Herb Profile
Muira Puama
It is best framed as a traditional Amazonian botanical with modest modern evidence.
Last reviewed: •3 human studies cited
C PreliminarySafety Summary: Use extra caution — Generally well tolerated for most users.
Monograph visual
Muira Puama
Generated profile category visual
Key Findings
Primary reported uses
- Libido
- Cognitive Support
- Neuroprotective
- Stress
Preliminary
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Quick Stats
Evidence level
Limited Human Evidence
Typical onset
Varies by prep
Safety rating
Use extra caution: High caution
Best for
Libido, Cognitive Support, Neuroprotective
Avoid / review if
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Without Clinician Supervision, Known Allergy To The Plant/Family, Potential Interaction Concern With Sedatives/CNS Depressants
Safety & Cautions
Generally well tolerated for most users.
28%
High caution — review carefully
Detailed safety fields
Medication interactions
- - Potential Interaction Concern With Sedatives/CNS Depressants
- - Use Clinician Review For High Dose Extracts Or Chronic Use.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraindications
- - Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Without Clinician Supervision
- - Known Allergy To The Plant/Family
Safety classifications
- - Interaction-Aware: Medication or interaction context is explicitly noted.
- - Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution: Pregnancy or breastfeeding caution language is present.
Full safety note
- - Generally well tolerated for most users.
Safety labels
- - Interaction-Aware
- - Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution
Caution When Combined With
These pairings share a flagged risk mechanism. This is a mechanistic caution derived from contraindication data, not a confirmed clinical interaction — consult a clinician before combining.
Moderate Caution (57)
- American Yellow LotusSedation / CNS depression
Both American Yellow Lotus and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Artemisia AbsinthiumSedation / CNS depression
Both Artemisia Absinthium and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)Sedation / CNS depression
Both Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- BacopaSedation / CNS depression
Both Bacopa and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Black SeedSedation / CNS depression
Both Black Seed and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Black TeaSedation / CNS depression
Both Black Tea and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Blue LotusSedation / CNS depression
Both Blue Lotus and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- CalamusSedation / CNS depression
Both Calamus and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- CatubaSedation / CNS depression
Both Catuba and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Chinese SkullcapSedation / CNS depression
Both Chinese Skullcap and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Coriandrum SativumSedation / CNS depression
Both Coriandrum Sativum and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- CorydalisSedation / CNS depression
Both Corydalis and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Cymbopogon CitratusSedation / CNS depression
Both Cymbopogon Citratus and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- DamianaSedation / CNS depression
Both Damiana and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- California PoppySedation / CNS depression
Both California Poppy and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- EucalyptusSedation / CNS depression
Both Eucalyptus and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- GastrodiaSedation / CNS depression
Both Gastrodia and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)Sedation / CNS depression
Both Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- HopsSedation / CNS depression
Both Hops and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Hypericum PerforatumSedation / CNS depression
Both Hypericum Perforatum and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- JatamansiSedation / CNS depression
Both Jatamansi and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- JujubeSedation / CNS depression
Both Jujube and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- LavenderSedation / CNS depression
Both Lavender and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Lavender ExtractSedation / CNS depression
Both Lavender Extract and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Lemon Balm ExtractSedation / CNS depression
Both Lemon Balm Extract and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Lemon VerbenaSedation / CNS depression
Both Lemon Verbena and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- LemongrassSedation / CNS depression
Both Lemongrass and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Lobelia InflataSedation / CNS depression
Both Lobelia Inflata and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- LonganSedation / CNS depression
Both Longan and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- MagnoliaSedation / CNS depression
Both Magnolia and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- MelatoninSedation / CNS depression
Both Melatonin and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Lemon BalmSedation / CNS depression
Both Lemon Balm and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Milk OatsSedation / CNS depression
Both Milk Oats and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- MugwortSedation / CNS depression
Both Mugwort and Muira Puama are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Myristica FragransSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Myristica Fragrans are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Nicotiana GlaucaSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Nicotiana Glauca are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Nicotiana TabacumSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Nicotiana Tabacum are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- OatstrawSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Oatstraw are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Ocimum BasilicumSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Ocimum Basilicum are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- ParsleySedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Parsley are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- PassionflowerSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Passionflower are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Passionflower ExtractSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Passionflower Extract are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- PolygalaSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Polygala are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- PoriaSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Poria are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Raspberry LeafSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Raspberry Leaf are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- SageSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Sage are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Schisandra BerrySedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Schisandra Berry are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Schisandra ChinensisSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Schisandra Chinensis are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Scutellaria BaicalensisSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Scutellaria Baicalensis are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- SkullcapSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Skullcap are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- ShankhpushpiSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Shankhpushpi are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Sophora FlavescensSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Sophora Flavescens are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Valeriana officinalisSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Valeriana officinalis are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Valerian Root ExtractSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Valerian Root Extract are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- ValerianSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Valerian are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- Verbena OfficinalisSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Verbena Officinalis are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
- WormwoodSedation / CNS depression
Both Muira Puama and Wormwood are flagged for sedation / CNS depression. Combining them may have an additive effect. This is a mechanistic caution, not a verified interaction — consult a clinician before stacking.
