Supplement Scholar
Herb

Muira Puama

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Muira Puama. Brazilian "potency wood" used historically for libido.

How it works. Mechanism poorly defined; may inhibit acetylcholinesterase and act as dopaminergic adaptogen.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves libido in case series (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1–1.5 g extract.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Muira Puama. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Muira Puama. Brazilian "potency wood" used historically for libido.

Key compound: lupeolC30H50O · 426.7 g/mol

What it is

Brazilian "potency wood" used historically for libido.

Also called

Ptychopetalum olacoides

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Libido & Sexual HealthErectile Function

How it works

Mechanism poorly defined; may inhibit acetylcholinesterase and act as dopaminergic adaptogen.

Pathways

  • Mechanism poorly defined
  • may inhibit acetylcholinesterase
  • act as dopaminergic adaptogen

Effects

  • +libido in case series supports

What the research supports

Improves libido in case serieslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1–1.5 g extract
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodMorning
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Insomnia

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Muira Puama use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Muira Puama — Improves libido in case series ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Muira Puama and "Improves libido in case series". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Muira Puama — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Muira Puama and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Muira Puama — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Muira Puama and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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