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Damiana (Turnera diffusa, T. aphrodisiaca) is a shrub native to South and Central America that is both a food flavoring (classified as GRAS [generally recognized as safe] on the Food and Drug Administration’s [FDA] list), and a medicinal herb. Folk herbalists have long used damiana as an aphrodisiac, anti-cough agent, and diuretic. Damiana extract appears to have some antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which may be helpful in treating gastrointestinal problems (Hernandez 2003), a purpose for which people in Mexico have been using the herb for many years.
The truth behind claims that damiana is a sexual stimulant and can treat erectile dysfunction is less clear, as scientific evidence has been limited to rat studies. In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that damiana was able to improve the ability of sexually exhausted male rats to ejaculate. (Estrada-Reyes 2009) In the same study, the investigators identified the main compounds in damiana—caffeine, arbutine, and flavonoids. The scientists suggested that the flavonoids may be responsible for the improvement in sexual function. How this potential benefit translates to men, however, has not been shown.
If you choose to take damiana, follow dosage directions on the package or consult your healthcare provider. Because damiana may affect blood sugar levels, you should be cautious about using this herb if you have diabetes. Few side effects have been reported, including diarrhea, headache, mood changes, insomnia, and hallucinations. Because damiana contains a low level of cyanide-like compounds, high doses may be dangerous. (Natural Standard)
References
Estrada-Reyes R et al. Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males. J Ethnopharmacol 2009 Jun 25; 123(3): 423-29
Hernandez T et al. Ethnobotany and antibacterial activity of some plants used in traditional medicine of Zapotitlan de las Salinas, Puebla (Mexico). J Ethnopharmacol 2003; 88(2-3): 181-88
Natural Standard http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-
abstract=/monographs/herbssupplements/patient-damiana.asp
