Muira Puama supplement
 

Muira puama, also called "potency wood," is a small tree up to 15 feet in height native to the Brazilian Amazon. The bark and roots are the primary parts of muira puama that are utilized. Indigenous peoples use muira puama for the therapy of sexual debility, fatigue, neuromuscular problems, and rheumatism. Muira puama's botanical name is Ptychopetalum olacoides. Don't be surprised to see muira puama spelled in many different ways, including mara puama, marapuama, and marapama.

Muira Puama supplement: what the Research Says
In 1990, at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, a clinical study with 262 patients complaining of lack of sexual desire demonstrated muira puama extract to be effective. Within two weeks, at a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of muira puama 4:1 extract, 62% of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment was helpful. I found this study mentioned all over the internet, but could not find an official Medline mention.
   In 2000, researchers at the Institute of Sexology published another study. The effectiveness of a herbal formulation of muira puama and Ginkgo biloba was assessed in 202 healthy women complaining of low sex drive. Various aspects of their sex life were rated before and after 1 month of treatment. Statistically significant improvements occurred in frequency of sexual desires, sexual intercourse, and sexual fantasies, as well as in satisfaction with sex life, intensity of sexual desires, excitement of fantasies, ability to reach orgasm, and intensity of orgasm. Reported tolerability of the muira puama and ginkgo combination was good.

How does Muira Pauma work?
The root and bark of muira puama are rich in free long-chain fatty acids, essential oils, plant sterols, coumarin, lupeol, and a new alkaloid named "muirapuamine." Because of its various constituents, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact chemicals in muira puama responsible for its sex boosting effects. One study in rabbits indicates that muira puama has the ability to relax the corpus cavernosa of the penis, thus allowing for engorgement. Another study indicates that muira puama may block an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase. By blocking the activity of this enzyme, more acetylcholine is available in the central nervous system, which may be helpful in Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine is involved in memory, and it also helps dilate blood vessels in the genital region.

Additional benefits of Muira Puama
In my clinical experience, I find that muira puama increases energy and also has mild mood-enhancing properties. However little research is available to confirm these findings. I base my findings on my personal experience taking it myself, and also feedback from patients I have recommended to take muira puama. For more muira puama information.

Muira Puama side effects
One of the most common side effects of muira puama when used in high doses is insomnia. This is because of the alertness muira puama produces, and, logically, if you are too alert when you go to bed, you are likely to toss and turn in bed.

Q. I would like to know if muira puama taken 3 times a day at 2-3 ml (30 drops) if it causes a headache.
   A. It is possible that some people may get a headache when using too much muira puama.

Catuama herbal formula in South America
Catuama is an herbal formula popular in Brazil. It is a combination of Trichilia catigua, Paullinia cupana, Ptychopetalum olacoides, and Zinziber officinalis. Ptychopetalum olacoides is the botanical name for muira puama.

Muira puama questions
Q. Let me ask you on Muira Puama. I recently purchased it from Physician Formulas (500mg capsules). The bottle says to take 1 capsule a day. I searched in the net and found that other companies usually advise 1.5 g a day. Why do you advise lower muira puama dose? Is it because the Physician Formulas brand Muira is more potent or just to avoid side effects?
   A. We understand that Dr. Sahelian who formulated the muira puama product tries to minimize the risk of side effects with herbs, in the case of muira puama it is insomnia. Therefore he prefers to use lower amounts and have a gradual enhancement of sexuality rather than take a high amount and get side effects.

Q. I am subject to mandatory random drug testing at my job, and before I start taking Maca, Damiana and Muira Puama, I need to know if it will mistakingly show a test positive for any other natural herbs of the world that just happen to be illegal.
   A. We have no reason to believe that substances in muira puama, Maca, or damiana are looked at in drug testing.

Q. I work for a company who sells Muira Puama in a liquid form. Could you please inform me: How many drops are to be taken daily? How long to do take this product for? Do you supply any directions on how to take Muira Puama?
   A. Muira puama comes in various extract potencies. Also, each manufacturer uses a different extraction method. Without knowing such details, it is impossible to give guidelines.

Q. Is it okay to take vitamin B product with muira puama pill?
   A. First learn how each supplement works by itself before combining. Preferably keep the dosages low when combining.

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