Damiana Leaf Overview

1) Conditions Studied for Damiana Leaf

Damiana leaf has been traditionally used and studied for conditions such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Sexual dysfunction
• Menstrual issues
• Digestive problems

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

While damiana leaf has been used for various health issues, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Some small-scale studies and traditional use suggest potential benefits, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

3) Health Benefits of Damiana Leaf

Reported health benefits of damiana leaf include:

• Aphrodisiac properties
• Mood enhancement
• Relief from digestive issues
• Potential anti-anxiety effects

4) Potential Downsides of Damiana Leaf

Despite its potential benefits, damiana leaf may have downsides, such as:

• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Possible interaction with certain medications
• Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Limited research on long-term safety

5) Genetic Variations and Damiana Leaf

Currently, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that damiana leaf is specifically beneficial or harmful for individuals with certain genetic variations. Personal responses to herbal supplements can vary, and genetic factors might play a role, but this area requires further study.

Damiana Leaf (Turnera diffusa) Research Summary

General Information

Damiana, scientifically known as Turnera diffusa, is a plant traditionally used for medicinal purposes including as an aphrodisiac and for enhancing sexual function.

Research Highlights

• A study developed a method using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to measure levels of apigenin, an anxiolytic compound, in Turnera aphrodisiaca. The highest content was found in flowers, followed by leaves.
• Another study found that a methanolic extract from damiana leaves inhibited the aromatase enzyme and displayed estrogenic activity. The compounds pinocembrin and acacetin were particularly effective in aromatase inhibition.
• The essential oils of wild damiana plants differ in composition from those grown through micropropagation techniques, with the latter showing more consistent quality and quantity.
• Phytochemical analysis of Turnera diffusa identified 35 different chemical compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. Six compounds were newly discovered.
• The compound Tetraphyllin B was isolated from damiana and characterized using NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS).
• Research on sexually exhausted male rats showed that damiana could help in recovering from sexual inhibition. Caffeine, arbutine, and flavonoids were identified as main components of the active extract.
• A study established pharmacognostic standards for T. aphrodisiaca, finding unique microscopic characteristics and bioactive compounds for quality control.
• Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts improved the sexual performance of sexually sluggish or impotent male rats.
• Methanol extract of Turnera aphrodisiaca had significant anti-anxiety effects in mice.
• Apigenin from T. aphrodisiaca showed anxiolytic and mild sedative effects, as well as a dose-dependent analgesic effect in tests.
• A South American herbal preparation 'YGD', containing Damiana, delayed gastric emptying and induced weight loss in overweight patients.
• Arbutin from damiana showed anti-ulcer activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and modulating cytokine levels.
• Extracts from Turnera diffusa demonstrated hepatoprotective properties against CCl₄-induced liver damage.
• Plant extracts, including those from damiana, were found to relax smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum of guinea pigs, suggesting vasodilatory potential.

Conclusion

Overall, the research supports traditional uses of damiana leaf for treating sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and other health conditions. The various studies highlight its potential pharmacological benefits, including anti-aromatase, estrogenic, anxiolytic, and hepatoprotective effects, as well as its use in weight management and ulcer treatment.

References:

1. Damiana
2. Estimation of Apigenin, an Anxiolytic Constituent, in Turnera aphrodisiaca
3. Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)
4. Analysis of essential oils from wild and micropropagated plants of damiana (Turnera diffusa)
5. Phytochemical investigation of Turnera diffusa
6. Tetraphyllin B from Turnera diffusa
7. Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted males
8. Mexican medicinal plants. XXVIII. Isolation of 5-hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxy-flavone from Turnera diffusa
9. Pharmacognostic standardization of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward
10. Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual-behavior of male rats
11. Anti-anxiety activity studies of various extracts of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward
12. Pharmacological evaluation of Bioactive Principle of Turnera aphrodisiaca
13. Hypoglycemic herbs and their action mechanisms
14. Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients
15. Gastroprotective activities of Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. revisited: Role of arbutin
16. Protective effect of four Mexican plants against CCl₄-induced damage on the Huh7 human hepatoma cell line
17. Argentinian plant extracts with relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum of guinea pig

Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!