Olacaceae
Muira Puama
Ptychopetalum olacoides
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Brazilian Amazon
Also known as: Potency Wood, Marapuama, Potency Bark
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
BarkRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Sexual dysfunction (both sexes — libido and function), depression, fatigue, cognitive decline, neurasthenia. One of the most clinically studied South American aphrodisiacs. Herbal Viagra precursor in some traditions.
Herbal Actions
Aphrodisiac (neurotrophic mechanism), adaptogen, antistress, neuroprotective, cognitive enhancer
Active Constituents
Long-chain fatty acids (behenic acid, lupeol), sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol), alkaloids, essential oil, coumarin (muirapuamine)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2–3g bark simmered 20 min in 250ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:2, 95% ethanol) — lipophilic actives, 2x daily |
| Notes | High-alcohol extraction required for fatty acids. Clinical studies: 1000–1500mg bark extract daily. Combine with catuaba for synergistic sexual tonic effect. Minimum 4 weeks for results. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Theoretical interaction with dopaminergic medications. Caution with MAOIs.
Side Effects: Insomnia if taken late. GI discomfort. Generally well tolerated at standard doses.