Muira Puama Bark Extract
Muira Puama Bark Extract
Snapshot
Muira Puama Bark Extract is a traditional Amazonian botanical used to support cognitive function, libido, and nervous system resilience.
What is Muira Puama Bark Extract?
Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is a small rainforest tree whose bark and roots contain bioactive compounds—such as sterols, fatty acids, and phenolic glycosides—that modulate neurotransmission and hormonal balance.
Where It Comes From
Harvested from the bark (and sometimes roots) of wild Muira Puama trees in the Amazon basin, the material is dried, milled, and extracted—often with ethanol or hydroethanolic solvents—then concentrated into standardized powders or tinctures.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Contains sterols (beta-sitosterol), fatty acids (linoleic, oleic), phenolic glycosides (muirapuamine), and alkaloids, which together support neuromodulation, antioxidant defense, and endocrine signaling.
Health Benefits
Muira Puama Extract may enhance libido and sexual function in both men and women; supports cognitive clarity and mental endurance; helps the body adapt to stress by modulating the HPA axis.
Recommended Dosage
Typical doses range from 250 mg to 1 g of standardized extract daily, divided into one to three servings; tinctures are used at 1–2 mL (1:5 extract) two to three times per day.
How to Use It
Take capsules or powder with meals; tinctures can be taken directly or added to water or juice. Use consistently for 4–8 weeks to assess effects on mood, energy, and libido.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals seeking natural support for sexual health, stress resilience, or cognitive performance; suitable for adults under situational stress or experiencing low libido.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated; may interact with hormone-sensitive conditions—consult a healthcare provider if on hormone therapies or antidepressants; avoid high doses that may cause digestive upset.
Final Thoughts
Muira Puama Bark Extract is a versatile adaptogen and aphrodisiac from traditional Amazonian medicine, offering benefits for mind, mood, and sexual vitality.
Scientific Studies
Costa J, et al. Aphrodisiac activity of Muira puama in male rats. Phytother Res. 2001;15(3):224–227. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.790
Magalhães RA, et al. Neuropharmacological effects of Ptychopetalum olacoides extract: a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;158 Pt 1:68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.017
Sigwalt AR, et al. Protective effects of Muira puama bark extract against stress-induced memory impairment. Neurochem Int. 2019;124:16–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.001