Muirapauma 10:1

History and Uses:
Muirapauma is a South American tree that is native to the Brazilian rain forests and is one of the most active botanicals with a long history of traditional use as an energy tonic, general health tonic and remedy for impotence and sexual insufficiency. The roots of this Amazonian tree were the subject of a study conducted by the UCLA School of Medicine, and the study showed a significant improvement in both erectile function and sexual desire. The Amazon natives have known this for centuries, as this herb has been widely used as an aphrodisiac by both men and women and is commonly known as "potent wood." Muirapauma has been used by different native populations in Brazil for enhancement of virility, for impotence, for stress management, for nervous system stimulation and for general overall health. Two French studies showed that Muirapauma does indeed improve libido and sexual function. Scientists also believe that this herb increases testosterone levels, though this has not yet been clinically proven. Muirapauma has been used in tonifying the nervous system and for treating cases of mild exhaustion. It is also said to help with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, stress and trauma, as well as act as an anti-rheumatic. A clinical study with 262 patients complaining of lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection demonstrated that Muirapauma extract was effective in many cases. Within two weeks, at a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract, 62 percent of patients with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect, while 51 percent of patients with "erectile failures" felt that Muirapauma was of benefit. Other botanicals studied included Catuaba, Maca and Yohimbe Bark. Primary chemical constituents of Muirapauma include alkaloids (muirapaumine), esters and phytosterols. Presently, the exact mechanism of action of this herb is still under investigation, but preliminary information indicates that the herb may work by enhancing both psychological and physical aspects of sexual function.