equivalent to the 1000mg dose given in the above clinical trial. It’s also highly effective as an ethanolic liquid extract. Our suggested dose is 3-5mL twice a day.
Cautionary Statement(s)
Muira puama is considered a GRAS herb (Generally Regarded As Safe), and despite research showing promise for Muira Puama’s ability to help support healthy blood pressure, those with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using this product.
REFERENCES:
Melnyk, John P., and Massimo F. Marcone. “Aphrodisiacs from Plant and Animal Sources—A Review of Current Scientific Literature.” Food Research International 44.4 (2011): 840-50.
Waynberg, J. Aphrodisiacs: Contributions to the Clinical Validation of the Traditional Use of Ptychopetalum guyanna. Presented at the First International Congress on Ethnopharmacology, Strasbourg, France, June 5–9, 1990.
Waynberg, J. Male Sexual Asthenia—Interest in a Traditional Plant-Derived Medication. Ethnopharmacology, March 1995 (in French).