Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a Focus on Damiana - Turnera diffusa
Szewczyk K, Zidorn C
Published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Methodology
Comprehensive review of traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacological data for Turnera species, with emphasis on Turnera diffusa (damiana).
Key Findings
Damiana contains flavonoids (notably apigenin derivatives), terpenoids and arbutin with aphrodisiac, anxiolytic and PDE-5 inhibitory activity demonstrated almost exclusively in animal and in vitro models.
Conclusions
Traditional aphrodisiac use of damiana has mechanistic and preclinical support, but controlled human trials are essentially absent.
Limitations
Narrative review; no meta-analysis; reliance on preclinical data.
Supplements Studied
Damiana contains flavonoids, terpenoids and arbutin with aphrodisiac activity demonstrated almost exclusively in animal and in vitro models.
Damiana contains flavonoids (notably apigenin derivatives), terpenoids and arbutin with aphrodisiac, anxiolytic and PDE-5 inhibitory activity demonstrated almost exclusively in animal and in vitro models.
Outcomes Measured
Damiana is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, with supportive preclinical but not clinical data.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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