Muira puama, also called "potency wood," is a bush or small tree up to 5 meters in height and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of northern Brazil.⁽¹⁾ The small white flowers have a pungent fragrance similar to jasmine. Historically, all parts of the plants have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the primary parts of the plant utilized. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes and found its way into herbal medicine in South America and Europe in the 1920's. Indigenous tribes in Brazil use the roots and bark taken internally as a tea for treating sexual debility and impotency, neuromuscular problems, rheumatism, grippe, cardiac asthenia, gastrointestinal asthenia and to prevent baldness.⁽²⁾ It is also used externally in baths and massages for treating paralysis and beri-beri.⁽²⁾

Muira puma has a long history in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac, a tonic for the nervous system an antirheumatic and for gastrointestinal disorders.^{(1, 3)} In 1925, a pharamacological study was published on muira puama which indicated it effectiveness in treating disorders of the nervous system and sexual impotency which indicated that "permanent effect is produced in locomotor ataxia, neuralgias of long standing, chronic rheumatism, and partial paralysis." ⁽⁴⁾ In 1930, Penna wrote about Muira puama in his book and cited physiological and therapeutic experiments conducted in France by Dr. Rebourgeon which confirmed the efficacy of the plant for "gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and impotency of the genital organs."⁽⁵⁾ Two closely related species of Ptychopetalum were used interchangeably when it became popular in the 1920's and 30's - P. olacoides and P. uncinatum and a third species, Liriosma ovata, (which also had a common name of muira puama) was used as well.⁽⁶⁾ Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of the herbal medicine of England.⁽⁷⁾ Because of the long history of use of Muira puama in England, it is still listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a noted source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, where it is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.⁽⁸⁾ It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia since the 1950's.⁽⁹⁾

Scientists began searching for the active components in the root and bark of Muira puama to determine the reasons for it efficacy in the 1920's.^{(4,10, 11)} Early research discovered that the root and bark were rich in frfee fatty acids, essential oil, plant sterols, and a new alkaloid which they named "muirapuamine."⁽⁴⁾ Since it continued to be used throughout the world as an aphrodisiac and treatment for impotency as well as for hookworms, dysentery, rheumatism and central nervous system disorders with success, scientists began researching the plant's constituents and pharmacological properties again in the late 1960's, continuing on until the late 1980's.^{(12 -19)} These studies indicated that the active constituents are free long-chain fatty acids, sterols, coumarin, alkaloids and essential oils. Chemically, Muira puama contains .05% muirapuamine, .4% fat, .5% alkaloids, .6% pholbaphene, .6% alpha-resinic acid, .7% beta resinic acid, .5% of a mixture of esters including behenic acid, lupeol and beta-sitosterol, as well as tannin, volatile oils and fatty acids.⁽²⁰⁾

Muira puama is still employed around the world today in herbal medicine. In Brazil and South American herbal medicine, it is used a neuromuscular tonic, for asthenia, paralysis, chronic rheumatism, sexual impotency, grippe, ataxia, and central nervous system disorders^{(1, 21, 22)} In Europe, it is used to treat impotency, infertility, neurasthenia, menstrual disturbances and dysentery.^{(8, 18, 24)} It has been gaining in popularity in the United States where herbalists and health care practitioners are using muira puama for impotency, menstrual cramps and PMS, neurasthenia and central nervous system disorders.^{(3, 7, 20, 25, 26, 27)} The benefits in treating impotency with muira puama has recently been studied in two human trials which showed that Muira puama was proven to be effective in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction. In a study conducted in Paris, France, of 262 male patients experiencing lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection, 62% of the patients with loss of libido reported that the extract of muira puama "had a dynamic effect" and 51% of patients with erectile dysfunctions felt that muira puama was beneficial.^{(28, 29)} The second study conducted by Waynberg in France evaluated the positive psychological benefits of Muira puama in 100 men with male sexual asthenia.⁽³⁰⁾

While so-called "aphrodisiacs" have come and gone in history, Muira puama has risen above this class of products and may well provide the most effective natural therapeutic approach for erectile dysfunctions. The drug alternatives are few. Yohimbine HCL, a chemical component of the African brown bark, yohimbe, is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunctions. With the serious side effects of anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and heart rate and dizziness, yohimbe bark is classified by the FDA as an unsafe herb.⁽³⁾ Due to the lack of effectiveness and the negative side effects of Yohimbine, the FDA no longer recommends the prescription drug to treat impotency.

Consumers must be aware however that to achieve the beneficial effects of the plant, proper preparation methods must be employed. The active constituents found in the natural bark thought to be responsible for Muira Puama's effect are not water soluble nor are they broken down in the digestive process. Therefore taking a ground bark or root powder in a capsule or tablet will not be very effective. High heat for at least 20 minutes or longer in alcohol in necessary to disolve and extract the volatile and essential oils, terpenes, gums and resins found in the bark and root that have been linked to Muira Puama's beneficial effects.