Evidence Summary
PreliminaryEvidence lens
What kind of evidence supports this profile?
Early signal that needs stronger human replication before practical claims.
PreliminaryLimited Human Evidence
Human clinical evidence
Present in source signals
Human or clinical-study language is present in the reviewed fields.
Mechanistic / preclinical
Mechanism mapped
Stress Response Modulation
Research maturity
Preliminary or mixed
Long Term Human Evidence May Be Limited.
Safety boundary
Safety note available
Generally well tolerated for most users.
This profile cites 3 human studies.
▶How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
A
Strong
Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
B
Moderate
Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
C
Preliminary / Mixed
Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
D
Traditional / Theoretical
Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries
3 cited studies informing this profile. RCTs and reviews shown first.
| Study | Type | Sample | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Selected herbals and human exercise performance Bucci LR et al. (2000) | — | — | — |
Effect of ginger, Paullinia cupana, muira puama and l- citrulline, singly or in combination, on modulation of the inducible nitric oxide- NO-cGMP pathway in rat penile smooth muscle cells Ferrini MG et al. (2018) | — | — | — |
Nutraceutical and low energy shockwave treatments improved sexual function recovery in a rat pelvic neurovascular injury model Crisostomo-Wynne TC et al. (2024) | — | — | — |
Dosing & Timing
Dose guidance
Preparation specific; use standardized product label for Preparation varies by tradition and product form and require source backed dosage review before therapeutic claims.
How Muira Puama Works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Muira Puama Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & Biological Pathways
Preclinical pathways
Proposed mechanisms from in vitro and animal research; these do not confirm clinical outcomes in humans.
Stress Response Modulation
Active Compounds
Key constituents studied in Muira Puama, with full pharmacology and safety profiles.
Condition guides
Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Sourcing Options
Review available sources for Muira Puama
Independent database mapping. Sourcing availability is evaluated separately from safety and clinical efficacy scores.
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Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Editorial Review
Reviewed against source evidence and safety constraints
Profiles are checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. This is editorial review, not personal medical advice or a named clinician endorsement.
Evidence claims are matched to human, mechanistic, or traditional-use context.
Safety language is kept conservative when interaction or population data is incomplete.
Affiliate modules are separated from evidence ratings and caution language.
Editorial Process: We synthesize preclinical pharmacology, human clinical data, and source registry context while preserving uncertainty and avoiding commercial hype.
Read Editorial Standards →Free safety checklist
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Botanical profile context
How to interpret Muira Puama
Muira Puama dosage ranges, effects, drug interactions, and harm-reduction safety guide for libido. Limited Human Evidence research evidence. Use this herb profile as a starting point for evidence review, not as a recommendation to start a new supplement. Botanical products can vary by plant part, extract ratio, standardization, dose, and contaminant testing, so two labels with the same common name may not behave the same way.
When reviewing Muira Puama, compare the traditional-use context against the human evidence, mechanism notes, and safety cautions. Pay special attention to pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, blood-pressure effects, sedation, stimulation, anticoagulant use, antidepressants, and any prescription medication overlap.
For product decisions, prefer transparent labels, named extracts, clear serving sizes, and third-party quality testing. Avoid treating a long list of possible mechanisms as proof that an herb will solve a specific condition.