Muira-Puama

MUIRA-PUAMA (Muira-puama), the name under which wood and roots of the plant Lyriosma ovata Miers (family Olacaceae-Olaceae), growing in the Amazon River region, are imported. According to Rebourgeon, the plant producing M.-p. is Acanthea virilis (family Acanthaceae). M.-p. is sold in the form of cylindrical pieces of trunk about 50 cm long, 2-6 cm thick, and pieces of roots about 33 cm long, about 2 cm in diameter. The bark of the trunks is thin grayish-brown with a greenish tint; the inner side of the bark is yellowish-white to light brown; the wood is light orange to yellow-red in color. Often, a fungal mycelium forming black spots is found on the tree. According to Peckolt, the constituent principles are: 1) a crystalline alkaloid-like substance muirapuamine (0.055%), 2) an amorphous bitter substance, 3) two resin acids, 4) a small amount of fat, 5) tannin. It has not been established to which of these constituent parts the stimulating effect on the sexual sphere, attributed to the liquid extract of M.-p., belongs. Muira-puama is classified as a bitter substance and is used in dysentery, then as an appetite stimulant, and as a tonic instead of quinine and condurango (Go 11). It is assumed that the alkaloid-like substance and resin contained in M.-p., along with the bitter substance, when excreted through the urinary tract, irritate the mucous membranes and thereby cause an influx of blood to the sexual organs and promote erection. It is also assumed that these substances stimulate sexual activity through direct excitation of the center of the lumbar part of the spinal cord. M.-p. has long enjoyed a reputation in Brazil as an aphrodisiac. Some authors speak of a similar effect on animals. However, the specific action of M.-p. as an aphrodisiac should be considered unproven. Preparations: liquid extract of M.-p., Extr. Muirae-puamae fl., is sometimes used in neurasthenia at 15-20 drops 3-4 times a day, and as an aphrodisiac at 1-2 g. Tincture (1:5) on 80% alcohol. Decoction (15:240) in dysentery and in menstrual pains. A strong infusion is used in the form of baths in the area of the sexual organs as an aphrodisiac. Muiracithin - pills containing per 100 pills 10.0 of liquid extract of M.-p., 5.0 of lecithin and licorice powder. Advertised as a remedy for neurasthenia and neurasthenic impotence. Muirapillen consist of lecithin, hematogen and liquid extract of M.-p. Ready-made combinations of M.-p. with lecithin, with ambergris, with yohimbine and with glycerophosphoric acid calcium are available for sale.

ⁿ- Kornilov.