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Herbs & Supplements
Damiana
Other Names: Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, Mizibcoc, Old woman's broom, Turnera diffusa
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Uses
Damiana has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Most notably, it has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, a substance that supposedly heightens sexual desire and enhances sexual performance. Results of a few small laboratory studies suggest that damiana may have some slight ability to widen blood vessels--an effect that may relieve male impotence to some extent, but no other scientific studies prove that damiana has any effects on sexual function. However, other recent laboratory studies do support a second traditional use of damiana for treating gastrointestinal conditions such as dysentery. It has shown some antibacterial activity when tested under laboratory conditions, but much more study is needed to confirm or disprove the results. Historically, damiana has also been used to treat conditions as diverse as bedwetting, constipation, depression, and headaches. No results from controlled human studies support any of these possible uses, however.
In studies of laboratory animals, damiana has shown unpredictable effects on both blood sugar levels and body weight. In one study, a damiana extract appeared to decrease blood sugar in animals with diabetes. Conversely, later studies showed either no effect or an increase in blood sugar. In addition, earlier studies associated weight loss with using damiana; but subsequent research showed little or no weight-loss effect. Both of these potential uses of damiana need further research before they can be recommended for use.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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