Muira Puama in Herbal Medicine: Property of Muira Puama

Scientific name

Ptychopetalum olacoides

Family

Olacaceae

Origin

Brazil

Synonyms

Parts Used

Drug consisting of the wood of the trunk and the roots

Chemical constituents

• Esters of triterpenic acids;
• Phytosterols;
• Essential oil;
• Resin;
• Tannins;
• Flavonoids;
• Alkaloids.

Muira Puama in Herbal Medicine: Property of Muira Puama

The empirical use of Muira Puama as an aphrodisiac has made this plant popular, also used as a CNS stimulant and as a tonic; however, adequate clinical pharmacology research is lacking, in particular studies that confirm its efficacy and safety.