Damiana Extract
Also known as: Turnera diffusa, Damiana, Mexican damiana, Oreganillo
Overview
Damiana, scientifically known as *Turnera diffusa*, is a shrub native to Central and South America with a long history of traditional use as an aphrodisiac and mood enhancer. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like apigenin and naringenin, as well as arbutin and terpenoids. Current research explores its potential benefits in sexual health, particularly for female sexual dysfunction, neuroprotection through MAO-A inhibition, dermatological applications such as UV protection, and cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines. While traditional uses have moderate supporting evidence, research into novel applications is still in early stages, requiring further validation through clinical trials. Damiana is available in various forms, including dried leaf, extracts, and capsules.
Benefits
Damiana extract shows promise in several areas. For female sexual dysfunction, a systematic review indicated improved sexual satisfaction, although the study quality was moderate. In vitro studies suggest UV protection, with a 50 μg/mL extract reducing MMP-1 by 48.4% and MMP-3 by 30.6% in keratinocytes. Furthermore, methanolic extracts have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects against multiple myeloma and breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Secondary benefits include mood modulation due to MAO-A inhibition and antioxidant capacity through flavonoid-mediated ROS reduction. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in human populations.
How it works
Damiana's mechanism of action involves several pathways. It protects collagen by downregulating MMP-1 and MMP-3 via TGF-β1/Smad7 pathway activation. Its cytotoxic effects are attributed to flavonoid-induced apoptosis, although the exact pathways remain undefined. The aphrodisiac effects may involve aromatase inhibition and dopaminergic modulation. The bioavailability of damiana's active compounds, particularly flavonoids, is not well-established, but they likely undergo phase II metabolism. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying damiana's various effects.
Side effects
Common side effects of damiana include mild gastrointestinal distress, which is often dose-dependent. Uncommon side effects reported at higher doses include headaches and insomnia. Rare side effects include case reports of hypoglycemia. Damiana may interact with MAOIs, antidiabetic medications, and CNS depressants. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its emmenagogue potential and in individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers. Due to limited long-term safety data, caution is advised, and periodic cycling is recommended. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using damiana.
Dosage
For traditional use, the recommended dosage is 2-4g of dried leaf taken up to three times daily. Extracts are typically dosed at 100-300mg, standardized to contain at least 1% flavonoids. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but it is advisable to avoid exceeding 1g per kilogram of body weight. Damiana is best taken with meals to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. Evening doses may affect sleep in some individuals. Due to limited data, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated.
FAQs
Does it work for male sexual health?
Animal studies show some promise, but human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to support its use for male sexual health.
How long until effects?
The effects on sexual health may take 2-4 weeks to manifest. Antioxidant effects, observed in in vitro studies, are immediate but may not translate directly to human experiences.
Is it safe long-term?
There are no studies evaluating the long-term safety of damiana beyond three months. Periodic cycling is recommended to mitigate potential risks.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9182839/ – This in vitro study examined the effects of damiana extract on HaCaT and HDF cells. The findings indicated that a 50μg/mL concentration of the extract normalized TGF-β1 (+43.5%) and Smad7 (-95.5%) levels post-UVB exposure, suggesting a potential mechanism for UV protection. However, the study is limited by its in vitro design and requires further validation in human trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6429218/ – This in vitro research investigated the cytotoxic effects of damiana extract on multiple myeloma cell lines. The study found that apigenin and naringenin, components of damiana, exhibited anti-proliferative effects. While these findings suggest potential anti-cancer properties, the study's in vitro nature necessitates in vivo validation to confirm these effects in a living system.
- https://www.scirp.org/html/3-1990145_99789.htm – This systematic review analyzed the effects of damiana on 201 women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The review indicated positive trends in improved sexual satisfaction, but the overall quality of the included studies was moderate, and there was a high risk of bias. The heterogeneity of interventions used in the studies also limits the strength of the conclusions.
- https://consensus.app/results/?q=Does+Damiana+have+protective+effects+against+testicular+toxicity+caused+by+certain+medications%3F&pro=on – This source suggests that Damiana may have protective effects against testicular toxicity caused by certain medications. However, the evidence is preliminary and requires further investigation to confirm these effects and understand the underlying mechanisms.
- https://newdrugapprovals.org/2013/12/10/us-herbs-damiana-reported-to-be-an-aphrodisiac-stimulant-mood-elevator/comment-page-1/ – This source reports that Damiana is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, and mood elevator. However, it's important to note that this information is based on traditional use and anecdotal evidence, and further scientific research is needed to validate these claims.
