How long does damiana last

While not recommended, some people smoke damiana to achieve a high that is paradoxically described as both relaxing and stimulating.

These include [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]:. Active compounds are concentrated in the aerial parts of the plant: leaves, stems, and flowers. Damiana plants produce varying amounts of essential oils and antioxidants depending on the conditions they are grown in [ 10 ]. People add damiana to countless herbal combinations hoping to achieve a blissful, libido-enhancing euphoria.

But in truth, human studies are practically lacking. Two clinical trials on women of varying ages 22 to 73 years olds reporting a lack of sexual desire looked at the effects of ArginMax.

ArginMax is an herbal supplement containing damiana, L- arginine , ginseng , ginkgo , multivitamins, and minerals. Supplementation increased sexual desire and satisfaction with overall sex life [ 11 , 12 ]. One of these studies discovered that damiana works in a similar way to sildenafil Viagra , by stimulating blood flow through increased nitric oxide production [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].

Damiana does not affect motor skills or cause sedation like medications such as diazepam. So its anti-anxiety effect may be an advantage for its use in enhancing sexual performance [ 15 ]. Lady 4, containing evening primrose oil , damiana, ginseng, and royal jelly significantly improved menopausal symptoms in a study of women [ 16 ]. Its libido-enhancing potential might add to this benefit. Some herbalists claim that damiana relieves vaginal dryness and increases sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women without causing unwanted estrogenic effects.

They state that damiana can even be applied vaginally rather than orally for this purpose. But research is completely lacking to confirm the anecdotes. Another supplement, PROfertil, combines damiana with folic acid, selenium, vitamin E, catechins, glycyrrhizin, diosgenin, and omegafatty acids.

In a clinical trial on women undergoing in vitro fertilization, those taking PROfertil had an increased incidence of quality embryos after fertilization than those given folic acid alone [ 17 ]. More trials with damiana alone are needed to estimate its specific effects. Would the combination affect stomach emptying and would it result in weight loss?

In the first part of the study, the combination delayed stomach emptying in seven healthy volunteers. In the second, it increased weight loss by 10 to 12 lbs over 45 days in 47 people [ 18 ]. In a trial of 58 people, a patented extract with the same herbal combination greatly reduced hunger and the desire to eat. However, researchers did not explore its weight-loss effect [ 19 ].

YGD also prevented fat accumulation in a cell study [ 20 ]. Again, damiana has only been tested as part of multi-herbal formulations in weight-loss clinical trials. This makes its specific contribution to the effects observed difficult to estimate. More clinical research testing damiana alone is needed. No clinical evidence supports the use of damiana for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts.

However, the studies should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit. There are no studies to support damiana boosting mental or physical stamina. However, damiana does contain caffeine , the most widely-used stimulant worldwide. Damiana and Panax ginseng are considered cognitive enhancers. One study tried to determine if they work by protecting the hippocampus memory hub from cell death. But in the animal study, neither had an effect [ 21 ].

In several animal studies, damiana had a clear anti-anxiety effect, comparable to diazepam Valium. The primary compound behind this benefit is apigenin [ 25 ]. It is important to note that potency can vary from product to product. Homeopathic products will have no or little active components compared to standardized supplements. One study on anti-anxiety effects used tinctures from three different homeopathic manufacturers.

They found that the dosage needed to reach the same effect greatly varied [ 22 ]. Damiana extract displayed a marked antidepressant effect in mice [ 23 ]. This enzyme is crucial for mood regulation, since it breaks down important neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Damiana had a strong potential to block MAOA, which could explain its mood-enhancing effects [ 26 ]. As a folk remedy, damiana has been reported to relieve headaches , although no studies support this benefit.

However, damiana does appear to provide natural pain relief. It was equal to morphine in a pain-tolerance study in mice [ 24 ]. Such effects have not been reported, but it has been suggested that more than g of damiana plant material would need to be consumed to have any such adverse effects. One case has been reported in which someone consumed g of damiana and had tetanus-like convulsions.

The internet has been flooded by purveyors of quick and easy sexual satisfaction. Herbal remedies have been included among the products alleged to enhance sexual performance. Although damiana has been used as an aphrodisiac for many decades — and longer — the long-time authority on herbal remedies, Prof Varro Tyler, researched this historical connection and concluded that it was a hoax.

It took in the purveyors of patent medicines in the 19th century and appears to be having similar success today. The type of satisfaction being sought here is more likely to come from commitment and love, not herbal remedies. Narcissistic personality disorder and a family separation.

Vaccination strategies and return-to-office policies vary greatly from country to country. Research shows menopausal women often leave the workforce due to the symptoms. Knowing what toys to buy for a crawling, gurgling baby is mind-boggling. One in 50 people suffer from the condition, which can include cognitive impairments, anxiety, muscle tenderness and sleep disturbance.

Please update your payment details to keep enjoying your Irish Times subscription. Does it work? Tue, Nov 9, , Bradley PR ed. British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med ; Mills SY. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, , Learn more about TraceGains, the company. The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies human, animal, or in vitro , clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.

The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Information expires December PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Skip to main content. Health Information Library. Uses Botanical names: Turnera diffusa.