2 "Marapuama has been used in tonifying the nervous system and for cases of mild exhaustion. It helps with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders. It has antirheumatic properties and can be used for treating stress and trauma. Because of neurosexual stimulation it can enhance the libido. It can enhance blood chi and balance yin and yang in the triple warmer. It has been considered to be useful in prevention of some types of baldness. It is also used for neuromuscular problems." 3"ACTIONS: Tonifies nervous system, Neurosexual stimulation, Anti-rheumatic properties, Fortifies stomach and intestines. TRADITIONAL USE: Therapeutic and physiological experiments confirm the usefulness of Marapuama in treating gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders. Recommended for soothing the nervous system, especially helpful in cases of nervous exhaustion. Has been used for treating stress and trauma. Enhances libido. Marapuama has been the subject of experiments and is valued as a libido enhancer and tonic to the nervous system. Marapuama is known to fortify and stimulate the nervous system. MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: Regulates Yin and Yang in Triple Warmer meridian, General tonic for blood Qi. EAV POINTS: Triple Warmer, Circulation, Sinus" 8"Brazilian uses and Folklore: Marapuama has long been valued as an aphrodisiac and tonic for the nervous system. M. Penna, in his book "Notas Sobre Plantas Brasileiras" (Araujo Penna &, Cia., Rio de Janeiro, 1930) states that Marapuama is a "Neurosthenetic, aphrodisiac... and anti-rheumatic. It is recommended on a basis of confirmed experience, in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system .... Through the latest physiological and therapeutic experiments done in Paris by Dr. Rebourgeon, the efficiency of this plant has been confirmed... giving good results in gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and in impotency of the genital organs." (p. 258). G. L. Cruz concurs, indicating the use of Marapuama for problems of the nervous system and sexual impotency.* When treating the symptoms of sexual impotence or lack of desire, Brazilian men usually mix teas made from Marapuama and Catuaba. Uses: Used in disturbances of the genital organs, in cases of impotency; also an aphrodisiac. Influential in treating symptoms of nervous problems and disorders (neurasthenia, neuralgia). Anti-rheumatic, fortifies the stomach and intestines.

* Livro verde . 607" 11"The primary Amazon herbs used for their synergistic effects during athletic training and recovery include the following: Catuaba and Marapuama as strong tonics and nervous system fortifiers; Marapuama also for its anti-rheumatic properties;
Three herbs from the Amazon act as aphrodisiacs and have traditionally been used for impotence: Marapuama, Catuaba, and Cajueiro. A recent study at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, found that Marapuama was more effective than Yohimbine (pharmaceutical extract from the plant Yohimbe) fore erectile dysfunctions. Sam tried Marapuama, and Mary Ellen reported great results.

Amazon herbs traditionally used as nervous system tonics or fortifiers include Catuaba, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Marapuama, Mulungu, Star Anise, Suma, and Una de gato. Marapuama is a good tonic for the nervous system and useful in treating symptoms of neuralgia or nervous depression.
Other herbs from the Amazon which help establish balance during the menstrual cycle or during menopause include Abuta, Maracuja, Marapuama, Star anise and Una de gato. According to Brazilians, Marapuama is used frequently for menstrual cramps, premenstral syndrome and frigidity. It is also a tonic for the nervous system and helps alleviate symptoms of depression." 13"The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medicine for impotence is yohimbine - an alkaloid isolated from the bark of the yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe) native to tropical West Africa. Yohimbine hydrochloride increases libido, but its primary action is to increase blood flow to erectile tissue. Contrary to a popular misconception, yohimbine has no effects on testosterone levels.
When used alone, yohimbine is successful in 34-43 percent of cases.(1) However, side effects often make yohimbine very difficult to utilize. Yohimbine can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals. Other side effects include elevations in blood pressure, and heart rate, dizziness, headache, and skin flushing. Yohimbine should not be used by individuals with kidney disease, by women, or by individuals with psychological disturbances. Because of the yohimbine content of yohimbe bark, the FDA classifies yohimbe as an unsafe herb.
One of the best herbs to use for erectile dysfunction is Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides). This shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant in South American folk medicine. A recent clinical study has validated its safety and effectiveness in improving libido and sexual function in some patients.(2)
At the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, under the supervision of one of the world's foremost authorities on sexual function, Dr. Jacques Waynberg, a clinical study with 262 patients complaining of lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection demonstrated Muira puama extract to be effective in many cases. Within 2 weeks, at a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract, 62 percent of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect while 51 percent of patients with "erection failures" felt that Muira puama was of benefit.
Presently, the mechanism of action of Muira puama is unknown, From the preliminary information, it appears that it works on enhancing both psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. Future research will undoubtably shed additional light on this extremely promising herb for erectile dysfunction."
"1. Susset JG, et al.: Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: A double-blind study. J Urol 141, 1360-1363, 1989 Morales A, et al.: Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. J Urol, 137, 1186-1172, 1987.
2. Waynberg J: Aphrodisiacs: Contribution to the clinical validation of the traditional use of Ptychopetalum guyanna. Presented at the First International Congress on Ethnopharmacology, Strasbourg, France, June 5-9, 1990. 21"Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham, Hooker, Journ. Bot. 2 (1843) 377. muira-puama (Braz.)
Le Cointe (1934)
In the Rio Negro and other parts of the Brazilian Amazon, the stems and roots of the young plants are made into a tonic to treat neuromuscular problems. A decoction of the root is used in baths and massages for treating paralysis and beri-beri. Taken internally, the tea is believed to be efficacious in treating sexual debility, rheumatism, grippe and cardiac and gastrointestinal asthenia. It is also considered to be of value as a preventative of baldness. A review of muira-puama is available (Steimnetz, 1971).