Damiana
Turnera diffusa
TL;DR
Damiana has centuries of aphrodisiac tradition and almost no standalone human evidence. The two positive trials used multi-ingredient formulas, so the effect cannot be attributed to damiana itself.
Ideal For
- People exploring traditional aromatic herbal teas
- Those comfortable with tradition-based, low-expectation use
Avoid If
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have diabetes managed with insulin or sulfonylureas
- You expect an evidence-based libido treatment
- You have a seizure disorder
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a small aromatic shrub from Mexico and Central America, traditionally drunk as tea or liqueur for low libido, nervousness and mild depression. Its phytochemistry is interesting - apigenin and other flavonoids with mild GABA-A activity, pinocembrin, and compounds showing aromatase inhibition and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in vitro, all of which offer a coherent mechanistic story for sexual function. Rodent studies show increased copulatory behaviour in sexually sluggish male rats. Human evidence is where the story thins. The commonly cited positive trials tested ArginMax, a multi-ingredient formula containing L-arginine, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamins and damiana, in women with low desire; the formula outperformed placebo, but damiana was one of many components at unstated dose. No randomised trial has tested damiana alone for libido, mood or anxiety in humans. Practical safety is generally good at tea doses, with case reports of hypoglycaemia and, at very large doses, convulsion-like episodes.
How It Works
- Apigenin and related flavonoids show mild GABA-A receptor activity (anxiolytic potential)
- In-vitro aromatase inhibition may shift the oestrogen-testosterone balance
- Weak phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition demonstrated in laboratory assays
- Traditional use as a mild mood-elevating aromatic bitter
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Supporting Research9 studies
Effect of ArginMax on sexual functioning and quality of life among female cancer survivors: results of the WFU CCOP Research Base Protocol 97106
Greven KM, Case LD, Nycum LR +2 more
Outcome measures were the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G).
Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of the Genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a Focus on Damiana - Turnera diffusa
Szewczyk K, Zidorn C
Damiana contains flavonoids, terpenoids and arbutin with aphrodisiac activity demonstrated almost exclusively in animal and in vitro models.
A double-blind placebo-controlled study of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement for enhancement of female sexual function
Ito TY, Trant AS, Polan ML
After 4 weeks, 73.5% of the ArginMax group improved in satisfaction with their overall sex life, compared with 37.2% of the placebo group (p < 0.01).
The Enhancement of Female Sexual Function with ArginMax, a Nutritional Supplement, Among Women Differing in Menopausal Status
Ito TY, Polan ML, Whipple B +1 more
Self-reported sexual desire and satisfaction improved significantly more with the supplement than placebo.
Acute effects of a herb extract formulation and inulin fibre on appetite, energy intake and food choice
Harrold JA, Hughes GM, O'Shiel K +2 more
Significant reductions in food intake and energy intake were observed when YGD was present (59.5g, 16.3%; 112.4kcal, 17.3%).
Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd.) - a Traditionally Used Aphrodisiac as Modern PDE-5 Inhibitor
Szewczyk K, Bogucka-Kocka A, Zidorn C
Damiana extracts and several constituent flavonoids inhibited PDE-5 in vitro.
Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients
Andersen T, Fogh J
One such mixed herbal preparation is 'YGD' containing Yerbe Maté (leaves of Ilex paraguayenis), Guarana (seeds of Paullinia cupana) and Damiana (leaves of Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca).
Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Zhao J, Dasmahapatra AK, Khan SI +1 more
The methanolic extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of the aromatase enzyme with the IC(50) value of 63.1 microg/ml.
Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males
Estrada-Reyes R, Ortiz-López P, Gutiérrez-Ortíz J +1 more
Yohimbine and Turnera diffusa (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of males achieving one ejaculatory series and resuming a second one.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Usually mild. Large doses have been linked to headache, insomnia and, rarely, convulsion-like episodes.
Contraindications
Diabetes on glucose-lowering therapy (hypoglycaemia reports); pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
- Antidiabetic drugs (possible additive glucose lowering)
- Sedatives (theoretical additive effect via GABA activity)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: likely_unsafe
Breastfeeding: insufficient_data
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
2-4 g
Best Time to Take
As an evening tea or 1-2 hours before intimacy
Best Form
Dried leaf tea or 1:5 tincture
Forms Compared
Traditional; 2-4 g steeped
Typically 400-800 mg; no clinical dose established
Common in herbal formulas
The only formats with positive trial data, and damiana is not isolated
Food & Timing
Any time; commonly taken as tea.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.