Muira Puama
Also known as: Ptychopetalum olacoides, Ptychopetalum uncinatum, potency wood, marapuama
Effective Dosage
No established dose
What the Science Says
Muira Puama is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest whose bark and root have been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic. Lab studies in rat penile smooth muscle cells suggest it may influence nitric oxide signaling pathways involved in erectile function, particularly when combined with other compounds like ginger and l-citrulline. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted on muira puama alone, so its real-world effectiveness in people is unknown.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to boost libido or treat erectile dysfunction in humans — all supporting research is in rats or cell cultures. No evidence it improves athletic performance or builds muscle. Don't expect testosterone-boosting effects; the science simply isn't there yet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Muira Puama is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest whose bark and root have been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and nerve tonic. Lab studies in rat penile smooth muscle cells suggest it may influence nitric oxide signaling pathways involved in erectile function, particularly when combined with other compounds like ginger and l-citrulline. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted on muira puama alone, so its real-world effectiveness in people is unknown.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data available from the provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Contains compounds that may bind to estrogen receptors — potential hormonal side effects in both men and women are not well understood
- Zero human clinical trials exist for muira puama alone; all mechanistic data comes from animal or cell-based studies
- Widely sold in 636+ registered supplement products despite having no clinical trial evidence to support dosing or safety in humans
- Often combined with other ingredients (e.g., Revactin, COMP-4), making it impossible to isolate muira puama's individual contribution
Products Containing Muira Puama
See how Muira Puama is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09