Muira puama
Ptychopetalum olacoides
Herbs & Roots. Latin American & Amazon and Modern nutrition.
Also called Potency wood, Marapuama, Liriosma ovata
Mostly sold in unclear blendsMuira puama is a South American tree whose bark and root are sold as a libido and energy supplement, often in blends with other herbs.
Did you know? Much of the research tests muira puama in blends with other herbs, so the plant's own effect is hard to measure.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sexual health. Some small studies used muira puama in blends, and their designs are unclear. Trial data are too sparse to prove it works on its own.Traditional proof
- Energy & tiredness. Sold for stamina. Human proof is limited.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Brazilian and Amazonian healers used the bark and root for weakness, low sex drive, and nerve complaints. Its modern fame comes mostly from supplements.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Aphrodisiac, Tonic. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Usually taken as an extract, capsule, or bark tea. No dose is set by good human trials, and most products are blends, so read the label closely.
Tincture, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in the Amazon and Brazilian forests. Sold as bark, powder, and extract, often in libido blends.
Be careful
Side effects in people are not well documented. Drugs.com advises avoiding it in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Blends can hide other ingredients that have their own risks.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are South American libido herbs often sold in blends.
- Works well together
Both are sold together in libido and energy blends.
The honest take
Muira puama is popular for libido, but few good trials exist. Much of the research uses products with several herbs, so the plant's own effect is unclear. Read labels, and avoid it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.