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Tunera diffusa - Damiana
Damiana is a small shrub with aromatic leaves
found throughout Mexico, Central and South America and
the West Indies. The leaves of the Damiana are lanceolate,
10-25 mm long with three to six teeth along the margins.
The botanical name of the plant (Tunera Diffusa)
describes Damiana's use as an aphrodisiac, Turnera aphrodisiaca.
In the ancient Maya civilization Damiana was used for
"giddiness and loss of balance"in addition
to an aphrodisiac.
From 1888 to 1947, Damiana leaf and elixir
was listed in the National Formulary (NF). For more
than 100 years, Damiana's use has been associated with
improving sexual function in both males and females.
Damiana acts as an antidepressant, tonic, diuretic,
and to treat coughs. Damiana leaves are used in Germany
to "relieve excess mental activity and nervous
debility" and a tonic action on the hormonal and
central nervous systems.
In Holland Damiana is renowned for its sexual
enhancing qualities and positive effect on the reproductive
organs. The pharmacology of the plant suggests that
the alkaloids could have a testosterone-like actions.
The chemical composition of Damiana is complex and components
have not been completely identified. However, the known
make-up is 0.5-1% volatile oil, gonzalitosin (cyanogic
glycoside), arbutin, tannin and damianin (a brown bitter
substance). The leaf also contains beta-sitosterol,
which may account for the stimulant effect on the sexual
organs.
Sifted Tunera Diffusa
(Damiana) Foliage:
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