Damiana is a shrub with the scientific name Turnera diffusa. It is native to Texas, Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The damiana plant is used in traditional Mexican medicine.
Damiana has several constituents (parts) or compounds (chemicals), such as arbutin, pinocembrin, acacetin, apigenin, 7-glucoside, and Z-echinacin. These substances are likely responsible for how this plant works. Kiwi Fruit Powder
This article looks at damiana and the evidence for its use. It also provides information on dosage, possible side effects, and interactions.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF when possible.
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, it doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Turnera species have been used as medicinal plants for various conditions for centuries. These uses include but are not limited to:
Turnera species have also been used as abortives, expectorants (cough medicine that clears phlegm), and laxatives.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been promoted as an aphrodisiac. This means that damiana might improve sex drive (libido) and performance.
It is essential to remember, however, that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination. Also, damiana studies for libido have primarily been conducted on rats or mice with studies on humans limited making damiana's effects unclear. n humans taking damiana combined with other ingredients, making damiana's effects unclear. The aphrodisiac effect may be related to the plant's high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant chemicals that are thought to affect the function of sex hormones.
Further, higher-quality studies are needed in humans before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness for any condition.
As with many medications and herbs, side effects are possible with damiana.
The following were found in studies using damiana:
However, the studies used a combination product (damiana, yerba mate, guarana) and inulin (a type of plant food fiber). It's unclear if damiana alone would have these effects.
Some isolated components of damiana have decreased blood sugar.
A severe anaphylactic (allergic) reaction is also a possible serious side effect of any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Your healthcare provider may advise against taking damiana if any of the following applies to you:
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are a few small studies on damiana, larger and better-designed studies are needed. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take for any condition.
If you want to try damiana, talk with your healthcare provider first. And follow their recommendations or the label instructions.
There is little information about damiana toxicity and overdoses in humans. However, high doses of 200 grams may cause convulsions. You may also experience symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning.
If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Since damiana or its components may lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, this herb may increase the effects of diabetes medications—like insulin. If your blood sugar is too low, you may experience symptoms such as de excessive tiredness and sweating. For this reason, take damiana with caution.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Since storage instructions may vary for different herbal products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medicines tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also find disposal boxes in your area. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Damiana is a plant that can potentially suppress appetite and increase libido (sex drive). Yohimbe is another plant that some people use for the same potential effects.
As with damiana, there is limited research to support using yohimbe for weight loss or libido. Yohimbe is also not typically recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in children. Also remember that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.
But unlike damiana, there is more information about yohimbe's potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, yohimbe is linked to the following side effects:
Yohimbe may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants, such as Nardil (phenelzine).
Damiana is available in several dosage forms—with liquids being the most common.
Yes. There are damiana products that are made by manufacturers in the United States.
Before taking herbal medications like damiana, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about all medications you take. This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements. This can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. Your provider can also ensure that you’re giving damiana a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Damiana is legal in all but one of the 50 states. It was banned in Louisiana in 2005, along with other plants.
There are several different sources of damiana.
Damiana is naturally available as a wild shrub. In the United States, it's approved to be used as a flavoring agent in food.
Damiana is sold in several forms, including pills—like capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, damiana is also available in the following dosage forms:
You typically can find damiana at health food stores and shops specializing in supplements and herbs. Damiana may also be in herbal combination products to suppress appetite or increase libido. (Be aware that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.)
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. Always look for supplements tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.
Third-party testing does not guarantee effectiveness or safety. It does let you know that ingredients on the label are actually in the product.
Turnera species have been used in traditional medicines for many conditions. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub with a long history as a medicinal plant. For example, people might use it to lose weight or improve libido (sex drive). There's limited research to support its use for these purposes, however.
Damiana is always combined with other herbs in human studies, making damiana's effects on its own unclear. Also, it's important to know that supplements advertised for weight loss or sexual enhancement often have a high risk of contamination.
Taking large doses of damiana may be harmful. Children, people with diabetes, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it.
Before taking damiana, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Label Database.
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Therapeutic Goods Administration Department of Health. Proposed amendments to the poisons standard (medicines/chemicals).
Grape-Orange A, Thin-Montemayor C, Fraga-Lopez A, et al.Acute hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of teuhetone A isolated from Turnera diffusa.Molecules.2017;22(4):599.doi:10.3390%2Fmolecules22040599
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Yohimbe.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. A guide to herbal remedies.
Food and Drug Administration. Substances Added to Food. Damiana.
By Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS Ross is a writer for Verywell with years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist and the founder of Off Script Consults.
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