Damiana Ext.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. Historically, it has been used primarily as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant. It’s often used in herbal medicine for a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, depression, and anxiety.

Damiana extract has a complex composition, and its biologically active components are still being identified. Damianin is one of its most distinctive components, and other significant components in damiana include arbutin, gonzalitosin, and tannin. Damiana also has essential oils such as pinene, cymol, and cineol. Additional components include cyanogenic glycosides.

Health Benefits:

1. Aphrodisiac: The most well-known benefit of damiana is its use as an aphrodisiac. It is thought to increase sexual arousal and stamina in men and women.
2. Mood Enhancer: It has traditionally been used for mild depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Damiana may act as a mild relaxant, reducing stress and anxiety.
3. Digestive Health: Damiana has been used traditionally to improve digestion and treat constipation.
4. Weight Loss: Some studies suggest damiana, when taken in combination with other herbs, may help in weight loss.

Dosage

Clinical studies of damiana use are lacking and do not provide a basis for dosage recommendations. No standardization of preparations exists. Because damiana is not approved by the FDA for any condition, there is no official dose. Additionally, the lack of clinical studies using damiana alone makes it impossible to establish a dose, while the dosage used in animal studies highly depended on how the extract was made.

Side Effects

Damiana is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts, but there have been serious side effects when taken in very high doses. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract. Other potential side effects include insomnia, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, changes in mental status (agitation, fear, worry, confusion), trouble breathing, and possible effect on blood sugar levels. Damiana can affect blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should check their blood sugar carefully.

Sources:

• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-703/damiana
• https://www.rxlist.com/damiana/supplements.htm
• https://www.xtend-life.com/blogs/supplement-ingredients/damiana
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429218/
• https://www.drugs.com/npp/damiana.html
• https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/damiana-turnera-diffusa-aphrodisiaca-legal-high
• https://mountainroseherbs.com/damiana-extract