Need some help starting your engine in the bedroom? Tradition says that Muira Puama’s benefits could hold the secret to getting things going. Read on to learn more about this fascinating plant and its evidence-based benefits for health!
What is Muira Puama?
You often hear about the latest Amazonic botanical find — at one time it was acai, and at another time, it was sacha inchi seeds. Well, now you can wow your friends at parties by telling them about Muira Puama or marapuama. Growing in the Brazilian Amazon, Ptychopetalum olacoides or Muira Puama is a 4-5 meter tall tree. Both the roots and bark of the tree are used. Typically, these parts of the plant are infused in water, steeped into a tea, or made into a tincture using high-grade alcohol, among other preparation methods.
The benefits of Muira Puama appear to be caused by the plant’s unique mix of terpenoids, including ptychonal — thought to be the plant’s most active terpenoid — as well as several other lesser terpenoids that all contribute to the plant’s composition. As of now, we don’t know exactly how these terpenoids contribute to the plant’s biological effects. Future research will hopefully shed more light on the situation.
Muira Puama’s Traditional Benefits
If you lived in the Brazilian Amazon, you might have been offered a Muira Puama decoction for any number of reasons, but here are a few of the most common uses today:
- Increased libido
- Sense of calm
- Memory boost
- Mood improvement
Increased Libido
Human studies on Muira Puama’s benefits for libido are unfortunately limited (although who wouldn’t want to volunteer?!), but we do have a couple of important clues. The first is a study from 2000 of 202 premenopausal and postmenopausal women that measured the effects of Muira Puama in combination with ginkgo biloba. Compared to baseline, 65% of respondents noticed significant improvements in their sexuality (overall satisfaction, ability to reach orgasm, and the intensity of orgasm), with 71% reporting at least one area of clear improvement.
Another study measured the effects of a concentrated extract of Muira Puama in 262 men. The results were similar to the female study, with a self-reported increase in libido in 62% of men and improved erectile function in 51% of participants.
Memory Boosting
Got a test or important assignment at work coming up? Muira Puama’s benefits could help to boost your memory. Studies show that this Brazilian herb can boost short-term memory acquisition as well as help you consolidate new memories.
Mood Improvement
Whether you struggle with racing thoughts, have a tendency to worry, or often feel down, Muira Puama’s benefits appear to offer relief. To date, the main study we have to draw on is an animal test published in 2008, which showed that the plant offered adaptogenic effects in a Chronic Unpredictable Stress Test in mice. That means that the mice who were given Muira Puama were better able to adapt to a stressful situation. This same study confirmed the antidepressant properties of a specific PO ethanol extract of the herb, as is claimed by traditional practitioners.
Access the Benefits of Muira Puama at Kratora
With benefits for mind, body, and intimate relationships, Muira Puama appears to be an Amazonic herb that should be in everyone’s collection. If you’re looking for pure, high-quality Muira Puama, check out our powdered Muira Puama 4:1 extract along with the other premium herbs in our global collection of alternative products. Another fabulous way to sample Muira Puama’s benefits is to order our Ethnobotanical Kratom Alternatives Variety Pack and try all seven of our lab-tested alternative botanical products.
At Kratora, all of our products are organically-grown, sustainably-harvested, and sourced from the same growers since 2013. Shop with us today to receive same-day shipping on orders submitted before 3 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays (excluding holidays).
Please note that the US FDA has not approved kratom to be sold for human consumption, sold for external use only. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. None of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
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