Benefits of Damiana

This articles provides detailes on the benefits of damiana with scientific research studies. Short discussions are included on each benefits of this herb.

For information on dosage, side effects and general facts on damiana see our main article entitled Damiana.

Evidence of Benefits of Damiana (Leaf rating system)

	Erectile Dysfunction (ED) / Impotence T. Ito et al. (1998) completed a clinical study in male subjects and it showed that, "88.9% improved in ability to maintain erection during sexual intercourse and 75.0% improved in satisfaction with their overall sex life." See our review of natural remedies used to treat ED.
	Aphrodisiac / Increase Libido in Female A recently study done in rats given this herb showed increased their sexual activity as well as allowing them to better engage in sexual activity a second time. R. Arletti et al. (March 1999) found that the herb has no effect on sexually potent rats, but improved the performance of sexually sluggish/impotent rats. The researchers concluded that, "These results seem to support the folk reputation of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata as sexual stimulants." Research studies in humans completed by T.Y. Ito et al. (2001) involved a multi-ingredient product (ArginMax consisting of extracts of ginseng, ginkgo, damiana, L-arginine, multivitamins and minerals). The results are positive as human subjects, "observed [an increase] in sexual desire, reduction of vaginal dryness, frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, and clitoral sensation." The same researchers later (2006) also showed ArginMax to increase sexual desire in pre- and post-menopausal females. They concluded that Arginmax, "may be desirable alternative to hormone therapy for sexual concerns." However, it is not possible to say which (or more than one) of those ingredients in ArginMax accounted for the aphrodisiac benefits seen. See our detailed review on natural remedies used to boost sex drive.
	Weight Loss A multi-ingredient product YGD (containing Yerbe mata leafs, guarana and damiana) resulted in a small weight loss in 45 days. It worked by slowing the emptying of the stomach so you feel full quicker. However, it only resulted in an additional 0.5 kg (1 lb) loss compared to the group that took a placebo (sugar pill).
	Anxiety / Stress A study conducted by S. Kumar et al. (2005) showed that the herb have significant anxiolytic activity in mice.
	Substitute for Marijuana (Smoking Damiana) Anecdotal reports suggest that smoking this herb can give a person a "high" similar to smoking marijuana. The evidence of the benefits of damiana as a substitute for marijuana is weak. This herb has been analyzed and it contains many active chemicals including flavonoids, tannins and beta-sitosterol. Many of these substances are known to help with anxiety, stress and can promote a sense of well-being and create a euphoric hallucinogenic state. Another herb that is smoked for its ability to induce an euphoric state is catnip.
	Antibacterial Effect The herb showed antibacterial activity against 14 bacterial strains causing the most common gastrointestinal diseases in Mexican population.
Helpful	Adaptogen Brazil is rich in plants with potential adaptogen-like effect, but most lacks research studies to confirm this benefit.