Muria Puama Extract
Also known as: Muira Puama, potency wood, marapuama, Ptychopetalum olacoides
Overview
Muira Puama extract is derived from the bark and roots of *Ptychopetalum olacoides*, a plant indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. Historically, it has been utilized as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic in traditional medicine. In contemporary dietary supplements, its primary application is for enhancing sexual health, particularly in cases of erectile dysfunction (ED), and occasionally for cognitive improvement or mood support. The extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including sterols, triterpenes, and alkaloids, which are believed to contribute to its effects. While research on Muira Puama is emerging, the current evidence base is limited in scope and quality. Although some clinical trials have explored its impact on sexual function, the overall body of evidence is not yet robust, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and no large-scale meta-analyses focusing exclusively on Muira Puama.
Benefits
Muira Puama is primarily purported to enhance erectile function and sexual desire. Some studies indicate improvements in nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) and subjective measures of erectile function when Muira Puama is incorporated into combination supplements or used as a single agent. There is also preliminary evidence suggesting that Muira Puama may help alleviate symptoms of constipation when combined with other botanicals, with one study reporting significant increases in stool frequency and softer stool consistency (p < 0.0001). Additionally, it may offer mild mood-enhancing effects. Most research targets men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, including age-related ED. While improvements in NPT and erectile rigidity have been reported, effect sizes vary and are sometimes modest. Benefits on sexual function have been observed in studies ranging from 25 days to 3 months.
How it works
Muira Puama is believed to exert its effects through multiple pathways. It may modulate central nervous system pathways involved in sexual arousal and mood, potentially acting as a nerve tonic. The extract is also thought to enhance nitric oxide (NO) pathways, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow to penile tissue, which is crucial for erectile function. Furthermore, it may facilitate erection by promoting the relaxation of penile smooth muscle. While these mechanisms are proposed, the exact molecular targets and comprehensive understanding of its action remain unclear due to limited mechanistic studies. Oral administration is standard in trials, but specific bioavailability data are sparse.
Side effects
Muira Puama generally appears safe when consumed within typical supplement dosages. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs infrequently. To date, no serious adverse effects have been documented in controlled clinical trials. While there are no well-documented drug interactions, caution is advised when Muira Puama is used concurrently with other vasodilators or psychoactive medications due to potential additive effects. Contraindications are not well-defined, but due to a lack of sufficient data, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women exercise caution. The safety of Muira Puama in children and individuals with significant pre-existing medical conditions or comorbidities has not been established, warranting careful consideration in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Muira Puama has not been definitively established, as clinical studies have utilized varying dosages, often within combination formulas. Typical supplement dosages range from 100 mg to 500 mg of standardized extract daily. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, as no dose-limiting toxicity has been reported in trials. Muira Puama is usually administered daily; some studies have employed pre-sleep dosing for enhancing sexual function. For optimal results, extracts standardized to bioactive components are preferred. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance absorption, though bioavailability may be improved when taken with food.
FAQs
Is Muira Puama effective for erectile dysfunction?
Some evidence suggests it may improve erectile function, especially when combined with other supplements. However, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials focusing solely on Muira Puama are currently lacking.
Is it safe to use long-term?
Short-term use of Muira Puama appears generally safe. However, there is insufficient data available to definitively assess its safety for long-term use.
When can results be expected?
Studies have reported observed benefits for sexual function within a timeframe ranging from 4 weeks to 3 months of consistent use.
Can it be used alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence regarding Muira Puama's efficacy comes from studies where it was part of combination supplements. Further research is needed to fully understand its isolated effects.
Research Sources
- http://sif2022-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/file_it/1788/Borrelli_2018_Drugs.pdf – This systematic review assessed various herbal supplements for erectile dysfunction (ED). It noted that while Muira Puama was mentioned in combination therapies, there was a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically on Muira Puama alone, highlighting methodological weaknesses in many herbal monopreparation studies.
- https://journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/2019/10001/510_ginger,_paullinia_cupana,_muira_puama,_and.510.aspx – This small randomized controlled trial (n=17) investigated a combination supplement, including Muira Puama, for severe constipation. The study found significant improvements in stool frequency, consistency, and reduced abdominal pain (p < 0.0001), though the small sample size and combination formulation limit the ability to isolate Muira Puama's specific effect.
- https://ricerca.uniba.it/retrieve/37e2e729-d459-4b5a-9cf6-e4c30b19de33/nutrients-15-03677.pdf – This systematic review of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction included studies where Muira Puama was part of combination supplements. It reported improvements in nocturnal penile tumescence and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, but noted that the evidence often came from small, short-duration studies with mixed populations, lacking large-scale confirmatory trials.
- https://www.longdom.org/open-access-pdfs/lcitrulline-and-beet-root-supplement-improves-nighttime-erections.pdf – This study evaluated a supplement containing Muira Puama, L-Citrulline, and beet root on nighttime erections in men with ED. It found that the supplement improved the intensity and duration of erections without adverse effects, although the frequency did not significantly change. The study was limited by its small sample size and the use of a combination product.
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