Improves Sexual Performance

Muira puama’s primary claim to fame is as a sex enhancer. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction in both men and women (yes women suffer from ED). Both its neurological and vascular treatment properties are important. In studies by the UCLA School of Medicine, it improved both sexual desire and erection. For women, it improved sensation and strength of orgasm.

In a study of 262 patients with a lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection 62% of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect and 51 percent of patients with erection issues felt it was beneficial.

A combination of herbs including muira puama that reportedly stops the atrophy of smooth muscle and the resulting fibroid development in the penis as men grow older is as follows:

• Ginger Root 500 mg per day
• L-Citrulline 1500 mg per day
• Paullinia cupana 500 mg per day
• Muira puama 500 mg per day

This recipe didn’t just stop atrophy, it reversed the damage already done to male rats (believe it or not, rats and mice are very much like us biologically). If you want to try it the dosages are all in the safe range. However, you will want to remember that it is using the whole herb. For concentrates, you will have to do the math to make sure you don’t get too much. For example, a 4 to 1 ratio of 500 mg would result in 125 mg of concentrate. L-Citrulline is not a concentrate.

In one study, researchers suggest muira puama blocks an enzyme that reduces the amount of acetylcholine in our bodies. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates memory and helps dilate blood vessels in the genital area.

Antidepressant

Researchers at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil tested Muira puama for antidepressant properties. They found that its ability to reduce depression was possibly a result of its ability to influence betaadrenergic and dopamine receptors.
Further research has shown mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). The mice showed standard depression symptoms, such as reduced grooming, poor coat state, and increased corticosterone levels.

The coat state degradation, decreased grooming and increased serum corticosterone induced by UCMS were prevented equally by muira puama extract and by the antidepressant drug, (Tofranil).

Protects the Brain

Muira puama is also a nerve tonic with antioxidant properties that are shown to stave-off the debilitating effects of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to antioxidant behavior that protects brain cells, a methanol extract of Muira puama was shown to cause brain stem cells to differentiate into new neurons. For people with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease ADHD, Autism, brain injury and many others, this is a blessing.

Antimicrobial Powers

While I only found one study testing muira puama’s antimicrobial powers, the study I found showed it was effective against Klebsiella zaenae and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Klebsiella zaenae causes many diseases, mostly of the upper respiratory tract, but has also caused blood infections, pneumonia, wound infections and meningitis.

Acinetobactor baumannii is a rising star among bacteria and a worry to humans because it has developed resistance to many antibiotics. It causes bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infection, and wound infection.

It was not, however, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella, enteric, Typhi, or Candida albicans.

Neuromuscular Properties

Studies have shown muira puama to have anti-fatigue and anti-stress powers, as well as the ability to increase lean muscle mass and help reduce body fat. It is used in many supplements designed to strengthen the male body. It inhibits stress-induced ulcers and reduces cholesterol.

Dosage

To get the full benefits as a tonic for men, a water extract will do the job.

Many of the beneficial nutrients in muira puama are oil soluble and not easily digested by the body. Preparation as an alcohol tincture makes them more absorbable. Also, specially prepared extracts are available. To take the herb as a powder in capsules will not provide the desired effects.

Use a 4:1 concentrated extract, usually in liquid form:

• 150 lb. person; 1,100-3,300 mg
• 200 lb. person; 1,500-4,400 mg
• 250 lb. person; 1,800-5,500 mg

Side Effects and Warnings

Because muira puama enhances energy levels it can cause insomnia if taken in large doses. Start with the recommended dose on the bottle and, if your symptoms are not relieved, increase the dosage slowly and carefully. If you have trouble sleeping, lower the dose or discontinue use.

Pregnant or nursing women should not take muira puama.