Damiana - Uses and Side Effects

Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, old woman's broom, Turnera aphrodisiaca, T. diffusa, T. microphylla

The leaf and the stem of the damiana plant are the most commonly used components. Damiana was first used by the Mayans in the treatment of giddiness and loss of balance. Its primary use in the last century has been as an aphrodisiac, a use that was described in the scientific literature as early as 100 years ago.

Ethanolic extracts have central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity, and the quinone arbutin may be responsible for antibacterial activities. Damiana is available as capsules, powder, tea, and tincture.

Reported uses

Damiana is used mainly for its aphrodisiac effects, for prophylaxis, and for treating sexual disturbances. It's also used to control bedwetting, depression, constipation, and nervous dyspepsia; to strengthen and stimulate during exertion; and to boost and maintain mental and physical capacity.

Damiana is boiled in water and the steam is inhaled to relieve headaches. There have been some reports of recreational use, with euphoric and hallucinogenic effects.

Administration

Extract: 2 to 4 ml by mouth three times a day

Capsules: 2 to 4 g by mouth three times a day

Tea: 1 cup (2 to 4 g) in 5 oz (150 m!) boiling water, by mouth three times a day.

Hazards

Adverse reactions associated with damiana include insomnia, headache, hallucinations, urethral mucous membrane irritation, and liver injury. Damiana may interfere with the action of antidiabetics.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients shouldn't use this herb because the effects on them are unknown.

Clinical considerations

Safety Risk When more than 7 oz (198 g) of extract is consumed, patient may display tetanus-like convulsions and paroxysms.

Diabetic patients should discuss the use of damiana with a health care provider before taking it with an antidiabetic.

Monitor blood glucose level closely in diabetic patient taking both damiana and an antidiabetic.

Advise diabetic patient to check blood glucose level regularly and to report alterations to health care provider.

Monitor liver function tests, as needed.

Evaluate for drug use any patient claiming to have had damiana-induced hallucinations.

Advise pregnant patient, breast-feeding patient, and patient of childbearing age to avoid using this herb because of a lack of sufficient information about its safety.

Advise patient to avoid performing activities that require mental alertness until the herb's CNS effects are known.

Tell patient to promptly report adverse reactions or new signs and symptoms to a health care provider.

Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of damiana and the claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated scientifically.