Ptychopetalum
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Ptychopetalum is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Olacaceae, native to the Amazon rainforest. The indigenous name for the genus is Muira Puama, "potency wood".[1] The species are shrubs or small trees growing to 5 m tall.
- Species
- Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth.
- Ptychopetalum uncinatum Anselmino
[edit] Uses
The root and bark are used for a variety of ailments by indigenous peoples in the Rio Negro area of South America, and have become popular as herbal treatments for sexual dysfunction - Noelleecc-com, but the effectiveness of muira puama preparations are debatable[2]. There is evidence that Muira Puama is anxiogenic, which would be consistent with a stimulant effect, without affecting coordination[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Tropical Plant Database file for Muira Puama. Raintree Nutrition Incorporated. Retrieved on 2006-04-21.
- ^ Muira-Puama. PDR health. Retrieved on 2006-04-21.
- ^ "Anxiogenic properties of Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth. (Marapuama)" (2002). Phytotherapy Research 16 (3): 223–226. doi:.
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