Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides), sometimes called "potency wood," has a long history of traditional use in the Amazon region, particularly in Brazil, as an herbal remedy to enhance libido and treat sexual dysfunction. Indigenous peoples and local herbalists have used extracts from the bark and roots to address low sex drive, erectile difficulties, and general fatigue. The reputation of muira puama as an aphrodisiac is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature, and it is included in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia for these purposes.

From a scientific perspective, the clinical evidence supporting these traditional uses is limited, but a small number of studies lend some preliminary support. One often-cited study (Waynberg, 1990) found that muira puama extract improved libido and sexual function in a significant percentage of participants with self-reported sexual dysfunction. However, this and other trials are small, lack rigorous controls, and are sometimes only available in abstract form or not peer-reviewed. Preclinical studies in animals suggest potential mechanisms, such as increased nerve stimulation and vasodilation, but human data remain sparse.

In summary, while muira puama is traditionally used for low sex drive and there are some promising early findings, robust clinical trials are lacking. The evidence base is not strong enough for unequivocal scientific endorsement at this time; thus, its primary justification remains traditional.

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