Damiana
Damiana

Background

Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine.

People use damiana for a slight "high", as an aphrodisiac, to treat stomach complaints, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
When taken by mouth: Damiana is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. But there have been serious side effects when taken in very high doses. Convulsions and other symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning have been reported after taking 200 grams of damiana extract.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if damiana is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Damiana might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use damiana.

Surgery: Since damiana seems to affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using damiana at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Obesity.
  • Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity.
  • As an aphrodisiac.
  • Athletic performance.
  • Asthma.
  • Diabetes.
  • Headache.
  • Bed-wetting.
  • Depression.
  • Nervous upset stomach.
  • Constipation.
  • Boosting mental and physical stamina.
  • Symptoms of menopause.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • For a "high", when inhaled.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of damiana for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of damiana depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for damiana. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Damiana might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking damiana along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTabs, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Damiana might lower blood sugar. Using it with other herbs and supplements that have this same effect might increase the risk of low blood sugar in some people. Some of these products include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Damiana contains chemicals that may affect the brain and nervous system.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 09/09/2020 22:25:23. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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