Muira Puama: Nootropic Benefits, Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Muira Puama is an Amazon rainforest tree known for its aphrodisiac and mental boost effects.

This herb is unique as it improves energy, builds focus, and promotes a relaxed state of mind.

Its active compounds, including beta-carboline alkaloids, also offer neuroprotection to aid against neurodegenerative disorders and age-related decline.

While generally safe when used as directed, muira puama can cause side effects and interact with certain medications.

More research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and optimal usage for cognitive enhancement.

What Is Muira Puama?

Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides), or Potency Wood, is a small tree native to the Amazon rainforest.

The plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 meters, with white flowers and leaves measuring 10-20 cm long.

Traditionally, it has been used as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic. The roots and bark are the primary sources used for medicinal and cognitive enhancing purposes like:

1. Energy booster: Enhancing mental stamina
2. Stress reducer: Promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety
3. Pain reliever: Alleviating joint and muscle pain
4. Digestive aid: Improving gastrointestinal function
5. Aphrodisiac: Improving sexual function and libido

What Are the Key Active Compounds in Muira Puama?

The primary active ingredients in muira puama are beta-carboline alkaloids, which are known for their psychoactive properties.

These alkaloids have been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like dopamine (involved in reward and pleasure), acetylcholine (boosts memory), and serotonin (regulates mood and well-being).

Other compounds of muira puama include:

• Sterols: Reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health
• Triterpenes: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Fatty acids: Cellular health and energy production
• Lignans: Antioxidant properties and can help balance hormones

What Are the Cognitive and Nootropic Benefits of Muira Puama?

Although more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the brain, muira puama is known to offer some cognitive and nootropic benefits.

Here are some of the ways muira puama enhances cognitive functions:

1. Improves focus and concentration
2. Relaxation stimulant
3. Neuroprotection

Can Muira Puama Improve Focus and Concentration?

Yes, muira puama enhances focus by modulating levels of key neurotransmitters.

By increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters, muira puama helps sustain mental alertness and sharpness.

A study shows that muira puama stimulates dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, promoting concentration.⁽¹⁾

Another research builds on the herb’s efficacy by observing increased alertness due to the activation of the cholinergic system in the brain.⁽²⁾

Muira puama also improves cerebral blood flow, supplying essential nutrients to brain regions that reduce mental fatigue, ultimately improving prolonged periods of focus.

Can Muira Puama Promote Relaxation and Reduce Stress?

Yes, muira puama promotes relaxation and reduces stress through its adaptogenic (adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis) properties.

A study found that muira puama extract had anxiolytic effects, suggesting it has stress-relieving properties in humans.⁽³⁾

The plant’s ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels also contributes to these effects.

By increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, muira puama helps improve mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms.⁽⁴⁾

Does Muira Puama Have Neuroprotective Properties?

Muira puama provides neuroprotection through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

The plant’s flavonoids and terpenes help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases.⁽⁵⁾

A study found that muira puama extract exhibited neuroprotective effects, suggesting it prevents or slows the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.⁽⁶⁾

How Can Muira Puama Be Incorporated into a Daily Routine?

Traditionally, muira puama is taken as tea or dried powder. However, for specific effects, it’s better to go for muira puama supplements.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Muira Puama?

The daily recommended doses for different supplemental forms are:

How Quickly Can One Expect to See Results From Muira Puama Supplementation?

The cognitive benefits of muira puama vary in onset time but regular supplementation is key for optimal results.

The specific durations for noticing different effects are:

Factors that can influence the onset of effects include individual physiology and metabolism, dosage and form of supplement, consistency of use, and overall health and lifestyle factors.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects or Safety Concerns with Muira Puama?

While muira puama is considered safe when used as directed, there are some potential side effects and safety concerns to be aware of:

• Gastrointestinal disorders like nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Allergic reactions in rare cases
• Interactions with medications for the central nervous system or hormone levels

Is Muira Puama Safe for Long-Term Use?

While traditional use suggests a good safety profile, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of regular muira puama supplementation.

Some potential concerns with long-term use include:

1. Liver toxicity
2. Hormonal effects e.g. on testosterone levels
3. Tolerance

To minimize potential risks, it’s advisable to:

• Use muira puama in cycles (e.g., 4-6 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
• Regularly monitor liver function if using long-term
• Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice

Who Should Avoid Taking Muira Puama?

While muira puama is usually well-tolerated, certain individuals should avoid or use caution when taking this supplement:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data
2. Individuals with liver conditions
3. People with hormone-sensitive conditions e.g. prostate cancer or breast cancer
4. Those taking blood thinners
5. Individuals with low blood pressure

Can Muira Puama Interact With Other Medications?

Yes, Muira puama can potentially interact with certain medications, although research on drug interactions is limited.

Some potential interactions to be aware of include:

• Antidepressants (e.g. MAO inhibitors) — could lead to serotonin syndrome
• Blood pressure medications
• Anticoagulants — raised risk of bleeding
• Hormonal therapies — may hinder contraceptives
• Liver-metabolized medications

How Does Muira Puama Compare with Other Cognitive Enhancers?

Muira puama compares favorably with many other cognitive enhancers in a specific manner.

Although it’s important to note that research on its cognitive effects is still limited, compared to more well-established nootropics.

Here’s how muira puama stacks up against some popular cognitive enhancers:

1. Caffeine: Gives immediate energy boost, where muira puama offers sustained energy without jitters
2. Bacopa Monnieri: Enhances memory and can complement muira puama’s stress-relieving effects
3. Rhodiola Rosea: Known for reducing fatigue and enhancing mental performance under stress
4. Ginkgo Biloba: Improves blood flow to the brain and enhances memory, may be complemented by energy enhancement effects by muira puama
5. Panax Ginseng: Has similar effects to muira puama and can be combined for synergistic effects

1. Melnyk, John P., and Massimo F. Marcone. “Aphrodisiacs from plant and animal sources—A review of current scientific literature.” Food research international 44.4 (2011): 840-850.↩
2. Saini, N. K., et al. “THE PHARMA RESEARCH, A JOURNAL.”↩
3. dos Reis, Leonardo Frasson, and Fúlvio Rieli Mendes. “Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth.” Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of South America: Brazil (2018): 401-411.↩
4. Siqueira, I. R., et al. “Psychopharmacological properties of Ptychopetalum olacoides bentham (Olacaceae).” Pharmaceutical Biology 36.5 (1998): 327-334.↩
5. Figueiro, Micheli, et al. “Inhibition of Ptychopetalum olacoides on acetylcholinesterase isoforms in brain of mice.” Chinese Herbal Medicines 4.3 (2012): 189-194.↩
6. R Howes, Melanie-Jayne, and Peter J Houghton. “Ethnobotanical treatment strategies against Alzheimer’s disease.” Current Alzheimer Research 9.1 (2012): 67-85.↩