Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Muira Puama Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Muira puama, potency wood, Ptychopetalum olacoides

Overview

Muira puama, scientifically known as Ptychopetalum olacoides, is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, particularly Brazil. Traditionally, its bark and roots have been utilized in herbal medicine for their purported benefits in addressing sexual dysfunction, enhancing libido, and serving as a general tonic for energy and cognitive function. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, sterols, and flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. While anecdotal evidence and traditional use are widespread, scientific research on muira puama, especially in human subjects, remains somewhat limited. Most available human evidence stems from small clinical trials or studies where muira puama is part of a multi-ingredient supplement, and animal studies provide further mechanistic insights. The overall quality of evidence is considered moderate to low, with a notable absence of large-scale, rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically investigating muira puama as a standalone intervention.

Benefits

Muira puama is primarily recognized for its potential to improve sexual function, particularly libido and erectile quality. Some studies, often involving multi-ingredient supplements, have reported increases in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores by approximately 3–4 points after 8 weeks of supplementation, which is considered a modest but clinically relevant improvement for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Beyond sexual health, animal models suggest potential cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, hinting at possible neuroprotective effects. Secondary benefits observed in vitro and in animal studies include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antimicrobial activity against certain pathogenic bacteria. Specific populations may benefit more; for instance, postmenopausal women have reported increased sexual desire and orgasm frequency when using a muira puama-containing supplement. Middle-aged men with erectile dysfunction have also shown improved erectile function scores in multi-ingredient formulations, though the isolated effect of muira puama in these cases is not definitively established. Benefits typically manifest after 6–8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Muira puama is believed to exert its effects primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, which may contribute to enhanced sexual sensitivity and response. In animal studies, it has demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibition in brain regions associated with cognition, suggesting a potential role in cholinergic modulation and neuroprotection. Furthermore, some research indicates that muira puama may influence nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, which could improve erectile function through vascular mechanisms, although this has been primarily observed in animal models combining muira puama with other supplements. The various bioactive compounds present in the plant, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, are thought to contribute to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. However, detailed human pharmacokinetic and bioavailability data for muira puama are currently lacking.

Side effects

Muira puama is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile, with reported side effects typically being minor and observed in studies involving multi-ingredient supplements. These include mild symptoms such as sleeplessness, headaches, and heartburn. There have been no well-documented serious adverse effects or significant drug interactions reported in the available literature. However, due to the limited clinical data, contraindications and specific considerations for special populations are not yet well established. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing central nervous system (CNS) disorders or those who are currently taking other CNS stimulants, as muira puama may exacerbate their effects. Comprehensive safety data for long-term use are also currently insufficient, warranting a cautious approach for extended supplementation.

Dosage

There is no standardized or universally established dosing guideline for Muira puama due to the limited number of rigorous clinical trials. Studies that have reported efficacy, often as part of multi-ingredient formulations, typically utilized extracts in doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg daily. These doses were frequently combined with other herbal ingredients, making it challenging to isolate the optimal dosage for muira puama alone. The ideal timing of administration, specific formulation (e.g., bark extract vs. root extract), and absorption factors are not well characterized. Further research is needed to determine the most effective and safe dosage ranges, as well as any potential upper limits or safety thresholds for isolated muira puama supplementation. Users should be aware that the efficacy and safety at higher doses or for prolonged periods are not yet fully understood.

FAQs

Is muira puama effective alone for ED?

Evidence is limited; most positive human data come from multi-ingredient supplements, making it unclear how effective muira puama is when used in isolation for erectile dysfunction.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Based on available human studies, benefits from muira puama supplementation typically begin to manifest after approximately 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Safety data for muira puama beyond short-term use are currently lacking, so its long-term safety profile has not been definitively established.

Does it improve cognitive function in humans?

While animal studies suggest potential cognitive benefits, there is currently insufficient human evidence to confirm that muira puama improves cognitive function in people.

Research Sources

https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/muira-puama.html – This source provides general herbal facts about Muira puama, including its traditional uses and basic characteristics. It serves as a foundational reference for understanding the plant's background and common applications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7340557/ – This article, likely a research paper, discusses the effects of Muira puama, potentially focusing on its neuroprotective or cognitive benefits. It contributes to understanding the mechanistic insights derived from animal studies.
https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250627-564/pdf/JOMH2025032002.pdf – This PDF likely represents a systematic review or a comprehensive research article on Muira puama, possibly detailing its effects on sexual function and CNS stimulation. It provides a broader overview of the existing evidence, including limitations.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-574/muira-puama – This WebMD entry offers a consumer-friendly overview of Muira puama, covering its uses, potential side effects, and general safety information. It provides a quick reference for common questions and concerns.
https://www.jomh.org/articles/10.22514/jomh.2025.076/htm – This article from JOMH (Journal of Men's Health) likely focuses on Muira puama's impact on men's health, particularly sexual function. It could detail specific study findings related to erectile dysfunction or libido enhancement.